Woodstock Fire Department releases holiday electrical safety guidelines

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>The Woodstock Fire Department issued critical electrical safety guidelines this week to help residents prevent house fires during the holiday season. Officials are urging vigilance regarding overloaded outlets, extension cords, and Christmas tree maintenance as decorations go up.</p><p>The department emphasizes the dangers of overloading electrical systems, advising residents to plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as a space heater or coffee maker, into a single outlet. Homeowners should avoid "daisy-chaining" multiple power strips and must ensure extension cords are UL-listed or ETL-listed. Cords should never be run under rugs or across doorways where they can be pinched or damaged.</p><p>Before hanging displays, residents are instructed to inspect all light strands for cracked wires, frayed cords, or loose bulbs. It is vital to use lights only as intended, keeping indoor lights inside and using outdoor-rated cords for exterior decorations. For outdoor setups, the department recommends using GFCI-protected outlets to help prevent electrical shock and fires.</p><p>Fire safety officials also stressed the importance of maintaining a three-foot clearance between decorations and heat sources, including fireplaces, candles, and cooking appliances. Residents with real Christmas trees should keep them well-watered to prevent drying out and must turn off all decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house.</p>