Tips for Decorating Safely for the Holidays

As you deck the halls with lights this season, keep these safety tips from Idaho Power in mind:

  • Use LED light strings, which are more efficient and safer than incandescent bulbs because they produce less heat.
  • Inspect power and extension cords — especially if you haven’t used them in a while — before plugging them in. Replace any that are damaged or frayed.
  • Plug outdoor lights into ground-fault circuit interrupter (GCFI)-protected outlets.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct number of light strands to connect.
  • Don’t place cords where they can be damaged by walking, where people can trip on them, or where damage can go unnoticed — like under rugs, through windows, or on sidewalks.
  • When hanging holiday lights using a ladder, have a spotter, and maintain three points of contact.

Find more safety information at idahopower.com/safety.

Maria Willacy
Communications Specialist
mwillacy@idahopower.com
208-388-5978