9 Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Holiday Decorating
November 23rd, 2009 | 
Author: Most of these holiday safety tips are really just common sense, but it’s a good reminder to review these safety tips every year (just like you Mom always said: “It’s better to be safe than sorry…”)
1. Always use a GFCI exterior outlet, or a GCFI adaptor. This is particularly important when plugging in to an exterior outlet exposed to the weather, or one that is not under some kind of roof like a front porch or garage (i.e. an outlet off the side of the house).
2. Avoid connecting multiple extension cords together that will be exposed to the elements. If you must plug multiple cords together, make sure that it is a 12-guage cord and the connections are wrapped in plastic and tied off with rubber bands or string. It is also a good rule of thumb for extension cords not to exceed 100 feet in length “off the house”.
3. Make sure that your cord is UL rated, and has an intact ground pin (the “third prong” on the end of the cord).
4. Never nail or staple extension cords to attach them to the house, etc. Wire hooks are the way to go to hang string lights off a gutter, roofline, porch, etc.
5. Don’t use any more extension cord than you need to (i.e. avoid using a 200 foot cord for a job where a 50-footer is all you need)
6. Invest in a simple outdoor electrical timer for all your exterior lights and decorations…You don’t really want (or need) your exterior Christmas lights blazing away all night long anyway. This will save you money on your December electrical bill, as well as give you peace of mind at bedtime.
7. Never install your outdoor Christmas decorations in the rain or while standing on a soggy lawn or standing water, and always wear rubber-soled boots.
8. Always have a helper when using a ladder to install installing any decorations on the house, gutter, front porch, dormers, roof line, large tree, etc. Watch out for power lines connecting to the house, and always use a fiberglass instead of an aluminum ladder when working outdoors.
9. Be sure to take your yard display installation down as soon as possible after the holidays (Don’t wait for the snow to melt like my Dad does!)
Posted in Christmas Decorations
This is a great site you’ve set up! As you say, these safety guidelines really are common sense, but it’s always better safe than sorry! PERFECT video clip, too – love it!!!
Julie@ Solar Power Outdoor Lighting´s last blog ..Keywordluv, Commentluv, Do Follow and Top Commentator Blog
Thanks for the safety reminder. You can never be too careful when it comes to electricity.
Eric´s last blog ..Traditional Natural Look Pre Lit Trees
I visit your site from time to time and I must say that I like your template!
Its good to see you posting on this topic, I need to book mark this site. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for these tips, it’s important to stay safe while decorating for the holidays.
Todd@allentown movers´s last blog ..Storage in Allentown
Good list of safety guidelines. Some of these should be remembered year round for Easter decor, 4t of July etc.
One needs to be careful in his or her lifetime. Thanks for the safety reminder. You can never be too careful when it comes to electricity.
I would avoid over doing things like Clark Griswald. Simplicity works and will keep you safe.