Power for Progress: Holiday decoration safety

In the holiday decorating mood?
Make sure to make safety a priority as well. This week, GRDA offers a few tips that may be helpful.

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Holiday decoration safety

'Tis the season to trim the tree and string the lights. However, as you are putting up those colorful decorations around the house, it is important to keep some electric safety tips in mind. Here are a few, from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org):

Before you even start, remember to inspection all decorations, and discard any that are damaged are worn out.

Remember to always keep those decorations at least three feet way from heat sources – especially heat sources with open flames like fireplaces and candles.

If you have a natural Christmas tree, water it to keep it fresh and safe. Real trees can dry up and turn into kindling in no time at all. Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage.

Next, if you’re decorating plans always require you to use extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets in your home. 

Remember, the best decorations are safe decorations, so when you’re decorating, make sure to never run extension cords under rugs or furniture.

Only use decorations in dry areas. As tempting as it might be, you just can’t decorate your aquarium with icicle lights.

Does your home have working smoke alarms? Now is a great time to make sure of that. Every home needs working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement.

Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe and have a wonderful holiday season!

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.