Deck the halls (safely): 8 tips for holiday decorating

Deck the halls (safely): 8 tips for holiday decorating

Dec 5, 2025 | Safety and Security

The holidays are a time for friends, family and appreciating all we have to be thankful for. 

And nothing shows you care more than keeping those you love most safe throughout the season, right? 

It can be a busy time of year, but don’t forget to make safety — especially electrical safety — a top priority when decorating your home. Here are 8 tips to keep your season merry, bright and safe.  

  • Check the halls before you deck the halls. Throw out any damaged light strands and replace them with LED bulbs. Check wall sockets, wires and connections to make sure they’re in good, working order. If you find a problem, contact a professional, certified electrician. 
  • Place decorations and trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators and candles. If using candles, blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep. 
  • Inspect your cords to make sure they’re marked for proper use. Use plastic or insulated clips to secure your cords. Avoid using nails, screws or tacks. Avoid running extension cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. 
  • If you have a natural tree, water it frequently to keep it fresh. The heat from incandescent bulbs can ignite a dry tree. If you have incandescent bulbs, consider switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs. 
  • Be mindful of your electrical load. While some of us may enjoy big, beautiful and bright displays, overloading can cause fires. Follow manufacturer guidelines for how many sets of lights can be safely connected to your outlets and extension cords. 
  • When decorating outdoors, always carry ladders parallel to the ground and look up for power lines before setting up your ladder. 
  • Always hang your decorations during daylight hours.  
  • At night, make sure to turn your holiday lights and decorations off before leaving home and going to bed. 

Don’t let something preventable steal your holiday cheer. Whether you are just getting ready to decorate — or if you already have — keep these tips in mind to stay safe and merry this season. 

Hero in a hard hat: lineworker helps rescue family from house fire

Hero in a hard hat: lineworker helps rescue family from house fire

Nov 4, 2025 | Community Involvement, Safety and Security

Lineworker Brian Chuzas is proof that PPL Electric Utilities’ commitment to safety — and keeping others safe — extends far beyond the company’s service centers and work sites.

While finishing up a recent repair job with his crew in Pittston Township, Luzerne County, Brian saw thick smoke in the sky. Something didn’t feel right, so he decided to check it out.

It’s a good thing he did.

When Brian got closer, he saw a house on fire. He quickly called 911 and stayed on the phone to give updates. At the house, another person was trying to get inside, yelling for anyone who might be trapped.

Brian went up to the door, kicked it in and found a three-year-old girl crying on the other side.

“I put my hand out and said, ‘let’s get out of here,'” Chuzas said.

He walked the girl outside and brought her to the other man assisting. But the girl started yelling for her parents, sending Brian back into the burning house to find them.

He searched the first floor, then ran upstairs to check the bedrooms and bathroom before heading back downstairs to look in the kitchen.

“As I got to the kitchen, I could see some stairs to the basement and there was an inferno,” Chuzas said. “Then I heard something blow up in the kitchen and reality kicked in. I could feel heat from the fire. That’s when the 911 dispatcher said I needed to get out of the house. I started making my way out of the house and yelling for the parents.”

As Brian left the house, he saw what he believed were the parents and shouted for them to escape. By then, firefighters had arrived and were ready to help.

PPL Electric crews always identify their location with an address in their pre-job discussions, so Brian was readily able to provide an accurate location to the 911 dispatcher.

“I’m just thankful that I was able to help and that everyone got out OK,” Chuzas said.