December 11, 2015
The holiday season is upon us and nothing is more festive than outdoor holiday decorations. While the final look is certainly important, it is extremely necessary to guarantee that you don’t get hurt in the process of installing your decorations. The best outdoor decorations are gorgeous as well as safe. As a homeowner, safety should be the first priority when preparing your holiday display.
Preparation is key when deciding to take holiday decorations outside. When you know the measurements of your outdoor space, it will be easy to select decorations that are well suited for your property. Gathering supplies ahead of time like ladders, power strips, and generators will save you a lot of headache, and will make the process that much easier. Research your local ordinances to ensure that your holiday lighting is in compliance to avoid electrical problems or a possible fine from your local municipality. Be sure your gutters are properly maintained before installing outdoor lighting as clogged gutters are a potential fire hazard.
It's also a best practice to thoroughly inspect your lights and other electrical components, particularly if you used the same equipment last year. Check for broken bulbs and frayed cords, and ensure that your power outlets and grounding equipment are functioning properly.
When shopping for lighting, be sure that all lights and displays are certified by Underwriters Laboratories or UL listed. This will give you the peace of mind since these products have been through rigorous UL safety testing. Always choose LED lights for its energy efficiency and low heat output. LED bulbs last much longer than old fashioned filament bulbs and greatly reduce the risk of fire.
Once you are sure that all safety precautions are in place, you are ready to coordinate your spectacular holiday display. Planning the display is the fun part and the entire family can get in on deciding how your outdoor display will look. The possibilities for outdoor lighting displays are endless and you are only limited by your imagination. Following these guidelines will guarantee that your lighting display is safely enjoyed all season long.
