{"id":327079,"date":"2022-11-29T14:34:43","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T04:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=327079"},"modified":"2022-11-29T14:35:09","modified_gmt":"2022-11-29T04:35:09","slug":"christmas-lights-think-safety-first","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2022\/11\/29\/christmas-lights-think-safety-first\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Lights? Think Safety First"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FLASHBACK: A stunning display of Christmas lights in Nanango (Photo: Clive Lowe Photography)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 29, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

With Christmas just a few weeks away, Ergon Energy is reminding customers to treat Christmas lights and other powered decorations the same way as they would treat any other electrical appliance.<\/p>\n

Spokesperson Matt Hilder said taking a few simple precautions when installing Christmas lights could mean the difference between a happy festive season and a potentially life-threatening nightmare.<\/p>\n

“Powered Christmas decorations should be treated as you would treat any electrical appliance in the home,” he said. <\/p>\n

“When used properly they\u2019re safe. But when used incorrectly, they can become potentially deadly hazards.”<\/p>\n

One important precaution before installing any powered Christmas decorations was to check that the wires, fittings and lights are in good working order.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“If you have concerns, either have them checked and repaired by a qualified technician or simply throw them out,” he said.<\/p>\n

Another common sense precaution was to ensure that lights marked for outdoor use were only used outside the home.<\/p>\n

Another was to avoid overloading power points when running multiple devices.<\/p>\n

“And when installing lights outside, remember to ‘Look Up And Live’ by never placing them near the powerline that feeds your home from the power pole on the street.” <\/p>\n

Mr Hilder also recommended that people only buy powered decorations that are of high quality from known retailers, and pack them away securely after the festive season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Our crews have seen people buy Christmas lights that are faulty right out of the box \u2013 some with exposed 240 volt wires,” he said.<\/p>\n

“When purchasing any powered decoration, you should always buy from reputable retailers and keep away from cheap ones that don\u2019t comply with Australian standards.<\/p>\n

“And finally – to ensure your Christmas lights are in good condition for next year – it\u2019s best to pack them neatly away from moisture and where vermin such as mice can\u2019t damage them when not in use.”<\/p>\n