5 Safety Tips for Installing Your Holiday Lights
As 2020 began, most of us had no idea the year would take the many turns it has. So far, the theme for this year is unpredictability and uncertainty.
With a winter wonderland headed our way in the next few months, we want you and your family to have a predictable holiday season. You can have the Christmas season you deserve with these safety tips.
If you install your own holiday lights, (Clark Griswold-style), this article for you. We’ve put together our top safety precautions. These tips will help you avoid injury. This way your only concerns are Christmas shopping and Eggnog.
Here are five safety tips for installing your holiday lights. They come right from our Arvidson Christmas Decor team! We want you to be safe as you install your lights this holiday season.
Tip 1: Install Early
- Installing lights early means you can install when the weather is warm.
- You’ll also have solid footing for ladder work (no snow and ice).
- Prime installation time is late October early November.
You’ll be glad you took advantage of an early install date so you don’t have to worry about dropping temperatures and icy conditions.
Tip 2 : Test Christmas Lights Before Installing
- Test your lights and replace broken bulbs or poor wiring before you begin your installation. This way you can concentrate on the sole duty of hanging decorations in an aesthetically pleasing way.
At Christmas Decor by Arvidson, we encourage you to troubleshoot your lights before hanging. Why? It’s the most efficient way to install holiday lighting.
Tip 3: Ensure Electrical Outlet Capacity
- Make sure your house outlets can handle the electrical output of holiday lighting. This is often an overlooked aspect of Christmas decoration installation.
- If you use incandescent lights, be careful how many bulbs are on a string. You don’t want to blow a fuse.
- Check your outlets to know the wattage ratings. This is important when you’re using extension cords.
- Check cords and outlets for overheating and monitor energy consumption.
- If you use LED lights, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Tip 4: Check Ladder Safety
This is one of our most important safety tips!
According to the World Health Organization, each year in the United States there are more than 164,000 injuries that require a trip to the ER and 300 deaths caused by falls from ladders. We cannot stress enough how crucial it is to inspect your ladder’s safety.
- First, make sure the ladder is on a secure stable surface and the base of the ladder is in a position where it can’t slip.
- If possible, have a spotter at the base to reinforce stability.
- When on the ladder, keep both feet and one hand on it. This is especially important for balance when you’re hanging lights on a roof ridgeline.
- DO NOT BE A LADDER HERO. What we mean is: don’t climb on the top rung to reach that last peak on your roof or tree. Use the appropriate ladder height or call a professional to finish the last touch on the house.
Tip 5: Use Roof Lighting Installation Equipment
When working on a roof, it’s paramount that you take precautionary measures.
- Your first step is to check the conditions of your roof.
- Check to see if your roof is stable so you can hang lights. This combined with solid footing on a latter limits your chance of falling.
- Again, if possible, it is always smart to use a spotter.
- Another suggestion for roof lighting is to use a harness. If you have access to a roofing harness, we highly recommend using it for optimal safety. Once the harness is on, connect a safety rope to the harness with a carabiner or a strong knot. Tie the other end of the safety rope to a tree or a stable base opposite your location so it supports your weight in case of a slip on your roof.
Installing Christmas lights can be tiring, but with these safety tips you’ll have the safest and most efficient lighting experience possible. The work is worth it when you’re driving home after a long day, and you come home to the warm glow of your decorative lighting
This reminds of the joy and memories that Christmas brings. So, get the kids off the couch, grab a jacket and gloves, and start brightening your home for a well-deserved holiday season with your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Does that sound like a lot of work? Christmas Decor by Arvidson provides a turn-key service that includes design, installation, maintenance, and removal of your outdoor holiday lighting decorations. Our products are high-quality and commercial grade and last throughout the holiday season.
We ensure your light display is in tip top shape, and if you have any problems a service professional is just a phone call away. Christmas Decor by Arvidson will also store your decorations so you don’t need to worry about clearing out the garage!