16 December 2004 00:00 Rocking around the Christmas tree . . . . safely

With Christmas almost upon us, grown-ups and children alike will be looking forward to decking the halls and switching on the lights.

But Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the East and West Midlands, is asking people to remember that, during the festive season, electrical accidents, whilst rare, can happen and can have serious outcomes.

Stephen Hennell, Network and Public Safety Manager at Central Networks, said: "With more and more people decorating the outside of their homes it’s important to be aware of overhead wires.

“When moving ladders around outside always carry them level with the ground and look around before putting them up into the air.

“When decorating trees outside always check there are no wires close to them and keep clear of any overhead service line connections and wires on walls of houses.

“Care also needs to be taken with lights and decorations inside the home and we’ve put together some simple but effective messages to help keep families safe over the holiday period.”

General Safety Information
• When buying any lights make sure they conform to the appropriate standard – BSEN 60598 – and carry a CE mark;
• If in doubt about any electrical connection, don’t use it – replace or fix it;
• Don’t overload electrical circuits, sockets or extension cords;
• Before putting lights up, check that the wires are not damaged;
• Check that all bulbs are fitted correctly, unbroken and working;
• Switch off and unplug lights before changing bulbs;
• Buy and install smoke alarms and practice home escape plans.

Indoor lights
• Always ensure that decorations and presents are kept well away from heat sources;
• Never leave lighted candles unattended or use lighted candles as Christmas tree decorations;
• Always turn Christmas and decorative lights off before leaving home or going to sleep;
• Make sure the plug is wired correctly, isn't damaged and is fitted with a three amp fuse;
• Place trees close to sockets to avoid the need for trailing wires or extension leads, and don't run cables under the carpet.


Outdoor lights
• Never use indoor lights outside, use only special outdoor lights;
• Always ensure cables, plugs and bulbs are in good condition and suitable for outdoor use;
• Where possible, buy reduced voltage lights that come with a transformer to bring down the operating voltage to a safe level;
• Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) which can cut off electricity if a fault develops;
• Ensure lights are out of reach of children and don't place them near pathways where they could cause a hazard;
• Ensure all electrical connections are above the ground, out of snow or puddles;
• Always carry ladders level with the ground and make sure everyone is aware of overhead wires;
• Inspect decorative outside lights after windy or bad weather.

ENDS
Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Jackson on 024 7642 4583Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer