Energy company Seeboard is warning Sutton residents to take special care with Christmas tree lights and electrical gifts during the festive season.

Safety manager Chris Beer said: "We want all our customers to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas. As a precaution, we're asking them to take time to check that their Christmas tree lights are in good working order. Most tree lights work from full mains voltage and if not used correctly, could be dangerous."

Seeboard recommends these top tips to have a safe and happy Christmas:

Always unplug the lights before working them.

Make sure the flex from lights or the transformer is properly connected to a plug with a three amp fuse.

Never join flexes together or run them under the carpet.

Never connect tree lights to a lamp socket.

Check old lights carefully and look out for frayed or broken wires.

Replace dead bulbs immediately.

Place your tree close to a power socket to avoid trailing flexes.

Never place Christmas decorations close to light fittings or any equipment which is likely to get warm such as heaters or computer screens as they may pose a fire risk.

December 20, 2001 11:00