November 21, 2003 News Releases
Released 11/19/03 and 11/20/03
UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 11-20-03
ASK A SPECIALIST:
DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR SAFELY INSTALLING OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS?
LOGAN — The Christmas season is upon us, and outdoor
decorations are being purchased and unpacked with anticipation.
The holidays are enhanced by exterior lighting, but it is important
to exercise caution when selecting and installing them.
Each year, holiday lighting contributes to injuries caused by
electrical shock, falls and fires. Holiday lighting fires annually
cause property damage in excess of $16 million. Consider the
following to avoid injury as you decorate for the holidays.
• When purchasing outdoor Christmas lighting, look for
labels marked with UL or ETL. This indicates the product has
been tested by an independent laboratory recognized by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Outdoor lights with
these labels satisfy the minimum standards for product safety.
• When selecting lights for exterior installation, be
sure the packaging states that it is designated for outdoor
use. Outdoor lighting is weatherproof and designed for temporary
operation in harsh winter weather. Do not purchase used Christmas
lights or lighting not in the original package.
• When selecting outdoor lights, consider purchasing
strings with miniature, low-heat producing bulbs. These lights
require less amperage and are less likely to overload electrical
outlets.
• Purchase appropriately sized timers to automatically
turn lights on and off. Lights should be turned off when people
are not present and they should not be left on overnight.
• Electrical outlets for exterior lighting should accommodate
three-prong grounded plugs and should be on an electrical circuit
protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Portable
outdoor GFCIs can be purchased at hardware stores if this circuit
protection is not available.
• If extension cords are required for outdoor lights,
use those designed for outdoor use with three-prong plugs. Never
use an indoor cord or a cord without the third prong. Plug the
cord into a grounded outlet and select a cord with the shortest
length that works for your project. Do not use a 100-foot extension
cord for a 10-foot distance. Keep outdoor electrical connections
above the ground and out of the snow and water. If extension
cords must cross walkways, tape them down.
• When connecting outdoor lighting, be careful not to
create a maze of extension cords, plugs and wires that all come
from the same electrical outlet. Electrical outlets and timers
used for Christmas lights should be readily accessible for quick
disconnection or adjustment as necessary.
• When installing lights, be sure to read and follow the
manufacturer's instructions. These instructions should be stored
with the lights and referred to when purchasing replacement
bulbs and on future installations.
• Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the
number of light strings that may be safely plugged together.
If the packaging does not indicate the number, connect no more
than three light strings together.
• Before installing newly purchased or previously used
Christmas lighting, plug the string in and make sure all the
bulbs operate properly. When unpacking outdoor lights used during
previous years, carefully inspect hem for frayed, loose or bare
wires and damaged bulbs or sockets. Discard damaged light strings.
• One of the greatest dangers when installing outdoor
lighting involves the use of ladders. Use a high-quality, sturdy
ladder that is the proper height. Be sure it is securely positioned.
To avoid falls, move the ladder as necessary rather than leaning
on it from side to side.
• When installing outdoor lights, use screw-in hooks
or other fasteners that will not damage the insulation on the
lighting strings. Nails and staple guns can easily cut or damage
insulation and conductors.
• Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to determine
the recommended spacing for supports and the maximum span allowed
for the light string. Christmas lights are generally designed
to span distances of only a few feet and should be supported
at intervals every few feet.
• Securely attach outdoor light strings to buildings,
trees or other objects to prevent displacement by wind or other
weather conditions. When possible, point the lamp sockets down
to avoid moisture buildup and do not operate light strings with
missing bulbs.
• Unplug outdoor lights when replacing bulbs so there
is no danger of shock. Reduce damage to lights by handling them
carefully when installing and removing them and when packing
and storing.
• Remove outdoor lighting at the end of the Christmas
season. Christmas lights are not designed to withstand prolonged
exposure to sun and weather.
Direct column topics to: Julene Reese, Utah State University
Extension,
Logan, UT 84322-0500; 435-760-9302; julener@ext.usu
Nov. 20, 2003
Answer by: Richard Beard, Utah State University Extension Agricultural
Engineering Specialist
UTAH STATE NEWS RELEASES FOR 11-19-03
UTAH STATE PRESIDENT'S
JFK SPEECH REBROADCAST
LOGAN — Utah State University President Kermit L. Hall,
one of five Americans appointed by the White House to the John
F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board, spoke during
the 40th anniversary of the assassination at The National Archives
and The National Press Club on Nov. 14.
The title of Hall's speech, "Open Secrets—The Kennedy
Assassination 40 Years Later," offered his insight into
the roles the CIA and FBI played in the investigation. Hall's
speech will be rebroadcast on Friday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. and
7 p.m. on KUSU (89.5 FM in Cache Valley). For more details,
visit www.upr.org.
November 19, 2003
Contact: Whitney Wilkinson (435)797-8286, 881-4438, whitney.wilkinson@usu.edu
utah
state today/archives/November
2003/archives
prior to Sept 2002/
Brought
to you by Utah State University Public Relations and Marketing
|