As we move into the festive season, electricity distributors are reminding people that will be adding Christmas lights to the outside of their homes, to put safety first.
While care still needs to be taken not to overload indoor electricity sockets when adding fairy lights, the growing trend for increasingly grand displays outside can also bring risks.
As the festive season gets underway, UK Power Networks wants everyone entering the Christmas spirit, to celebrate safely.
Debbie Chachulski, an education and engagement advisor at UK Power Networks, has a number of tips to help people put up their decorations stay safe and ensure their Christmas is not ruined.
She said: “This year many people are getting into the festive spirit and putting up their Christmas lights earlier than usual, and we encourage them to follow our simple advice to stay safe.
“If you are installing lights, be sure to take care and keep well away from any cables you may see coming into your property, as our electricity lines are sometimes mistaken for phone lines. Anything that gets close to a live overhead electricity power line, can conduct electricity which can injure or kill, even at a domestic voltage.
“Extra care should be taken to avoid power lines that are a bit less obvious, for example if they come from another property to serve several homes, and are clipped along the front of your property.”
Ten top tips for a safe Christmas lights switch on, are:
