Dec 1, 2008 10:55 am US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: Holiday Light Safety
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Lights go a long way to make the holiday season brighter, but every year they're linked to almost 500 fires.
3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan shows you what you need to know to keep your home and family safe.
Brighten your home the safe way this holiday season with candles and electric cords.
"Look at all the electrical cords that you're going to be using. Make sure they're in good condition. You want to look for a ul symbol or an etl symbol. What that means is that an independent laboratory has inspected the cord and the plug to make sure that they are safe from fire or from shock. A red UL label means that you can use the cord outside, as well as indoors. A green UL label means that the cord can only be used inside the house. Avoid using metal staples. They can puncture a cord or a wire. They can cause shock. Its much better, and safer to use plastic hooks," said Miriam Arond with Good Housekeeping.
"If the wick on a candle is too long, the flame can burn out of control, and it can be dangerous. So, it's important to cut the wick down to a quarter of an inch. You should do it when you first light the candle and every time you light it thereafter. A safer alternative are battery-operated, flameless candles. Today's models actually flicker and have scent like traditional candles so they look and smell great in holiday decorations," said Carolyn Forte with Good Housekeeping.
And never plug one extension cord into another. You should get one that's long enough, or find a closer outlet.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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