With the holidays just around the corner, it is a great time to review holiday safety items around the household. Especially if you plan on a lighting display.

When it comes to holiday décor, some families go all out. Regardless of your level of displays it is important to keep some things in mind for safety.

If you’re like many families displaying lights on the outside of your house during the holidays brings a lot of joy and festiveness to your home.

Holiday Light Safety

• Keep your extension cords tucked away and off walkways.
• Extension cords create a trip hazard when run across walkways and other areas where deliveries or guests need to walk. When possible, keep them away from sidewalks and tucked away.
• Use exterior extension cords & lights.
• Extension cords as well as lights come in interior and exterior grades. Be sure if you’re running lights outside to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
• Check for frayed wires.

Over time the wires on your lights may become frayed. Before you hang them up, carefully inspect your wires for frayed ends. If you find any, don’t risk it. Repair them or replace them before you hang them up.

Ladder Safety

Each year thousands of people are injured hanging lights on their home from ladders. OSHA publishes safety precautions that are not only good for businesses to follow but for individuals to follow as well. Some of these safety tips include:

• Select the right ladder for the weight of the job.
• Every ladder has a weight limit. Look at the side of your ladder to determine if it can support enough weight for the job.
• Never utilize the top 3 feet of the ladder. This can cause instability if you go above that point.
• Inspect the ladder before use for damage.
• Never go down a ladder backwards.
• Ensure your ladder is on flat ground and stable before climbing.
• Never lean to the side on a ladder, this can cause instability.
• Use common sense when using ladders to ensure safety. If something feels unsafe to you when you’re on the ladder, it probably is.

We hope that you and your families have a safe and happy holiday season this year. If you ever have questions about your home insurance, give us a call!