Christmas is on its way. It’s the time of the year millions of people look forward to. Family gatherings, holiday cheer, shopping extravaganzas, and an array of other festivities lie just over the horizon, and quite a few people feel that they can’t come fast enough.
Of course, the annual arrival of the holiday season also means it’s time to decorate, and if you’re like many people, you’re planning to go all out this year.
When you’re decking your home with those brilliant lights and ornaments, the following measures can help keep you safe.
1. Have Permanent Lights Installed
One way to reduce the dangers of holiday decorating is to have permanent Christmas lights installed.
They stay in place all year long, and they’re designed to withstand the elements. They’re put into place by professional technicians as well.
That keeps you from having to climb ladders and ensures the lights are installed properly and safely.
2. Use Caution With Ladders
If you choose the more traditional decorating route, be careful when climbing ladders. Be sure your ladder is in good condition, and take your time when climbing up and down.
You should always have someone on the ground holding the ladder steady and watching out for you as well.
3. Use the Right Lights
Using the right lights can also help keep you safe. Many string lights and LEDs are designed for both indoor and outdoor use these days, but some of them are meant for indoor use only.
Using them interchangeably isn’t recommended because indoor lights shouldn’t be exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures.
4. Never Nail or Staple Lights in Place
Additionally, you should never use nails or staples to hold lights in place. You could accidentally damage the wires, which could pose a fire hazard or cause an electrical shock. Instead of nails or staples, consider using clips, hooks, or zip ties.
5. Use Outdoor Extension Cords for Outdoor Lights
As is the case with the Christmas lights themselves, when decorating the exterior of your home, it’s important to use extension cords that are safe for outdoor use.
They’re made to hold up to moisture and other hazards. That means they won’t cause shortages and other problems.
6. Don’t Overload Outlets
Be sure you don’t overload your electrical outlets as well. Don’t plug more strands of lights in to an outlet than it’s meant to handle.
If possible, use multiple outlets for your lights or use UL-approved power strips.
7. Keep Cords Out of the Way
Drop cords can be a major trip hazard, even if they’re clearly visible. Try to keep them out of your family’s main flow of traffic.
Run them along the edges of walls, walkways, and stairs, and try to avoid running them across the floor.
8. Replace Broken and Missing Bulbs
Don’t forget to check your light strands for missing or broken bulbs before plugging them in to be sure they work and putting them on your house. Broken bulbs and empty sockets are shock and fire hazards.
Besides that, if you check before you put the lights up, you won’t have to make extra trips up and down a ladder to replace them after the fact.
9. Be Mindful of Pets
Be mindful of your pets as well. They may try to chew on the wires, which is certainly dangerous.
They often get underfoot when their humans are doing something out of the ordinary too.
10. Watch Small Children Closely
Finally, be sure to keep a watch over small children when you’re putting up Christmas lights.
They may try to climb the ladder to “help” you or simply to get a different view of the world. They may get tangled up in the lights or try to plug them in as well.
Staying Safe When Decorating for the Holidays
While you’re decorating your home for the holidays, staying safe is essential. Countless people inadvertently place themselves and their families in danger with their Christmas decor each year.
Avoiding the common mistakes and taking advantage of the latest technology can help keep you out of harm’s way.
