Hadleigh families are being urged to stay safe with the big switch on of Christmas lights inside and outside their homes this festive season.

UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across the East of England, is reminding people to put safety first ahead of the first weekend in December when many homes will put up festive decorations.

This applies appreciating the risks when hanging lighting displays outside as well as the danger of overloading interior electricity sockets.

As the festive season gets underway, UK Power Networks wants everyone entering the Christmas spirit, to celebrate safely.

Rosalind Forbes, an education and engagement advisor at UK Power Networks, said: "For many families the start of December is the cue to reach for the Christmas decorations and put on a light show both inside and outside of their homes.

"We encourage everybody doing that to follow our simple advice to stay safe as they get into the festive spirit and ensure the occasion is only remembered for the right reasons.

"If you are installing lights, be sure to take care and keep well away from any cables you may see coming into your property, as our electricity lines are sometimes mistaken for phone lines. Anything that gets close to a live overhead electricity power line, can conduct electricity which can injure or kill, even at a domestic voltage. 

"Extra care should be taken to avoid power lines that are a bit less obvious, for example if they come from another property to serve several homes, and are clipped along the front of your property."

Ten top tips for a safe switch on at home, are: 

• Look up and keep your ladder clear of power lines
• Position the ladder on a stable surface
• Discard any old festive lights with frayed wires  
• Replace old lights with new low voltage lights 
• Check lighting used outdoors is designed for outdoor use
• Use a residual current device (RCD) which will interrupt the power if it detects a problem
• Keep water away from wiring when watering a real Christmas tree
• Avoid trailing wires, by positioning your tree near a power socket
• Avoid overloading plug sockets and always fully unwind extension leads
• Switch all Christmas lights off when going out or to bed