CUC urges post-holiday safety

As customers take down Christmas lights the next two weeks, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation urges them to take all safety precautions.

“We are enjoying the bright lights and beautiful displays that our customers created for Christmas, and we’ve been proud to supply reliable electricity this holiday season,” said Timothy P. Villagomez, the utility’s executive director. “To make sure that these holidays pass without tragedy, we want to help parents protect their children and take down the decorations safely,” he explained.

Before decorations are taken down, the utility first encourages parents and businessmen to conduct a “slight survey” of the area. Locate the nearest power poles and high voltage wires leading to the house or business. Businessmen are wise to conduct staff meetings, go over all safety codes, and document these factors.

“Our main concern is that all people stay away from high voltage wires, the smaller electrical systems hanging from the street to the business rooftop. We want people to keep ladders and other tools away from these wires, and make sure that tennis shoes or safety shoes with rubber soles are worn on the worker’s feet,” added Mr. Villagomez.

At home, parents should check all Christmas lights before putting them in storage. If the wires are torn, worn, have marks from dogs or cat bites, the utility recommends that the lights be thrown out this year.

“We tend to spend hours trying to fix lights or tape up the old cords. When you compare the price of new lights with the time you save and the fact that you prevent fires, getting shocked and the frustration next year, it’s a safety investment,” said CUC Communications advisor Pamela Mathis.

Customers who do take advantage of post Christmas sales should keep their eyes out for extension cords that are made especially for Christmas trees. These cords feature electrical plugs every few feet to prevent consumers from overloading the circuits or stringing too many lights together.

Each year across the country, families suffer and are hurt in fires caused by either Christmas decorations (such as hot light on dry trees, overloaded lights, and candles) or electrical fires. In the CNMI, fire officials say the majority of fires are caused from electrical problems inside the house.

Another idea is to plant a tree in a container right now with your family and have a real tree next Christmas that will not dry out. Plan now for safety throughout the year.