Christmas and New Year are just right around the corner. After two holiday seasons of settling into the routine of choosing the perfect festive background, logging in, celebrating with family and friends, and jumping from one online party to another hassle-free, face-to-face parties and traveling to spend the holiday season are now back.

Amid the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday season, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) encourages its customers to prioritize safety.

To ensure a bright, merry, and accident-free holiday celebration with family, friends, and loved ones, here are some electrical safety tips that everyone should practice:

1. Light fireworks away from electrical facilities and Christmas decorations. Do not light fireworks and pyrotechnics near poles, power lines, and transformers as contact with said facilities may cause power outage and accidents.

2. Stay clear of electrical facilities when using party items. Refrain from using party poppers and balloons near power lines as this may also cause power outages on New Year's Eve and ruin the community's celebration.

3. Keep fire extinguishers and buckets of water on standby. When using fireworks to welcome the new year, it is important to keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case the fireworks accidentally come into contact with flammable materials.

4. Don't overload your power outlets. For customers whose Christmas decorations are still on display, it is advisable to refrain from using "octopus connections" or plugging in extension cords into a single power outlet as this could overheat and result in fire and other accidents. Instead of plugging in multiple extension cords in a single power outlet, it is best to distribute it to other power outlets inside the house.

5. Unplug Christmas lights before leaving or going to bed. While Christmas lights and colorful lanterns make the house look amazing and more festive during this merry season, it is best to unplug them before going to bed or before leaving home, as potential fire and accidents will not be immediately dealt with.

6. Refrain from modifying plugs. In using three-pronged plugs, avoid removing the third prong as this acts as a grounding pin that prevents shock in case holiday decorations fail. Keep in mind that it is made that way for a purpose.

7. Install extension cords and electrical lines properly. Avoid placing extension cords underneath carpets or in areas where someone may accidentally trip on it or where it may be accidentally damaged and pinched by furniture. If an extension cord must be placed in the middle of a room, it is better to secure the extension wire to the floor with the appropriate type of adhesive tape than to leave it loose.

8. Use waterproof electrical materials for outdoor connections. If you have outdoor power connections, make sure it is waterproof. Also, make sure it is placed far from puddles of water or gutter drains.

9. Unplug appliances when not in use. Remember to unplug appliances and switch off extension cords when not in use, especially if you are going away for several days, unless it is designed to stay on such as refrigerators.

10. Have a fire evacuation plan. Prevention is better than cure and part of practicing safety is being prepared and knowing what to do in case of emergencies like fire. Make sure that there is a plan in place and that all members of the family know it so that evacuation will be done easily. It is also best to have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors inside the house.

"Despite the continuous modernizations, upgrades, and maintenance of our facilities, overhead lines remain vulnerable to fireworks, and other party items like balloons and confetti. It is best to use them in open spaces far from our facilities. Rest assured, contingency measures are in place and our crews are on standby in case our facilities get affected by pyrotechnics and fireworks explosions," Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga assures the public that even during the holidays, Meralco call center agents and operations crews will remain on duty 24/7 to keep the lights on for its 7.6 million customers as they welcome and celebrate a safe, festive, and happy new year.