How to Avoid Electrical Fires, Accidents During the Holidays

(SPOT.ph) Turn off Christmas lights when not in use and stay away from power lines when using fireworks and firecrackers, Meralco said on Friday, December 23, as it reminded consumers to keep safe during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Accidents could happen if fireworks and firecrackers get close to electrical cables, so the public should avoid lighting pyrotechnics near power lines, said Meralco Vice President Joe Zaldarriaga.

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While Meralco regularly maintains its facilities to ensure their safety, overhead lines may still be prone to fireworks and firecracker explosions, Zaldarriaga said.

“We advise the public not to play with firecrackers and pyrotechnics near electric lines and transformers as these may cause power interruptions and even result in accidents,” he added.

Holiday safety tips from Meralco

For a safe and accident-free holiday celebration, Meralco gave the following tips:

• Use Christmas lights with quality control markings and make sure to use the appropriate type for indoor and outdoor use. When installing decorations outdoors, inspect for loose connections first and possible damages especially near power lines.
• Avoid ‘octopus’ connections or overloading since this could result in fires and other accidents.
• Always use firecracker outdoors with a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case the sparklers come in contact with flammable materials. Ensure that family members know how to use fire extinguishers.
• Stay clear from electrical facilities when using party items. Refrain from using party poppers and balloons near power lines as this may also cause power outages.
• While Christmas lights and colorful lanterns make the house more festive, don’t forget to unplug them before going to bed or when leaving the home.
• For those going on a holiday trip, remember to unplug all appliances. It is also better to turn off your circuit breakers before leaving.

Meralco said it would continue providing 24/7 service throughout the holidays and its personnel will be on standby to respond to any power-related emergencies.