LUMA presents “Shine Safely: Tips for Safe Use of Christmas Lights and Electric Decorations” (December 5, 2023) – LUMA announces the launch of its holiday campaign promoting electrical safety for all communities on the island. As part of its commitment to everyone’s safety, the company is introducing “Shine Safely: Tips for Safe Use of Christmas Lights and Electric Decorations.” 

“At LUMA, our priority is the safety of every home and community. Shine Safely reflects our commitment to helping everyone enjoy a holiday season filled with light, but most importantly, safety. Following these tips, we can create a festive environment without compromising the electric system,” said Carlos Luján, Vice President of Health, Safety & Environmental. 

Tips for Safe Use of Christmas Lights and Electric Decorations 

1. Avoid placing decorations near powerlines: Before decorating, check your surroundings to avoid placing decorations near powerlines. Stay at least 10 feet away from any element of the electric system that may be energized. 
2. Avoid overloading outlets: Do not overload electric outlets or extension cords with excessive Christmas lights. Distribute evenly the electrical load to prevent potential hazards. 
3. UL Certification: Use UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-certified Christmas lights and decorations to ensure safety and compliance with quality standards.     
4. Annual cable check: Check last year’s Christmas lights and decorations to make sure they are in good condition before using them. Replace any damaged or worn-out cables. 
5. Use cables and outlets in good condition: Do not use lights or decorations with frayed cables or damaged or melted electrical outlets. Cable safety is essential to avoid short circuits. 

6. Exclusive outdoor use: Install outdoor lights and extensions designed specifically for outdoor use. Indoor lights are not suitable for weather conditions. 
7. Turn off the lights when going to sleep or leaving the house: Do not leave the lights on when going to bed or leaving the house to avoid overheating. Set a safe schedule to automate the lights. 
8. GFCI-protected outlets: Make sure to connect outdoor lights to ground-fault-protected outlets (GFCI) for added safety. 
9. Suitable fire extinguisher: In case of an electrical fire, use an ABC-type extinguisher and avoid using water. If the fire gets out of control, call the fire department immediately. 

“The holiday season is a special time to share moments with loved ones and decorate our homes with festive lights and electric decorations. We invite the community to celebrate this Christmas season safely by following these tips to use lights and electrical decorations responsibly,” said Juan Saca, President and Chief Executive Officer. 

For more safety tips, visit www.lumapr.com/safeholidays/?lang=en  or call us at 1-844-888-5862 to report an electrical emergency or if you have questions or concerns related to electrical safety during the holidays. 

About LUMA 

LUMA is a Puerto Rican company that, since June 1, 2021, operates and manages the electric power transmission and distribution system in Puerto Rico. LUMA is a company driven by a mission to transform the electrical transmission and distribution system to provide all Puerto Ricans with the reliable, resilient, cleaner, and affordable electrical service they deserve. As a customer-centric company, LUMA’s entire workforce of more than 4,000 employees is focused on safely delivering an exceptional customer service experience to its 1.5 million customers.