For many, the holiday season comes with traditions of festive lights and decorations, delicious foods and fun parties. Add an extra measure of caring to your time-honored traditions. Make a point to take care of yourself and those you love by taking time to decorate safely—without skipping these important safety steps: 

• When decorating outside, look up and look out. Never throw holiday lights or other decorations into trees near power lines. 
• Be especially careful when working near power lines attached to your house. Keep ladders, equipment, and yourself at least 10 feet from power lines.
• Use only lights, cords, animated displays, and decorations rated for outdoor use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them. 
• Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets are not equipped with them. GFCI protection is very important outdoors, where weather conditions can create dangerous electrical situations.
• Outdoor holiday lights are for seasonal use, up to 90 days. Bring them inside after the holidays.
• Avoid decorating outside on windy or wet days, and only decorate outside during daylight hours.