Fall Into Safe Decorating

Fall is the perfect time to bring festive flair to your front porch, yard or rooftop. Whether you're going for cozy harvest vibes or full-on spooky, a little planning goes a long way – especially when it comes to safety around power lines and electrical equipment.

Follow these guidelines to create a fall display that’s as safe as it is stunning.

Keep It Spooky, Not Sparky

Before you place that 12-foot skeleton, take a moment to inspect your decorating areas and follow these steps: 

• If you spot overhead wires, stay far away. You and your decorations should never be within 10 feet of a power line.  

• Never attach anything to utility poles or other electrical equipment in your yard. It’s not just risky – it’s dangerous.

• If something does get stuck in a power line, don’t try to retrieve it yourself. Call 888-LIGHTSS and we’ll get it back for you.

Safety First, Sparkle Second

Before plugging in your twinkling lights or inflatable pumpkins:

• Look for cracks, frays or exposed wires. Replace damaged cords and light strands.

• If a cord feels hot while in use, unplug it immediately. 

• Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal. A red UL tag means safe for indoor and outdoor use. A green UL tag means indoor use only.

• Use outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of electrical shock – especially outdoors.

Climb with Care

Hanging decorations up high? Remember to:

• Use a sturdy folding step ladder with slip-resistant feet. 

• Never stand on furniture or unstable surfaces. 

• If you're heading to the roof, carry your ladder parallel to the ground and ask someone to spot you.

Wind-Proof Your Decor 

High winds and fall storms can turn decorations into flying hazards. Secure everything with clips, anchors or ties to prevent them from getting tangled in power lines or causing other damage.

Visit  firstenergycorp.com/safety for more tips and resources to stay safe around electricity.