As residents prepare to decorate their homes with harvest and Halloween displays, FirstEnergy is urging customers to keep safety in mind when working near power lines and electrical equipment.
“Fall is the perfect time to bring festive flair to your front porch, yard or rooftop. Whether you’re going for cozy harvest vibes or full-on spooky, a little planning goes a long way – especially when it comes to safety around power lines and electrical equipment,” the company said in a statement.
Officials advise keeping people and decorations at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines and never attaching items to utility poles or electrical equipment. If an object gets stuck in a line, customers are urged not to retrieve it themselves and instead call 888-LIGHTSS for assistance.
Before plugging in seasonal lights or inflatables, FirstEnergy recommends checking cords for cracks, frays or exposed wires, and replacing any damaged strands. Decorations should carry the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal, and outdoor displays should be powered through outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters to reduce the risk of shock.
When climbing to hang decorations, the company stresses using a sturdy step ladder with slip-resistant feet, avoiding unstable furniture, and asking someone to spot the ladder if going onto a roof.
Finally, FirstEnergy cautions that fall winds and storms can turn loose decorations into hazards. Securing displays with clips, anchors or ties can prevent damage or entanglement with power lines.
More electrical safety tips are available at firstenergycorp.com/safety.
