New Video Shows Ontarians How to Put Safety First This Holiday Season

Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) new video highlights important safety tips for buying and installing holiday lights and decorations.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - With the holidays come festive lights and sparkling decorations – and electrical safety risks that could turn a joyful occasion into a tragedy. ESA's new holiday safety video shows Ontarians the importance of putting electrical safety at the top of their list this holiday season.

Every year thousands of Ontario consumers purchase and install holiday decorations without realizing the potential electrical safety hazards. ESA's new video highlights important electrical safety tips everyone should start with as they deck their halls for the holidays. ESA has also prepared a downloadable holiday décor shopping list and installation guide - both are available at www.esasafe.com.

"In the excitement of decorating for the holiday season, many Ontarians simply aren't aware of the potential electrical hazards associated with light strings and other electrical decorations," says Scott Saint, Chief Public Safety Officer at ESA. "Buying the right products and recognizing the hazards -- both indoors and outdoors -- before you start decorating your house can prevent a fire or a severe shock. ESA's new electrical safety video shows Ontarians the hazards and how to avoid them."

The video highlights important electrical safety tips including:

• Ensure holiday decorations have a recognized certification mark – this proves they have been tested and meet safety standards.
• Always purchase your electrical decorations from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit products that may not be safety tested.
• Look for overhead powerlines when hanging outdoor lights and decorations.
• Choose the right decoration for the job: some are rated for indoor use only and could be damaged by our harsh winter climate.
• Never use damaged extensions cords and remember not to overload outlets to avoid a fire.
• Don't forget to turn off decorations when you leave the house or turn in for the night.
• Store your lights and decorations once the holidays are over. Most aren't designed for year-round use.

Bring good tidings and share the gift of electrical safety with friends, family and neighbours this holiday season. For ESA's holiday electrical safety tips, holiday décor shopping list and installation guide, and to view the video visit www.esasafe.com/holiday-safety.

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province. More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through Twitter @HomeandSafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.

Video with caption: "Video: New video offers holiday electrical safety tips". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZqyIqjFq84

SOURCE: Electrical Safety Authority

Electrical Safety Authority Media Relations, 905-712-7819 or [email protected]