Deck the Halls Safely this Holiday Season
FirstEnergy offers tips to help keep people of all ages safe from electrical hazards.
As the festive season approaches, it’s vital to remember the importance of safety while decorating your home. FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is here to guide everyone on how to minimize electrical hazards and potential fire risks associated with holiday lights and decorations.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association highlight a concerning trend: an average of 835 home structure fires each year are sparked by holiday decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents lead to an average property damage of around $14 million annually.
Candy Webb, Manager of Public Safety at FirstEnergy: "By being mindful and taking a few simple precautions around your home, you can avoid hazards and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones during the holidays. Remember to regularly check your lights and decorations to ensure they are functioning safely."
To help celebrate the holidays safely, keeping the following tips in mind can make a significant difference:
- Before decorating outside, identify where all power lines are located. Staying at least 10 feet away from power lines is crucial to prevent serious injury. Ensure that any tools, ladders, or decorations remain at a safe distance from power lines.
- Avoid placing decorations near power lines or any electrical equipment such as transformers. If a decoration inadvertently contacts electrical equipment, do not attempt to retrieve it; call emergency services immediately.
- Choose lights that carry the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) mark, which indicates thorough safety inspections. Red UL marks denote safety for both indoor and outdoor use, while green marks indicate indoor use only.
- Before usage, inspect all lights for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any lights that show wear and tear or broken sockets.
- Avoid using tacks or nails to secure electrical cords; instead, opt for clips designed for safe hanging.
- Connect outdoor lights and inflatables to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for added protection against electric shock.
- Utilize heavy-duty extension cords, ensuring they are rated specifically for outdoor use. Be mindful not to overload extension cords and limit them to a maximum of three standard light sets per cord.
- Position indoor lights away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and carpets.
- Using a timer for lights can help ensure they are turned off when away from home or before sleeping.
- Keep candles away from decorations, and remember to extinguish them when leaving a room or going to bed. According to NFPA, more than a third of home decoration fires originate from candles.
- Water live trees daily to keep them hydrated and reduce fire risks.
- Install and regularly check smoke detectors throughout your home to ensure proper functionality.
For more information regarding FirstEnergy's "Stop. Look. Live." safety campaign aimed at educating the public about safe practices around electricity, visit the FirstEnergy website.
Additionally, FirstEnergy provides guidance on energy-efficient principles during the holiday season. Celebrating while being mindful of energy consumption not only protects the environment but can also lead to substantial savings.
FirstEnergy is committed to maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence. As a major player in the electric distribution sector, it serves over six million customers and operates extensive transmission lines connecting different regions. Stay connected with FirstEnergy through their official website and social media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tips does FirstEnergy provide for safe holiday decorating?
FirstEnergy recommends checking power line locations, using UL-approved lights, avoiding overload on extension cords, and ensuring proper use of timers and smoke detectors.
Why is it important to check lights before using them?
Inspecting lights helps prevent electrical hazards, ensuring safety by identifying worn or broken components that can lead to fires.
What should you do if a decoration contacts power lines?
If a decoration contacts power lines, call emergency services immediately instead of attempting to remove it yourself.
How can I reduce fire risks related to candles during holidays?
Keep candles away from decorations and never leave them unattended. Always extinguish them before sleeping or leaving the room.
Why is it important to water live Christmas trees?
Regularly watering live Christmas trees keeps them hydrated, significantly reducing the risk of fire hazards associated with dry trees.
