The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and dazzling displays of lights—but it’s also a time to stay vigilant about safety. As homes and neighborhoods sparkle with festive décor, OG&E is offering simple ways you can stay safe. With a few smart precautions, families can keep their celebrations bright and accident-free.
“As families decorate and gather for the holidays, we want to make sure everyone can enjoy the season safely,” said Sheradee Hurst, OG&E Public Relations Manager. “A few simple precautions with lights, cords and electrical equipment can go a long way in preventing accidents.”
OG&E HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
- Use LED lights for holiday décor. LEDs are brighter, last longer, use up to 80% less energy and stay cooler than traditional bulbs, reducing fire risks and energy costs.
- Don’t overload circuits, outlets or extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights per extension cord.
- Choose the right ladder. When stringing outdoor lights, use a dry wooden ladder and stay away from overhead power lines.
- Check the safety of your holiday lights and cords. Use only indoor or outdoor lights that have the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety-approved label and use extension cords that have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built in.
- Inspect the condition of the lights (new and old). Look for broken, cracked sockets and loose connections. To test them, place the lights on a nonflammable surface and plug them in for at least 15 minutes to make sure they don’t smoke or melt.
- Use insulated clip hangers to hang lights. Don’t use nails, tacks, or staples to secure your lights.
- Know when to unplug your lights. Unplug holiday lights before decorating, changing bulbs, going to sleep or leaving your home.
- Use lights as intended. Indoor lights aren’t waterproof and shouldn’t be used outside, while outdoor lights generate more heat and should never be used indoors.
These small steps can help families enjoy a bright, safe and energy-efficient holiday season. For more safety tips, visit oge.com/safetytips.