Holiday Tips

As you think about getting the holiday decorations our of storage, now is a good time to look around your home and office and do a little safety check. How many extension cords and power strips do you see?

Extension cords may be a convenient and almost necessary piece of technology these days, but they can also be quite dangerous.

Here are a few simple tips and reminders for getting the most out of your extension cords and power strips without sacrificing safety this holiday season.

• Keep unprotected cords out of the path of foot traffic and furniture to prevent fraying, overheating, and tripping.

• Never run a cord under a rug. It prevents the cord from releasing its heat and could lead to a fire.

• Don’t leave cords dangling anywhere where they can be pulled down and tripped over.

• Make sure there is no crimping or pressure on cords, and don’t force them into small spaces or behind furniture. Over time this could lead to a breakdown of the cord’s insulation. When using cord-bundling devices, avoid cramming too many cords together. Keep it loose.

• Don’t plug extension cords together. Instead use one long enough for your purpose.

• Don’t use an extension cord to plug in a power strip. Instead buy a strip with a longer cord.

• If a cord is hot to the touch, don’t use it again. The wires may have become damaged and could pose a fire hazard.

• If you plan on using an extension cord or power strip outdoors make sure it's rated for outdoor use. That cord you use to plug in the lamp in the living room or your home office probably won't be safe.

Seat Belt Extender Pros wishes you and your family an extended and safe holiday season!