Holiday Lighting Safety Reminder from FirstEnergy

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 speakersbureau@firstenergycorp.com.

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

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