Be Merry, Bright & Safe

Follow simple electrical safety tips during this busy time.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative understands our members get busy during the holidays. It’s a festive time of year filled with decorating, planning, shopping and cooking.

Stay safe during this busy and wondrous time with these electrical safety tips:

• Use holiday lights that have been tested for safety and have the UL label.
• Check your electrical cords for any fraying or damage, and replace damaged cords.
• Make sure any extension cords and decorations used outdoors are rated for such use.
• Put your lighted decorations on a timer. If you don’t have a timer, turn them off before going to bed or leaving home.
• Plug outdoor lights and decorations into outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, which shut off power if there is a threat of electric shock.
• Take care decorating near electric lines, such as stringing lights around branches or shrubs near lines.
• Do not overload extension cords or electrical outlets. An overloaded outlet could cause shocks or start a fire.
• Don’t run extension cords through high-traffic areas inside your home.
• Keep decorations, including the Christmas tree, at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
• If you have a natural Christmas tree, make sure to keep it watered so it doesn’t dry out and become a fire hazard.
• Pay close attention when cooking, and keep an eye on dishes you are preparing on the stovetop or in the oven.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!