The Christmas season is finally upon us, and with the holiday being less than a month away - it's time to decorate! Whether you're a Clark Griswold or more like the Grinch, there are a few ways you can help eliminate catastrophe while decorating the outside of your home. At Paradise Landscaping, we know that the outside is just as important as the inside. From the thousands of little lightbulbs on your roof to the swept pathway leading to your front door - every detail matters. Here are a few ways you can decorate your home AND stay safe this year.
Only use lights that have been tested for safety, and look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or other nationally - recognized laboratories. Christmas lights that are approved for indoor use only have a green UL listed tag or a silver tag with "UL" written in green. If the lights are approved for outdoor use, the "UL" is listed in red. Keep in mind that LED lights are more energy efficient and they run cooler - plus they last longer! Inspect all of the lights and decorations for cracks, damaged plug-ins, bare wires, or other defects. These can cause fires or even shock as you decorate.
As you're decorating your home, remember to use wooden or fiberglass ladders, since metal ladders will conduct electricity. When putting your lights on your house, be sure to secure the lights, decorations, and cords to prevent wind damage. Don't staple or nail through the electrical wires either. Look for plastic hangers and clips that can attach the decor to your home.
When you're looking for outlets to plug your lights into, make sure you only use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of electric shock. You can also find portable GFCIs for outdoor use. You can find these where electrical supplies are sold. Also, use your landscape Christmas lights in the safest way possible by turning them off when you leave your home or go to bed.
Planning the Display
First things first, you'll want to plan your display before dragging out the lights. While it's important to think about aesthetics, you also have to think practically. Plan your light display around the outlets on your home making sure they can be easily plugged into outdoor outlets. Don't plug your lights into the outlets on the inside of your home through windows or doors as this can provide easy access to intruders.Only use lights that have been tested for safety, and look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or other nationally - recognized laboratories. Christmas lights that are approved for indoor use only have a green UL listed tag or a silver tag with "UL" written in green. If the lights are approved for outdoor use, the "UL" is listed in red. Keep in mind that LED lights are more energy efficient and they run cooler - plus they last longer! Inspect all of the lights and decorations for cracks, damaged plug-ins, bare wires, or other defects. These can cause fires or even shock as you decorate.
Safe Decorating Practices
As you're decorating your home, remember to use wooden or fiberglass ladders, since metal ladders will conduct electricity. When putting your lights on your house, be sure to secure the lights, decorations, and cords to prevent wind damage. Don't staple or nail through the electrical wires either. Look for plastic hangers and clips that can attach the decor to your home.
When you're looking for outlets to plug your lights into, make sure you only use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of electric shock. You can also find portable GFCIs for outdoor use. You can find these where electrical supplies are sold. Also, use your landscape Christmas lights in the safest way possible by turning them off when you leave your home or go to bed.
Comments
Post a Comment