As households across the region begin decorating for the holidays, FirstEnergy Corp. is urging residents to keep safety in mind when installing lights, inflatables and other seasonal displays.
“The holiday season is here, and decorating your home is a great way to spread cheer and celebrate the magic of the season,” the company said, encouraging families to enjoy the tradition safely by following key precautions indoors and outdoors.
Staying safe outdoors
FirstEnergy advises decorators to remain aware of their surroundings and stay at least 10 feet from power lines when using ladders, lifts or long-handled tools. Homeowners should choose sturdy ladders with slip-resistant feet and use a spotter when working at height.
Decorations should never be thrown into trees or placed on utility poles or electrical equipment. Outdoor inflatables and displays should be anchored securely to withstand winter winds. The company warns residents to avoid touching anything tangled in a power line; instead, call 888-LIGHTSS for assistance.
Indoor decorating tips
Before plugging in lights, residents should inspect cords for cracks, fraying or exposed wiring and unplug anything that feels unusually warm. FirstEnergy advises checking UL safety tags — red labels indicate indoor and outdoor use, while green labels are for indoor use only.
Other recommendations include using GFCI outlets outdoors, securing cords with clips instead of nails or staples, avoiding running cords under rugs or across walkways and not overloading outlets. The company also encourages the use of LED candles instead of open flames and keeping lights away from curtains, carpets and furniture.
FirstEnergy said following basic precautions can help ensure a holiday season that is “joyful, bright and safe for everyone.”
More safety information is available at firstenergycorp.com/safety.
