Outdoor Holiday Lighting Safety Tips
Every year there are around 15,000 holiday decorating related injuries. Many injuries occur from ladders and falls, electrical hazards, and tripping over misplaced cords.
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Outdoor Holiday Lighting Safety Tips
Every year there are around 15,000 holiday decorating related injuries. Many injuries occur from ladders and falls, electrical hazards, and tripping over misplaced cords. And not surprisingly if you live in northern Illinois the risk of weather related injuries dramatically increases. Here are some of our top tips to keep you safe this holiday season.
Outdoor Approved
All extension cords and decorations that are electrical must be labeled for outdoor use.
Amp Ratings
Make sure the amps of electrical products match the amp rating of your extension cords.
Check For Damage
Be sure to inspect all extension cords, lights, and decorations for damage before installation.
Replacing Bulbs
Before replacing bulbs or fuses, make sure they are not plugged in.
Multiple Decorations
Too many decorations and electrical devices plugged into an outlet can cause can cause overheating and risk of a fire.
Mounting Cords
Make sure that cords are not stuck in any heavy materials or that they aren't mounted in the correct way. The cord's insulation could end up damaged.
Snow & Water
Make sure the extension cords and light strings are kept away from snow and water that is standing.
Wind Damage
Attach outdoor lights securely to stable supports to ensure they will not get wind damage, but make sure when you attach the lights that you keep damage from happening to the the cord's insulation.
Flammable Protection
Well ventilated spotlights must be kept away from anything flammable and installed to protect them them from weather.
Ladder Safety
Be sure to use a wooden or fiberglass ladder, as metal ladders conduct electricity. Be sure someone is holding the ladder for you to prevent any tipping, causing a fall, and all ladders should reach at least three feet above the roof. Inspect ladders for any loose parts before you use them.
Power Off
Be careful when decorating near power lines. You should keep yourself and decorations at least 10 feet from power lines. It is best to turn off all decorations and lights before leaving the home, or going to sleep.
