Holiday safety | AES Ohio

Use the right lights
Check whether your lights are designated for indoor or outdoor use and use appropriately.
Damage check
Look for fraying or damage on light cords and sockets. If you see damage, replace the light strand.
Don't overload
You can be festive with lots of lights, just be sure you don't overload your electrical circuits.
Limit three
Don't string together more than three strands of incandescent lights on a single extension cord.
Look up for power lines
When hanging lights around your roof line or in trees, be sure to survey the area for overhead power lines and maintain at least a ten foot distance.
Be grounded
Plug outdoor lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
Avoid fire hazards
Never leave burning candles unattended.
Care for your tree
If decorating a live tree, make sure it is fresh when you purchase it and keep it well-watered to help prevent drying.
Children and pet safety
Place lights, strings, ribbon, dreidels, and breakable ornaments out of the reach of children and pets.
Use LED lights
In addition to energy savings benefits, LEDs stay cool to the touch, reducing the risk of fire. LEDs are also made of epoxy, not glass, so they are more resistant to breakage.