Stringing Up the Christmas Lights - Safety Tips

There are three main hazards to watch out for when putting up Christmas lights, indoors or outdoors: shocks, fires and falling.

Electrical products have become significantly safer over the past few decades. With GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) outlets, non-reversible plugs and other innovations of the recent past, it's rare to get shocked. But the possibility still exists.

Outdoor lights are meant to withstand the weather conditions, such as rainfall so ensure the lights you are using outdoors are properly marked as such. Do not use lights packaged as indoor only lights outdoors. Mostly use common sense when handling any lights that have been outdoors as they may still be wet from past rain. Do not use nails to hang lights by the wire as it may cause a shocking hazard.

The most obvious thing to check is the insulation. Storing several strings of Christmas lights away for a year, tangled amongst themselves, can easily strip a small hole in the plastic encapsulating the wires. Missing insulation can occur easily from hanging the lights by tacking them up with u-shaped nails. They sometimes compress the insulation and could even puncture it.

Although decorative, you are still dealing with electricity and a simple spark near straw from a nativity scene, for example, can start fire. Wood shavings produced by insects or construction can provide a starter as well. Many times tissue papers and other items get very dry when stored and used year after year.

Limbs from an artificial tree are mostly made from or coated with flame retardant materials. They are very hard to combust, but a natural tree, especially one that has dried out over a few weeks period, is a potential fire hazard. With care, the risk is very low. The tree is only there for a short time, so keep your holiday safe by watering it daily. Inspect lights before placing them on the tree and ensure there are no breaks in the insulation. Don't use spliced wires under any conditions on a natural Christmas tree.

Again, many hazards are of a common sense nature, but more often accidents occur from falling around Christmas time. It is easy to get wrapped up in the bright, colorful lights and the spirit of the Christmas holiday.

On many occassions a tall ladder is used to string lights indoors and out. If using a traditional a frame or straight ladder, have someone hold the ladder steady. Make sure someone is there to hold the ladder when you climb and when you descend. One slight body movement can produce a sideways force that pushes the ladder out from under you.

Always use a ladder with non-slip feet and set it one foot out for every four feet in height. As always, avoid using the top two steps. Indoors it's helpful to have someone secure the ladder if it's more than three feet tall. Even a fall from a step stool while stringing lights on a tree indoors can result in serious hip or arm injuries.

Accidents can be easily avoided when stringing the christmas lights during the holiday season. A bit of caution can go a long way. Whenever possible share the spirit of the season with someone. Rather than a chore, make it a bonding experience with a family member. Having a partner to inspect the lights or assist when climbing a ladder will ensure a safe holiday and a healthy Christmas Day to open up all of the presents!

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