Bluewater Power is urging residents to keep safety top of mind when putting up outdoor holiday lights and decorations.
Health and Safety Manager Jevan Davis said things plugged in outdoors have to be connected to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
He said if your home doesn't have one, you can buy an adaptor.
"These ones would actually have a breaker with two buttons on them," said Davis. "A lot of outdoor outlets don't actually have this, and a lot of older houses don't have them. So, it's always a good idea to get that outlet adaptor with a GFCI. If it does get some damage to the cord, or get in a puddle, it'll just pop the breaker there rather than damaging your home."
Davis said you have to use a three-pronged cord with a ground, that's approved by the CSA for outdoor use.
We're also being warned against plugging multiple extension cords together, or running them through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors.
Inspect cords for damage, and avoid using them if there are loose connections or bare wire.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, nearly 3,300 house fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 more.