Yun —~ee0e_.@ 2 OO ey-—se=—22 ee@__. eo = se = — e Holiday Decorating Tips oor 35>? ~~ eer eae e-~_@@ p= Oo Se 8222-2 % eere~- @ ~e- @ec eo~ O8OFf@ Safe Ways To Set Up Your Home (NAPSA)—Heeding a few hints from the experts at the Electrical Safety Foundation International can help you have a beautiful home for the holidays and a safer and happier new year: eIf you are purchasing new decorations, shop only at reputable retailers that you trust. Make sure your decorations have been approved for safe use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany yourdecorations. Carefully inspect each electrical decoration and extension cord before use; discard any damaged items. Cracked sockets, bare or frayed wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or fire. *Never connect more than three strands of incandescent lights together to make a longer string. Consider getting LED lights, which use less power and burn cooler than traditional incandescents, allowing you to safely connect moresets. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, which can overheat and start a fire. *Don’t pinch cords in win- dows or doorways or under heavy furniture. Keep cords out of walkways andhigh-traffic areas. elf you get a live Christmas tree, check it for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer and is less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. *Heated rooms dry out even fresh trees quickly. Be sure to keep the standfilled with water. For artificial trees, look for a “fire-resistant”label. OiStockphoto.com/tracks For safety’s sake, keep decora- tions, gifts and other com- bustibles at least three feet from heat sources or open flames. *Put the tree at least three feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces and space heaters. Decorate your tree with noncombustible or flame-resistant materials. Avoid using candles when possible. Consider using batteryoperated candles in place of traditional candles. *When decorating outside, make sure all decorations and extension cords are marked for outdoor use. Always use a groundfault circuit interrupter (GFCD-protected outlet outdoors. eExercise extreme caution when decorating near overhead power lines. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder instead of metal. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from powerlines. Outdoor extension cords and lights should be kept clear of standing water and snow. Remember to turn off and unplug all decorations before leaving home or turning in for the night. Learn more at http://holiday safety.org or (703) 841-3229.
