Being Safe This Holiday Season

Every year the girls ask if we could put up Christmas lights outside our home but for some reason we just never get around to it. This year we’ve decided that we’re finally going to do it.  So, this past weekend we went shopping for some lights and were surprised at the wide selection available. Of course, safety is always our number one concern so we knew we had to look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) symbol on the packaging.

Who is UL?

“UL tests, inspects and verifies so you can worry less. For more than 115 years, Underwriters Laboratories® has been a leader in product safety. Our independent engineers and scientists perform thousands of tests on everyday products, from electric appliances and outlets to water and plastics. When you see the UL Mark, you can rest assured that safety has been taken care of.”

I was recently honored by being asked to be a part of the UL Bloggers Network. Our goal throughout December is to provide you with the information and tools you’ll need to ensure a safe holiday for your family. Their newly redesigned site, Safety at Home, offers a series of informative tips, articles, and a blog featuring a wide array of tips — everything from picking out the right holiday lights, to fire safety escape plans to BPA concerns. Plus, the site offers lots of interactive content. You can watch videos (featuring celebrity mom Kerri Russell) on YouTube, share your thoughts on Twitter, view photos on Flickr and even weigh in on blog posts within the community.

In addition, they’re hosting a Bright Holiday Moments Contest, which lasts through midnight on December 22. This holiday season, UL wants moms and dads across the country to share their brightest holiday family moments. Entries can take three forms: photo, video or text, and it’s as easy as an upload and brief description. Plus, the prize is spectacular — a $10,000 prize pack including $5,000 family vacation and $5,000 in UL listed products.

So, stay tuned for more informative posts and great giveaways sponsored by UL in the upcoming weeks. And remember . . . be safe.