Sierra Pacific Power Company
Contact: Karl Walquist or Bob Sagan
Phone: (775)834-4345

For Immediate Release

Sierra Pacific Power Co. reminds customers to practice safety when hanging lights this holiday season. The following simple electrical safety tips will help when decorating with lights:

· Only use light and extension cords labeled as safe for outdoor use

· Use one longer extension cord instead of linking several shorter ones together

· Keep metal ladders away from overhead power lines

· Avoid stapling or nailing electrical cords because it may damage insulation · To prevent falls, keep extension cords off the walkways

· When stringing lights, either inside or outside, always unplug the cord first

· Be careful not to overload an electrical outlet. Overloading can cause overheating and lead to a fire

· Before leaving home, or going to bed, always turn off all decorative lights

· Make sure outdoor electrical outlets have shock-protecting, ground fault circuit interrupters, especially around metallic and wet surfaces.