Holiday Lighting Safety Reminder from FirstEnergy

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Dec 16, 2011, 09:50 ET

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is urging customers to make a list and check it twice to ensure their outdoor and indoor holiday lights and decorations are installed safely.

Outdoor Lighting

Double check the lights for any frayed wires or cracks and be sure there is a light in each socket; damaged strands should be discarded.
If you decide to add more lights, don't use a ladder anywhere near overhead wires; be sure the ladder is securely placed on level ground.
Lights should be approved by Underwriters Laboratory; "UL" will be clearly displayed on the tag. And be sure the lights are approved for outdoor use.
Check to make sure tacks or nails were not hammered into the electrical cord during installation; most lights now have clips that can be used to attach to the house.
Be sure heavy-duty, outdoor extension cords are being used.
If possible, outdoor lights and any inflatable decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.
Use a timer, or turn off the lights before going to bed.

Indoor Lighting

Continue to check lights for frayed wires or any other damage, particularly if there is a pet in the household.
Don't overload extension cords; no more than three sets of standard lights should be used per cord.
For special ornaments that plug into a bulb receptacle, use no more than two such ornaments per strand, or check the manufacturer's directions.
Lights should not touch drapes, furniture or carpeting.
Do not leave lights on overnight.
If you have children in your home, use safety caps on all electrical outlets.

For more details about keeping safe around electricity, local groups can request a presentation through the FirstEnergy Speakers Bureau. For more information, contact [email protected].

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies comprise the nation's largest investor-owned electric system. Its diverse generating fleet features non-emitting nuclear, scrubbed baseload coal, natural gas, and pumped-storage hydro and other renewables, and has a total generating capacity of nearly 23,000 megawatts.

www.firstenergycorp.com

SOURCE FirstEnergy