Moving on to the next holiday: Avoid hazards in your home with these tips from Mister Sparky.

Now that the turkey is digesting, it's time to look forward. This is one of the most dangerous times of the year for house fires.(1) As you deck your halls keep these tips in mind.

News provided by

Direct Energy

Nov 28, 2013, 02:00 ET

SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For many the time after Thanksgiving is filled with parties, entertaining and decorating. Data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows with the holidays also come an increase in home fires. The most common causes involve cooking, Christmas trees, candles and holiday decorations.² To protect your family and property electricians with Mister Sparky® say having a working smoke alarm is critical. Here are tips to remember:

Put it to the test
Make sure your smoke alarm works. Test it, clean out any dust and check the batteries. Test your alarm every month and never disconnect the batteries.
Consider an upgrade
If you live in an older home consider having your smoke alarms upgraded so they are hardwired (use electricity) and have a battery backup. You can also ask a licensed electrician to install interconnected fire alarms, when one alerts they all do. You can also upgrade to a combination carbon monoxide/smoke alarm.
Expand your coverage
You need more than one smoke alarm to cover your entire home. NFPA standards require a smoke on each level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom. Millions of U.S. homes to have smoke alarms but not enough to meet the standards and protect the home.³
Be bright and be smart
Don't overload electrical circuits when putting up your holiday decorations and lights. Only use outdoor rated extension cords, outside. Upgrade to LED lights, they use a fraction of the amount of electricity which can save you money in the long run.

About Mister Sparky®- Mister Sparky is currently ranked by Franchise Times magazine as one of the top 500 companies in worldwide sales #368 (2013) and as part of Clockwork Home Services is listed as the #1 Franchisor by the Tampa Bay Business Journal (2013.) The company has an impeccable record for delivering fast, on-time service, accurate upfront pricing, and an overall pleasant experience for customers. We differentiate ourselves from all other electrical companies by our unique message to the marketplace: Mister Sparky® – "America's On-Time Electrician", We're On Time, You'll See, Or The Repair Is Free!™. We have trademarked "on-time" in the electrical industry and we champion it in the marketplace.

¹ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/project-holiday
² http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/project-holiday
³ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-public-educators/community-tool-kits/keeping-your-community-safe-and-sound

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SOURCE Direct Energy