Stay Safe this Christmas

It's that time of the year when Christmas lights make an appearance across Auckland adding fun, colour and excitement to festivities.

Before you start decorating, there are some important safety tips to be aware of, to ensure your Christmas doesn't end in tears.

· Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors.

· Check old Christmas lights before re-using them.

· Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

· Don't alter or modify lights.

· Ensure all lights, extension leads and power boards are suitable for the intended use (e.g external or internal).

· Test your safety switch and smoke detector to make sure they are working.

· Keep Christmas lights out of reach of children.

· Always turn off decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving your house

These tips can help you set up your Christmas decorations safely.

· Install a safety switch and test it before setting up your lights. If you don't have a safety switch, use a portable safety switch.

· Using multiple high-powered lamps may overload your electric circuits.

· Use power boards fitted with over-load protection.

· Avoid using double adaptors or piggy back plugs.

· Use factory-made extension leads or those made by a licensed electrical contractor.

· Check decorative lighting and all leads for damage. Never use a damaged lead.

· Always unwind extension leads to avoid possible overheating.

· Use extra-low voltage outside, such as LED or solar lights.

· Use decorative lights for the right purpose - outdoor lights for outdoor areas, indoor lights for indoor areas.

Network summary for week ending 29 November 2015
Electricity

Car v pole incidents reduced, going from a high of twelve reported last week, to seven this week. These occurred in Kumeu, Papatoetoe, Massey, New Windsor, Silverdale and Otara South.
A car also hit a property in Grey Lynn, our crews were called to isolate the electricity supply.
House fires also dropped this week. Vector crews attended just two house fires compared to six the week before. Our crews attended properties in Otahuhu and Weymouth.

Gas

Damage was caused to our networks in Mairangi Bay, Grey Lynn, Mt Albert and Parnell by third parties. Crews made the sites safe quickly and repaired the damage.

ends

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