Holiday decorating with safety in mind
Take thorough precautionary steps as you set up your winter wonderland
I love the holidays because it brings lots of family gatherings, tons of great food, and, if I’m lucky, a little time away from the job site. I’m just getting ready to set up the winter wonderland at my home, and I couldn’t be more excited.
’Tis the season — but as we’re getting ready, let’s make sure we all keep the holiday season merry, bright, and made right.
LIGHT THE LIGHTS
Nothing beats a snow-covered house with a beautiful light display — to me, that really shows off the spirit of the holiday season. It’s a picture you just can’t beat.
Before you string the lights up on your rooftop, inspect and test them carefully. Older light strings may be damaged, and if you spot any frayed cords, it’s time to replace the string. And always use lights that are designed for outdoor use.
I love seeing lights hung along a roofline, but what I hate to see is when people hammer nails into their eavestroughs to string lights. You’re doing damage to your gutters and reducing their effectiveness — and replacing them isn’t a cheap fix. Instead, opt for fasteners that you can clip onto your eavestrough or roofline that will hold the lights in place for you.
Always use plenty of common sense when hanging lights using a ladder (I know I don’t have to tell you this), and never try to overextend yourself when placing the strings. Nothing will ruin a holiday like a trip to the ER because of an avoidable ladder accident. Test the lights before you climb the ladder — the last thing you want is one bad string messing up your festive display.
Finally, at the end of the season, take the lights down. Just because they’re outdoor lights, that doesn’t mean they’re meant to stay up year round. It can wear them out a lot faster — and damaged wiring is a fire hazard. They should be up for two months at the most.
DECK THE HALLS
Before you open your doors to your holiday visitors, take care to ensure that your home will be accident-free. Check your guest list twice to make sure that everyone from toddlers in strollers to grandparents with walkers will be able to navigate your home with ease.
As the snow falls, keep your walkways as clear as possible. After I shovel, I follow up by tossing some gravel and sand on the path to act as a de-icing agent, because it’s safe for my pets as well as my concrete paths.
Replace your exterior lights with fresh bulbs. If you’ve got a long walkway, think about adding some LEDs to light the way to and from the house should your holiday party go well into the night. This will help guide them out of the home quickly and safely — and that’s important, especially in the case of an emergency such as a fire.
Keep pathways clear inside the home, too. Don’t place any rugs near staircases, because they can be a major tripping hazard. You may be used to them and know where to step lightly, but your guests won’t.
TRIM THE TREE
I always get a real Christmas tree around the holidays. I used to get a real tree with my dad every year. It was special, and something that I passed down with my kids and grandkids. I actually love a real tree, because it’s greener than you might think it would be. Tree farms produce oxygen, offer shelter for wildlife and are a renewable local resource that can be planted repeatedly. In fact, one acre (0.4 hectares) of trees can produce enough oxygen for 18 people. Now that’s evergreen!
Real trees are far less susceptible to fire if you buy one that’s still alive. When you get it home, saw a few inches off the bottom of the trunk so it’s got a fresh raw cut to soak in water. Make sure the tree always has plenty of water to keep it alive and hydrated so it’s more fire-safe.
Don’t ever put your old tree (or any branches and clippings) into your fireplace. The sap can create a quick-burning fire hazard in your fireplace or venting — and it doesn’t take much.
Whether you go real or artificial, decorate with flame-resistant materials, and keep the tree at least three feet from any heat sources.
Always switch off the lights (or use a timer if you’re forgetful) before you leave the house or go to bed.
Don’t ever put your old tree (or any branches and clippings) into your fireplace.