• Save Proper Product Packaging: Store lights and decorations in the original packaging, as it likely contains manufacturer’s instructions on replacement bulbs and details for proper product use.


• Look Your Lights Over: It is important to carefully inspect holiday light strings each year and discard any frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections.


• Check for the CSA Mark: When purchasing light strings, extension cords and electrical decorations, look for the CSA Mark, which provides assurance that the products comply with applicable standards for safety and performance.


• Unplugged and not too Snug: Make sure to unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to ensure replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the original bulb.

Check the Fit: Ensure that bulb reflectors are the right size for the light string.

• Lights Out: Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.

• Be Wary of Winter Wiring: Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet and unplug the connection.


• Look for the CSA Mark: Ensure that light strings, cords, spotlights and floodlights are CSA certified and marked for outdoor use or wet locations.


• Stay High and Dry: When hanging lights outdoors, keep electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow, as well as away from metal eaves troughs.


• Use Friendly Fasteners: Use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place.


• Pack Away for Another Day: Remove outdoor lights following the holidays so they are not damaged by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions.


• Timing is everything: Use a CSA-certified outdoor timer to switch lights on and off. Lights should be turned on after 7:00 p.m. to avoid the “electricity rush hour”.


• The Right Receptacles: Whenever possible, connect all outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These can provide protection from electric shock by sensing current leakage to ground and cutting electrical power.

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors:


• Be on the Level: Install at least one CO detector at knee height near the bedrooms. Use more than one CO detector if sleeping areas are located on different levels of your home.


• It’s OK to Peek…at Directions: Follow the manufacturers directions for installing and maintaining your CO detectors.

• Gas Fireplace:


• Frame Your Fire: Do not use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked or broken. These glass panels and frame assemblies should only be replaced by a qualified service person.


• Buy the Blue Flame: When purchasing or installing a gas fireplace, make sure that it carries the mark of an approved certification agency such as CSA indicating that it meets applicable National standards.

• Basement and Garage:


• Schedule a Check Up: To help prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) hazards in your home, have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system and clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the heating seasons


• Be Furnace Friendly: Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline, propane, paper, chemicals, paint, rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace.


• User Beware: Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids or vapours in the vicinity of your gas furnace or water heater.


• Find the Blue Flame: Look for the familiar CSA Blue Flame Mark on your gas-fired furnace or water heater to ensure it has been tested and certified to the applicable standard.

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