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As the holiday lighting season kicks in to high gear, it's helpful to review how to safely place and maintain holiday electrical fixtures. However, with year round outdoor lighting and "electrified landscaping" these tips are helpful all year round.

Share these tips with your family, friends and neighbors.

• Never insert nails, staples or tacks through any electrical wiring.
• Keep electrical connectors above ground and away from water -- water conducts electricity.
• Never use lighted candles on trees or decorations.
• Keep holiday lights away from carpeting, furniture, drapes or other combustible materials.
• Unplug all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving home. You can also save energy by connecting your lights to a timer so they're on only during the hours you select.
• Make sure all lights and cords are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved. The UL certification is a recognized standard for product safety and quality.
• Check all your light strands, new or used, for broken sockets, frayed cords and loose connections. If you find any of these problems, throw the damaged stand away!
• Don't overload a circuit. "No more than three" is a good rule for any electric outlet. Never plug more than three strings of lights into a single outlet or extension cord.
• Never change bulbs or fuses while light sets are plugged in.
• To prevent a fire hazard, supply water every day to a holiday tree. A newly cut tree can absorb a gallon or more of water per day.
• Only lights designed for outdoor use should be used outdoors.

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NOTE to my readers: We provide resource links to help you protect and nurture your natural resources. Tip: when you contact suppliers in person, online, by phone or email...please ask them about alternatives that are sustainable, green, or habitat-healthy. By asking, we advocate for better protection of our natural resources. Thank you, Carolyn.