With the holidays here, I have gathered my top 5 tips for a successful and safe decorating experience. SO, grab your hot cocoa and pull up a chair – let’s be smart and safe this holiday season!
#1. First up, holiday lights. When putting up your lights, consider using LED lights. Not only do they cost less to keep lit, but they also last longer than normal incandescent bulbs. Installing timers is another good way to conserve energy.
#2. If installing decorations on roofs, trees and other high areas, be sure to practice ladder safety: Ensure the ladder is set on even ground (you can make any ground level by digging out a small hole with the back end of a hammer or other tool). Be aware of the angle of the ladder and if working on the roof, make sure the ladder sticks up higher than the roof by a few rungs to provide something to hang on to. Finally, if possible always work with another person that can spot you and hold onto the ladder.
#3. Celebrating Christmas? If you have a real tree, keep the twine on it when you bring it in the house – this makes it MUCH easier to maneuver. Also, don’t forget to cut the bottom 6 inches off the tree before installing it in a stand. A clean cut like this makes the tree able to efficiently suck up water. Regardless of if you choose a real or fake tree, be mindful of safety with kids and pets around and secure your tree to keep it from falling over. Fishing line is an easy way to do this, just connect the fishing line from the tree to something built into the wall or install a small hook on the wall.
#4. When installing heavy objects – like large wreaths – aways make sure to use appropriate supplies such as heavy wire and mount it to something solid. It is also a good idea to secure outdoor wreaths in a couple spots to make sure that wind can’t blow it around.
#5. Finally, remember to be safe with power cords. Don’t over extend power strips or run multiple power cords, and make sure all of your power cords are properly grounded.
With that, go forth and decorate! We’re wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season!
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Cream City Maintenance & Remodeling, LLC 