HOMEOWNERS across Essex are being warned not to lose sight of the potential risks posed by Christmas lights when they start to decorate their houses. The National Association for Professional Inspectors and Testers, a trade association committed to electr

HOMEOWNERS across Essex are being warned not to lose sight of the potential risks posed by Christmas lights when they start to decorate their houses.

The National Association for Professional Inspectors and Testers, a trade association committed to electrical safety, is offering some top tips to keep people safe, as well as illuminated, this Christmas.

- Only purchase makes which have a British Safety Standard Mark, which means they are safe to use and fit for the purpose for which they were designed.

- Only use lights outside where the manufacturer has stated they are designed for exterior use;

- Never connect more than one set of lights to a single plug;

- Be careful where you run cables and make sure they can not trip somebody up;

By following these simple rules everyone can enjoy a safe and colourful Christmas.