Stocking up for next Christmas can be tempting as most stores will be marking down seasonal merchandise by as much as 80% during Boxing Week.
Go nuts on the discounted trees, ornaments, and wreaths, but pick and choose Christmas lights carefully, says Corp. Christian Adm from the RCMP’s federal investigation unit.
Usually found in flea markets, garage sales, and bargain stores, poor quality lights are low-end and non-certified.
That means packaging isn’t marked with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approval.
A CSA mark means the product has been tested in a controlled lab environment and meets safety or performance related standards.
“Buy products that are approved and labeled accordingly, and read the instructions,” said Ted Olechna, director of codes and standards at Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority.
Adm said to think about the 4 Ps: place; product; price; packaging.
If the price is too good to be true, don’t buy it.
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/12/24/16666556.html
Kelly Roche - Storyteller 