Electrical Safety Tips To Protect Your Families And Pets This Christmas

Extension Cords

1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Extension Cords

   1. Indoor cords are made with lighter insulation and are designed for dry environments
   2. Outdoor cords have thicker, weather-resistant insulation and are designed to withstand moisture, UV and temperature fluctuations.

2. Inspect Them Before Use

   1. Older cords can become brittle, not as flexible, and more likely to overheat and break. Check for damage such as frayed wires, cracks and loose plugs. Any signs of damage should be a reason to replace these with new ones.

3. Power Capacity

   1. Make sure you know the wattage of all lights, inflatables and decorations that will be attached to the cord. An extension cord will be rated with maximum amperage or wattage.
   2. A quick conversion in case you only have one of these numbers is Amps x 120 (voltage) = Watts) – DO NOT exceed this maximum!
   3. If your total wattage exceeds the capacity, split your displays and use different circuits to balance the load. Remember that circuits and outlets are different as there can be multiple outlets on a circuit in your home.
   4. Use the correct cord length – Keep the cords as short as possible. You can curl up an excess length, but it is not recommended to use multiple cords in a row.

4. Protect The Cords

   1. Run cords along walls and away from walkways to avoid tripping hazards and try to keep them secured off the floor (ground) so that children don’t play with them and pets don’t chew on them.
   2. If needing to run along the ground, consider using cord covers or running them under furniture so they are less accessible for kids and pets.

5. Use Proper Grounding

   1. Cord ends should be a three-prong style which allows for proper grounding. Make sure your outdoor outlets are GFCI style for proper protection when moisture is involved.

Make sure you do NOT use indoor cords outside, but you can use outdoor cords inside.

Keep Decorations Out of Reach

1. Elevate Decorations: Place lights, cords, and ornaments high enough that small children and pets cannot reach them.

2. Secure the Christmas Tree: Use a stable tree stand to prevent it from tipping over if bumped or pulled.

3. Barrier Protection: Use baby gates or playpens to restrict access to decorated areas.

4. Use LED Lights: They emit less heat, reduce fire hazards, and are safer to touch.  They also use minimal power.

Supervise and Educate

1. Watch Closely: Always supervise young children and pets around decorations and electrical setups.
2. Training for Pets: Use positive reinforcement to teach pets to stay away from decorations.
3. Teach Awareness: Explain to children the dangers of touching cords, outlets, and decorations.
4. Set Rules: Create family rules, like “no pulling on cords” or “no climbing near the tree”.

Unplug When Not in Use

Turn off or unplug all lights and decorations when leaving home or going to bed. This reduces risks for everyone in the household.  Smart home (programmable) receptacles are a nice touch as well.

Outlet Safety 

• Outlet Covers: Install covers on unused outlets to deter curious children and pets. This is not a permanent solution.
• Tamper-Resistant Outlets: Consider changing your outlets to the tamper-resistant style for a more worry-free permanent solution.
• Circuit Breakers: Ensure your home’s electrical system has functioning circuit breakers or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Emergency Readiness

• Have a Plan: Make sure everyone in the family knows what to do in case of an electrical shock or fire hazard.
• Vet and Emergency Contacts: Keep your vet’s and pediatrician’s contact information handy for emergencies.