If you’re one of the billions worldwide expecting a visit from Santa Claus this season, take heed. The elves at the North Pole News Bureau are working to separate myth from mirth when it comes to keeping holidays merry and bright for Santa and everyone.
Myth: Santa relies on red noses and other bright lights to guide his sleigh.
Reality: Though Santa encourages festive outdoor lighting, Santa is instrument rated and his sled is equipped with GPS navigational technology and FAA-approved landing lights.
- Never leave outdoor lights on all night. Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house to lessen the chances of extension cords overheating and/or an overnight electrical fire. This also saves energy.
- Never overload an outlet with more strands than it can handle. New LED lights use far less electricity and do not heat up as much as the old standard and mini incandescent bulbs.
Myth: Elf-made Christmas lights are a joy forever.
Reality: Elves still craft the best toys and knit the best sweaters, but they surrendered wiring and electrical devices to UL-approved manufacturers with brand names you trust.
- Be wary of power cords from unknown manufacturers purchased cheaply at flea markets and such; make sure light strands are tagged with UL or other certified labels.
- Carefully inspect all cords and bulbs for signs of wear and overheating before you string them and again when you take them down. Discard damaged or faulty strands; splicing cords or trying to get another year’s use from them is not worth the potential damage they might cause.
Myth: Santa dashes from rooftop to rooftop.
Reality: Santa long ago stopped this practice because of skylights, antennae, satellite dishes, liability issues and OSHA regulations. He prefers landing on the street or in your backyard.
- Make sure your yard and walkways are clear of obstacles for Santa, reindeer, strolling carolers and other holiday visitors. Last year Prancer (don’t let the name fool you) clumsily tripped over a poorly-placed extension cord and sprained a hoof.
Myth: Santa always uses the chimney.
Reality: Too many fireplaces these days have energy-efficient glass covers, which is good for you, bad for Santa by making it hard for him to exit. His pulminologist has warned him, too, of the health concerns with sliding through so much soot and built-up creosote.
- Still, if you have a wood-burning fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected before you begin using it heavily during the holidays.
Santa only uses the chimney to gain access to your home if he can’t jimmy the back door with his credit card. Santa’s not as nimble as he once was and can’t jump over the smoldering logs as he did in younger years.
- Make sure the fire is thoroughly extinguished before you go to bed to prevent any chance of a stray spark causing an overnight fire. Make sure you place all hot embers in an appropriate fire-proof container and away from walls, porch columns or any other combustible materials.
Myth: Your darling pets just adore Santa — as all the furry and feathered friends of the forest do.
Reality: Leash your pet bulldog. Mrs. Claus is especially tired of mending Santa’s red trousers that have been repeatedly shred by chompers over the years.
- Dogs and cats are naturally curious and may like to check out and chew on all the new things decorating your holiday home. Strands of lights, chocolates wrapped under the tree or left out in candy dishes, shiny garland and tinsel, holiday flower arrangements such as lilies, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias, etc., could be too much of a temptation for free-roaming pets while you sleep. These things pose a shock, poison or choking hazard. Either restrain your pets away from these items, or, better yet, make sure you’ve decked the halls with care and have placed such items out of their reach.
By following these simple suggestions, you will not only be assuring the safety of the jolly old guy and his reindeer, but the safety of your family and friends, too.
Sources: Pet Poison Helpline, Indiana’s electric cooperatives
