November 28, 2005
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Nov. 28, 2005—With many decorating their homes, work places, and Christmas trees with holiday lights, Southern California Edison (SCE) is urging everyone to be careful when using decorative lights and electrical equipment during the holidays. SCE encourages everyone to:
- Keep electrical connections off the ground and away from moisture. Water and electricity are a deadly combination!
- Use only lighting and cords approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent, nonprofit organization that tests electrical components and equipment for potential hazards.
- Check all indoor and outdoor decorative lighting for frayed cords, broken wires and loose connections. If you find a problem, throw the strand away!
- Make sure staples, tacks or nails do not pierce or pinch wires when hanging lights. Use plastic zip cords instead.
- Never change bulbs when the lights are plugged in.
- Use lights and extension cords designed for outdoor use if placing them outside.
- Unplug lights when you leave home or go to bed. Use a timer so that they’re on only during the hours you select. This can also help you save energy.
- Use only three strands of lights per electrical cord/outlet. An overload could cause a short circuit and a fire.
- Keep indoor trees well watered so that they won’t dry out and become fire hazards.
- Keep lights away from carpeting, furniture, drapes and other combustible materials.
- Never use lighted candles on trees or decorations. During power outages use flashlights instead of candles.
For more information, visit www.sce.com and click on “Safety First.”
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An Edison International (NYSE:EIX)company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of more than 13 million via 4.6 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within central, coastal and Southern California.
