IMPA wants to remind everyone to remain safe when winding down from the holidays this season. Taking down your holiday lights is a great time to inspect electric cords and wires for damage or frays. Never use damaged cords, and ensure all electrical decorations are approved by a national recognized testing lab such as UL, Intertek, or CSA.

Always be aware of any power lines near you as you work on house decorating or other home projects. Exercise extreme caution around power lines and keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. When taking down decorations, always unplug decorations using the gripping area. Pulling on the cord could damage the wire and present a shock or fire hazard.

In general, monitor your home for electrical safety on a regular basis. If you notice any of the following signs, contact a qualified electrician to inspect your home, as these are warning signs of an overloaded electrical system:

• Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses
• Dimming of lights when other devices are turned on
• Buzzing sound from switches or outlets
• Discolored outlets
• Appliances that seem underpowered

As IMPA looks forward, our focus remains on reliability, safety, and continued growth in service provided. From everyone at IMPA, please have a bright, safe, and hopeful new year!