Holiday decorating, safely

By Bill Streb Owner, Streb Electric

The holidays are nearly upon us, and I’m already humming a few favorite carols.

In the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas, here are my top 12 Holiday Safety Tips. (You can sing them if you like.)

1. Keep your decorations at least three feet away from heat sources, especially those with open flames like fireplaces and candles.
2. The best decorations are safe decorations. Make sure not to run electrical cords under rugs or furniture.
3. If you have a natural Christmas tree, make sure you water it to keep it fresh and safe.
4. Always turn off decorations when you leave the home or when sleeping. Put them on timers to make things easier.
5. If using extension cords or adaptors that add receptacles, consider using a qualified electrician to add more outlets to your home.
6. Only use electronics in dry areas.
7. Phones and tablets should stay on your nightstand overnight, not on the floor.
8. Every home needs working smoke alarms near bedrooms and on each level, including the basement.
9. If you’re using a space heater, switch it off before leaving the room.
10. Inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn out.
11. Keep batteries stored safely in their packaging and out of the way from small children and pets.
12. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters make great gifts. Many electrical fires can be prevented by AFCI’s.

Let us know if you need help with safety issues or would like an annual safety inspection. From my family and staff to you and yours, we’re wishing you a safe and festive holiday season!

Streb Electric is headquartered in Eastlake. For the past 40 years, the family-operated service company has earned a reputation for making sure homes are safe and free from electrical hazards. Call 440-953-5819 or visit StrebElectric.com for more information.