While you might be tempted to put up your Christmas lights by scaling your house or commercial property using your ninja skills, we recommend not. Safety is the number one priority when putting up your twinkly lights.
Tip 1: Check the Weather and Put Lights Up Now Not Later!
Do not put your lights up in the middle of a rainstorm or blizzard. You might have the time only a handful of times before it hits freezing temperatures at all hours of the day, but it’s a dangerous choice that will likely not end well. To avoid emergency room visits, avoid the wind, rain, snow, and ice.
Tip 2: Use Approved Outdoor Lights
Outdoor lights are weatherproof and are made to be attached to the outside of a building. Check the tag on your lights if you aren’t sure, but if you use indoor lights outside, they could break down and cause more damage like a fire or injury by electrical shock. LED lights are extra special and a top choice by many because they save electricity and who doesn’t want a smaller electrical bill.
Tip 3: Check the Status of Old Lights
When you plugin last year’s Christmas lights and only one or two lights are out, then you can replace the individual bulbs and be on your way. However, if half a strand is lit and the other half is not, you’ll need to purchase fresh lights. If even one light is out, it must be checked for cord damage or loose wires and should be replaced. Electrical shock can occur.
Tip 4: Keep Power Cable Off the Ground
You will probably end up using an extension cable to power your Christmas lights. The place where you plug in the two cables should never be left on the ground. It’s too easy for puddles to accumulate and water to get inside. Keep them dry by hanging them under a covered area.
Tip 5: Use Proper Ladder Safety
Many experts use wooden or fiberglass ladders when placing lights on roofs because it lessens the possibility of electrical shock. Remember to place on a level surface, check that the metal braces are locked before stepping up, only allow one person at a time, and do not step on the top step.
Tip 6: Use Light Clips
Want to further protect yourself from electrical shock? Avoid nails, screws, staplers, and any other kind of metal object when hanging your lights. Metal objects are typically sharp and could easily puncture light strands and cause electrical problems, like an electric shock and bulb malfunction.
Tip 7: If You Don’t Feel Safe, Call an Expert
Whether you’re unsure about your electrical system creation or you don’t have a ladder that reaches high enough, you can always call experts to finish the job safely or give their professional opinion. Here at MSNW, our Christmas lighting experts can take care of your commercial property and hang lights, so you don’t have to!
Tip 8: Set Your Lights on a Timer
If you want to save even more money this year on your electrical bills, then set your lights on a timer that shuts off before the sun comes up. It’s hard to tell when the lights are on or not in the mornings which can cause forgetfulness to turn off the lights manually. Set up a timer, and let it do the rest.
Tip 9: Follow Package Directions
Many people ignore written instructions because it’s a pain to read the fine print, but ignoring safety information is not an option. Protect yourself and your family, by reading instructions and following the rules.
Tip 10: Take a Minute to Enjoy the Lights
Lights bring warmth to the cold winter nights. So, when you drive back home at night after a long day of work and it’s already dark out, you’ll be greeted by brightness and warmth through the lights that you smartly scheduled to turn on just after the sunset.