CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS

The Holiday Season is a cherished time of love, community, and of course, light. At The Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. (ANGLEC), the safety of our customers and staff is a constant priority.

Every year during the holiday season, emergency rooms in the region and throughout the world report increases in accidents and injuries such as severe electrical burns/fires, defective product injuries, electrical shock, lifting injuries and sprains, slip, trip, and fall accidents. As we all prepare for the joyous season, it is important to keep the following electricity safety tips in mind:

• Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance into a single outlet or otherwise overload the voltage capabilities of your property when using lights and electronic decorations.
• Be aware of overhead power lines and other live wires when mounting outdoor decorations, and maintain a clearance of at least 10 feet.
• Keep aluminum ladders away from live electrical equipment and installations.
•  Use plastic hooks or other nondamaging mounts. Never use nails or staples to affix cords and string lights to your property to avoid puncturing them and causing damage or electrical fire.
• Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights.
• Label your outdoor and indoor extension cords, and only use them for their intended purpose
• Never string multiple extension cords together – if your cord is too short, get a longer one.
• More than three strands may not only blow a fuse, but can also cause a fire.
• Inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn out.
• Keep batteries stored safely in their packaging and out of reach of anything that might try to eat them, like small children and pets. Eating a battery can be fatal.
• Only use electronics in dry areas, repair roof leaks, compromised window seals, and other possible pathways for water to enter your home before using electrical decorations and string lights.
• Make sure outlets near sinks are equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
• Always have a working fire extinguisher on hand, and know how to operate it.
• Ensure all electric cords are away from high-traffic areas.
• Do not run cords through doorways, under rugs/carpets, through windows, or under furniture.
• Do not let children or pets play with light strands or electrical decorations.
• Always turn off your lights and electrically powered decorations when you leave your home and when you’re sleeping. Life-threatening fires happen while people are inattentive or asleep.
• Extension cords are a common cause of home fires. If you’re using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home.
• Before you move or take down your decorations, turn off and unplug lights and electronics.

Always pay attention to your surroundings to protect your loved ones and property, and when in doubt, get advice from a qualified electrician. Please share this information with others and have a happy and safe time decorating and celebrating this holiday season.