In the middle of the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday season, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reminded the public to observe electrical safety to ensure a bright, merry, and worry-free celebration.

With many households using Christmas lights and decorations for various festivities, it’s essential to be mindful and prioritize safety to prevent untoward incidents such as fires, accidents, and power outages.

“We encourage our customers to practice electrical safety for a truly bright and merry celebration. Rest assured that our crews are ready to respond to any possible concerns on electricity service,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Throughout the holiday season, Meralco crews and personnel will remain on standby 24/7, even on Christmas Day, to keep the lights on for its 8 million customers and respond to any possible electricity service concern.

Here are some crucial electrical safety tips to keep in mind to enjoy an accident-free holiday celebration with family, friends, and loved ones:

1. Use Christmas lights with quality control markings Make sure to use the appropriate type for indoor and outdoor setting

2. Unplug Christmas lights and other appliances when not in use Remember to unplug Christmas lights and other appliances when not in use or before leaving the house.

3. Inspect Christmas lights before reusing For those who are re-using Christmas lights, check for cracked, frayed, or damaged lights since these are potential fire hazards.

4. Avoid using nails and thumb tacks when installing Christmas lights Using nails, thumb tacks, and wire staples can damage Christmas lights and create fire hazards. Use light hangers instead which are available in hardware and home stores.

5. Avoid ‘octopus’ connections Don’t attempt to plug extension cords into one another or octopus connection. Overloaded electrical outlets or extension cords is one of the most common causes of fire incidents.

6. Have an available fire extinguisher at home To ensure safety during the holiday season, have a working fire extinguisher ready at home in case of emergencies.

7. Stay clear of electrical facilities when using party items Refrain from using party poppers near power lines and electrical facilities since these can cause power outages.

8. Use lights designed for outdoor use If you’re decorating outdoors, make sure to use lights that have the appropriate Ingress Protection rating.

9. Avoid placing electrical cords under rugs or carpets Refrain from placing and running electrical cords under rugs or carpets since constantly walking on these can damage the insulation of the wires.

10. Keep electrical equipment nice and dry Keep all electrical equipment and devices far from sinks, showers, and tubs. By following these simple tips, households can contribute to making this holiday season merry and safe for all.