No one wants to start the holiday season with a trip to the ER. The holidays are a time of fun and frolic, but you want to take care to decorate your home safely for the holidays.
As with any job that involves a ladder, hanging holiday lights is one of the most dangerous holiday activities. If you’re planning on hanging them yourself, make sure you’re very comfortable using a ladder. Even better, consider hiring a professional to safely and quickly hang your lights for you. This goes double for anything that involves actually climbing on the roof.
If you hang lights yourself using a ladder, make sure you observe all ladder safety rules. Don’t try to step above the recommended height, and resist the temptation to reach just a few extra inches—mistakes like that are where falls happen. Look out for overhead wires; they’re easy to miss when you’re doing that many things at once. It’s best to have a ladder buddy who can steady the ladder for you from the ground.
You should also choose your lights carefully. When shopping for holiday lights, read the labels and be sure to choose outdoor-specific lighting for your outdoor decorations. If you use indoor lights outside, they could get ruined during inclement weather or even pose a safety risk. Look for lights that have been approved by reputable standards organizations such as Internek (ETL Semko) or Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for outdoor use. The ratings will be clearly marked on both the power cord labels and the packaging.
Pay attention to the type of outlets you use outside. Always plug your outdoor lights into GFCI outlets, which automatically shut off power when water is detected. This will keep your home and your family safe if it rains while your lights are plugged in. Any outdoor outlets that have been installed to code should be GFCI outlets already.
You should also turn off your lights when you aren’t home. Holiday lights—both indoor and outdoor—shouldn’t be left unattended for long periods of time. Shutting them off when you’re away from your home can save energy and ensure your home stays safe while you’re gone.
You should take extra safety precautions if you have kids or pets in your home. Put away any decorations within their reach, secure any loose cords and cover any outlets you may have uncovered while decorating.
Don’t overlook the importance of planning for emergencies. Make a plan for common emergencies, such as home fires, including your escape plan for all members of the family and pets, and a preselected spot to meet if you get separated. Ensure everyone knows the plan and practice it in advance, so you won’t be doing it for the first time in an emergency.
