Power for Progress …A weekly column from the Grand River Dam The best decorations are safe decorations …
Even more holiday safety … The best holiday decorations are safe decorations. This week, GRDA shares a few more tips on how to stay safe while you decorate for the holiday season.
Holiday decorations can make for a festive atmosphere in your home, but often, they also require extra extension cords and extra attention to make sure things stay safe. While GRDA has already shared some seasonal decorating tips, there are still others that can help ensure a safe holiday season. This week, we pass along a few more tips from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org) …
Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources – especially those with an open flame, like fireplaces and candles. And remember to blow out your candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you are decorating, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture, out of windows, or across walkways and sidewalks.
Be mindful of how you are using electrical outlets. If you’re using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home. Extension cords are a common cause of home fires.
Need a perfect gift idea? How about a smoke alarm? Every home needs a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, including the basement. And remember to test your own to make sure they’re working.
Keep batteries stored safely in their packaging and out of reach of anything that might try to eat them, like small children and pets. Eating a battery can be deadly.
The best gift for your family is to upgrade to Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers or outlets. It is estimated that half of the electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs. All upgrades should be completed by a qualified electrician.
Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe while you celebrate the holidays!
GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric 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.
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