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CPU Wishes You a Happy, Hazard-Free Holiday Season!

Follow these safety tips to prevent accidents and injuries

Lights, decorations and more lights! Take a look around Clarksdale, and you’ll notice unmistakable signs that the holidays are here. This is also the time of year that Clarksdale Public Utilities reminds customers to avoid electrical and fire hazards by decorating safely.

“Seeing homes and yards come to life with lights and decorations is a favorite part of the holiday season,” said Curtis D. Boschert, CPU general manager. “It is easy to forget sometimes that decorations can pose hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries. We want to help our customers celebrate safely by taking a few extra steps to protect their homes and families.”

Fire is a serious threat during the holidays, and Christmas trees are a leading cause. Between 2013 and 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires annually that started with Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment were involved in 44 percent of Christmas tree fires.

The easiest way to avoid Christmas tree fires is to use an artificial tree made with fire-resistant materials, which are safer to light and decorate. For those who prefer real trees, make sure they are fresh when purchased and kept well-watered. Once a tree dries out, it is no longer safe to keep indoors and should be removed immediately.

CPU encourages customers to follow these additional tips to avoid electrical and fire hazards:

• Buy only UL-listed products when shopping for lights, electric decorations and extension cords. If decorating outdoors, use lights and decorations that are rated for outdoor use.
• Inspect lights and decorations for signs of damage to wire insulation, plugs and bulbs. If cords and plugs are damaged, discard and replace the decoration. Also get rid of old lights. Modern lights have fused plugs to prevent sparks in the event of a short circuit.
• Consider using safer LED lights instead of incandescent lights. LED lights produce very little heat, last up to 25 times longer and use 75 percent less electricity.
• Avoid using electric lights on metallic trees. The tree could easily become charged with electricity and deliver a shock if touched.
• Do not allow light bulbs to rest on tree needles and branches. Use a clip or twist-tie to keep bulbs upright.
• Do not overload extension cords and wall outlets. Know the wattage rating of extension cords and the power requirements of lights and decorations plugged into them. Use only three light strands per outlet and consider using a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker instead for added protection.
• Never place cords under rugs and doors or through windows where they might be pinched or become worn.
• Keep decorations at least 3 feet from heat sources, especially those with an open flame, such as fireplaces and candles.
• Candles are not safe, especially if you have children or pets who are prone to accidentally knocking things over. Place lit candles well out of the way of flammable materials like curtains or wrapping paper. Considering using flameless candles instead.
• When hanging lights outdoors, reduce your risk of electric shock by using ladders made of non-conductive materials like wood or fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
• Never leave lights on unattended. Always turn off all lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house. Every so often, check Christmas light wires to make sure they are not warm to the touch.
• Every home needs a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside of sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement.

For more tips, visit Electrical Safety Foundation International at https://www.esfi.org/.

“We encourage customers to make electrical safety a priority during the holidays and throughout the year,” Boschert said. “We wish all of our customers a safe and happy holiday season.”

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,800 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.