Christmas lights are the best, but they can be dangerous to hang up. Whether you prefer understated and sophisticated (boring) or full-on Clark Griswold, nobody wants you spoiling the season by getting hurt.
1. Use big honking extension cords
Don’t use crappy extension cords. And yes, I know you have some in your garage or closet. Those thin, sorry little ones you got at the dollar store last year. Get rid of those.
Rule of thumb: The thicker the extension cord, the better. For those of you who know electrical lingo, 14 gauge is as thin as you want to go, 12 gauge is ideal. Your house wiring is likely 12 gauge.
2. Install lights only where they belong
There are lights made for interior. There are lights made for exterior. There are also interior and exterior. Bottom line, don’t use interior lights outside. It’s an electrical hazard. You can use exterior inside, however.
Oh, and for outside lights, make sure they are plugged into a circuit with a ground fault interrupter (GFI).
3. Practice ladder safety
Ladders can be deadly. Seriously. And you aren’t as sure on a ladder as you might think.
First, buy a sturdy one (I prefer Werner fiberglass).
Next, ONLY USE LADDERS ON LEVEL GROUND. And make sure the ground isn’t soft. If even one of the feet of that ladder sinks into the ground a little, you will wobble.
Last, always have a ladder partner. It’s best if they hold the ladder while you are on it, but at least have them nearby and watching.
Don’t be the one who makes his family visit him in the hospital for Christmas.
Happy holidays!
Kevin
Also, here I am talking about this on TV:
