Colorado Springs Utilities shared tips on how to help keep your home and family safe from fires, electrical outages and water main breaks this holiday season.

Fire safety

LED string lights are a safer and more energy efficient option than incandescent bulbs, but both can pose a risk if installed improperly or in a bad location.

• Don’t hang exterior lights near power lines.

• Keep lights away from wrapping paper, tinsel and water.

• Don’t string lights when they’re plugged in.

• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

• Check extension cords periodically to make sure they’re not warm to the touch.

• Use a programmable timer to turn lights off overnight.

• Don’t leave lights on unattended.

Electrical outages and water main breaks

According to Colorado Springs Utilities, 40% of water main breaks happen between November and February. And while prolonged power and other service outages are rare, it’s important to be prepared.

• Have a backup plan if you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity.

• Do not use ovens, stoves or camping stoves for heat to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Allow a kitchen faucet to run at a slow drip and open cabinets below the sink to help avoid frozen water lines in cold weather.

• Secure outside decorations or temporarily move them inside when high winds are forecast. Wind-blown decorations can impede service restoration efforts.

You can find more winter weather safety tips here.

Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash