Safety charity and store launch Christmas tree light amnesty (From Messenger Newspapers)

Safety charity and store launch Christmas tree light amnesty

5:31pm Thursday 26th November 2009

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THE Electrical Safety Council (ESC) – a leading UK safety charity - has teamed up with ASDA Living Stores for a Christmas tree light amnesty.

If your current lights have any or all of the following - broken or damaged bulbs, exposed wiring, or have been stored in damp or dusty conditions - bring them along to the ASDA Living Store in Altrincham Retail Park between November 27 and 29 and receive 10 per cent off a new set of LED lights.

“There are some very basic steps that everyone can take to make sure that their home and family are safe this Christmas”, explains Phil Buckle, director general of the Electrical Safety Council. “If you’re not sure how safe your Christmas lights are, please try not to use them. Even in financially difficult times, replacements are a small price to pay for peace of mind.”

Here are the ESC’s top tips for a safe and merry Christmas: · Before using, check that Christmas lights aren’t broken or damaged, and look out for loose wires.

· Check any decorative lighting has a safety transformer – this will reduce the voltage.

· Switch off all lights when you’re not around to enjoy them.

· Find your fuse box! Then you won’t fumble in the dark during an emergency.

If someone does get an electric shock, immediately switch off the electricity, then move the person away from the danger – if it’s safe to do so – and then ring 999.

Make sure all your outdoor lighting is connected through an RCD protected socket and use an RCD on any outdoor electrical products. (An RCD is a potentially life-saving device which disconnects the electricity or ‘load’ if the current is imbalanced – which can result in an electric shock or electrocution).

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