With weather forecasters predicting an ideal weekend for holiday decorating, PECO extended wishes for a happy, energy-efficient holiday season and offered safety tips in a press release:
Only decorate with lights approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and consider using energy-efficient LED lighting, which consumes up to 75 percent less energy. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the number of strands of lights that can be safely connected together. Check all lights – new and old – for cracked or broken plugs, loose connections or exposed (bare) wires. Discard damaged sets of lights. Power down all decorative lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
Outside, PECO suggested ensuring that lights are approved for outdoor use. Never work near overhead power lines or anywhere there is a possibility of contacting an overhead power line – either directly or indirectly – with a ladder or other piece of equipment. Do not string lights on outdoor trees that are growing near or into power lines. Hang outdoor lights with insulated staples or hooks instead of nails or tacks.
Indoors, ensure cords do not pose a tripping hazard, and don’t overload wall outlets or extension cords. Do not place cords under rugs, furniture or appliances; covered cords can overheat, become frayed and cause a fire. Keep all electric cords and extension cords out of the reach of children.
When using a ladder, maintain three points of contact when ascending or descending it. Do not work from the top two steps of any ladder and make sure that the ladder’s feet are firmly set and square before climbing. If possible, have a spotter at the base of the ladder.
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