Decor
Shocking story of holiday lights
Winter 2010 |
(CNW) CSA International's Holiday Safety survey reveals some potentially dangerous holiday habits when it comes to seasonal décor and safety. According to the research, 25 percent of Canadians leave their holiday lights up for months at a time, which could lead to residential fires. Even more alarming, 10 percent of Canadians never check their holiday lights for safety hazards before hanging them and 17 percent responded that selecting holiday décor items that meet Canadian safety standards is not even a priority when shopping for decorations. Statistics show that, on average, fire kills eight people every week in Canada, with residential fires accounting for 73 per cent of these fatalities.(1) The province of Ontario alone averages 29 residential fire fatalities each year for the period of November 1 to January 31. According to the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, for the 2007-2008 holiday season, Ontario had more than 33 fatal residential fires that resulted in 40 deaths. Knowing this, CSA International sheds light on holiday lighting and décor safety with the following safety tips: - Check and check again: Carefully inspect holiday light strings each When holiday shopping, look out for fakes! For holiday family safety tips, and to see a short animated video on potential holiday dangers, visit: www.csaholiday.com. For general safety tips visit: www.csasafetytips.com. To learn more about CSA International certification marks, visit: www.csa-international.org/certification_marks.
Since they are designed for temporary use only, CSA International highlights the importance of removing light strings immediately after the holidays. Lights and extension cords left for extended periods of time can become damaged by harsh weather and extreme temperatures and can present a very real shock or fire hazard.
"As we get closer to the holidays, the number of fires and fire fatalities often increases," says Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. "With the hustle and bustle of the holidays - the cooking, decorating and entertaining - it's easy to get distracted. But fire can be easily prevented in your home by staying in the kitchen while you are cooking, checking your holiday lights before you decorate and making sure candles are out of reach of children. And you should always remember to test all of your smoke alarms."
Twinkle and sparkle the safer way
and every year.
- Out with the old: Discard any light strings with frayed cords,
cracked lamp holders or loose connections.
- Size 'em up: Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to
ensure replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the
original. Make certain that bulb reflectors are the correct size for
the light string.
- Spot the mark: When purchasing light strings, extension cords and
electrical decorations, look for a certification mark such as one
from CSA International that provides assurance that the products are
tested and certified to the applicable standards for safety and
performance. Also, ensure that outdoor light strings, cords,
spotlights and floodlights are certified by CSA International and
marked for outdoor use.
- Don't be tacky: Never hang decorations from fire sprinklers, or allow
them to obstruct exit corridors or exit signs, fire extinguishers and
hose cabinets. Never tack or staple lighting strings or extension
cords to a wall or cubicle. When hanging lights outdoors, keep
electrical connectors above ground, out of puddles and snow and away
from metal eavestroughs. Use insulated fasteners rather than metal
nails or tacks to hold light strings in place.
- Take 'em Down: Remove outdoor lights promptly after the holiday
season to avoid damage caused by extended exposure to harsh weather
conditions.
- Safe storage: After the holidays, wrap and store lights and
decorations in their original packaging, as they likely contain
manufacturer's instructions on replacement bulbs and details for
proper product use.
- Watch the flicker of candles: Do not use open flames or candles on or
near flammable materials such as wreaths, trees or paper decorations.
- Designate those decorations: When decorating the tree, place
breakable ornaments on the higher limbs to protect children and pets.
Remember to always use flame-resistant decorations.
- Don't get juiced: Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the
electricity to the supply outlet and unplug the connection.
- Fresh or fake, be safe: If you buy a real tree, make sure it's fresh.
Fresh trees will be less likely to dry out and become a fire hazard.
Artificial trees with electrical lights should have a certification
mark on them and should be made of fire-resistant material.
- Pardon the interruption: Whenever possible, connect all outdoor
lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault
circuit interrupters (GFCI). These can provide protection from
electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical
power.
- Spot the mark: Avoid electrical products that are missing a
certification mark from an accredited certification organization such
as CSA International. When products don't include brand identifiers
or trademarks, they may be fakes. Look for missing return addresses
or company contact information.
- Scrutinize the packaging: Counterfeit packaging often has an inferior
design or partial illustrations. Look for misspellings and unclear
print on products and labels. Also, check for a discrepancy between
the contents of the product package and its description.
- See and feel: Check the heaviness and the "look and feel" of
products. Fakes are often light and flimsy.
