With the holiday’s here, it’s time to gorge on food and decorate the house. Rushing into decorating to keep up with Clark Griswold, however, can make things hazardous for both you and your wallet. Indiana Michigan Power wants to provide everyone with energy efficient holiday decoration ideas and safety reminders to get into the holiday spirit.

“Indiana Michigan Power is dedicated to making your holidays bright, efficient and safe whether it’s small display in the yard or going full ‘Christmas Vacation’. It’s always important to review safety procedures when decorating is part of your holiday tradition.” said Amy King, safety and health coordinator for I&M. “We hope all of our 500,000 plus customers have a safe and happy holiday season while staying safe and being energy efficient.”

Before you decorate, follow I&M’s top 10 tips of safety:

1. Before installing lights, check each set – new and old – for damaged sockets, loose

connections and frayed or bare wires. Discard damaged sets or repair them before

using.

2. Never use more than three standard-sized sets of lights per extension cord. Also make

sure you use outdoor and indoor specific light strands/extension cords accordingly.

3. Plug exterior lights into ground-fault interruptible (GFI) outlets only. If the home lacks

outside GFI outlets, call an electrician to install them.

4. Don’t run electrical cords through door or window openings where they can be damaged.

5. Before climbing a ladder, inspect it to ensure it’s in good working condition, and follow

the weight limits specified on the ladder and manufacturer instructions.

6. Never use a ladder on or near power lines or poles.

7. Before decorating, determine how many outlets are available and where they are

located. Plan your displays accordingly to avoid anyone from tripping over cords.

8. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They

can overheat and cause a fire.

9. Don’t connect lights while adjusting them on the tree. Unplug lights when changing

bulbs.

10. Don’t let bulbs touch flammable material, including needles, branches and other

decorations.

For more safety tips visit: www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/safety.