Some safety tips for holiday decorating outside:
- When decorating outside, look up and look out. Never throw holiday lights or other decorations into trees near power lines.
- Be especially careful when working near power lines attached to your house. Keep ladders, equipment, and yourself at least 10 feet from power lines.
- Use only lights, cords, animated displays, and decorations rated for outdoor use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them. Use plastic or insulated hooks to hang lights.
- Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets are not equipped with them. GFCI protection is very important outdoors, where weather conditions can create dangerous electrical situations.
- Do not staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords, and do not attach cords to utility poles.
- Outdoor holiday lights are for seasonal use, up to 90 days. Bring them inside after the holidays.
- Avoid decorating outside on windy or wet days.
To learn more, visit SafeElectricity.org.
