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Brighten your holidays safely with lighting tips from Entergy Louisiana
11/29/2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with cozy gatherings, cherished traditions, and festive decorations. Whether you plan to set up a sparkling outdoor display or create a warm atmosphere indoors, Entergy Louisiana encourages customers to keep safety top of mind this holiday season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year caused by decorations, excluding trees. These incidents result in an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 30 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage. Nearly 20% of these decoration-related fires are caused by lamps or bulbs, while candles account for 11%.
To help keep the holiday season safe and joyful, Entergy Louisiana encourages customers to keep the following tips in mind when decorating for celebrations:
Indoor lighting:
- Position your tree safely: Place it in a stand with water and keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces. Check the water daily to prevent your tree from drying out.
- Inspect lights carefully: Discard any strands with frayed cords or cracked bulbs to avoid shock hazards.
- Choose energy-efficient LED lights: Cool-burning LED lights help you save on energy costs and stay safe.
- Avoid flammable decorations: Don’t use candles on or near the tree and choose non-flammable decor.
- Turn off lights when unattended: Always switch off lights when leaving the room or going to bed.
Outdoor lighting:
- Use outdoor-rated lights only: These lights are made to withstand weather conditions and keep your home safe.
- Plug into GFCI outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets provide added protection from electrical shocks.
- Choose UL-listed lights: UL labels ensure that your lights are tested for outdoor safety.
- Keep connections dry: Use rubber gaskets to keep water out of sockets and keep lights off the ground by hanging them on stakes.
- Switch off outdoor lights when away: Save energy and enhance safety by turning off outdoor lighting when you’re not home or are going to sleep.
For more tips on how to practice lighting and decoration safety during the holiday season, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
