Get matched with top holiday decorators in Warner, SD

Professionals use the same methods found in this guide unless they’re decorating a particularly large Christmas tree. In that case, they may also make use of tools like extension poles to get the job done. 

There are several ways to hang Christmas lights safely. Here are some key Christmas light safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always use Christmas lights and extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.

• Don’t overload outlets by plugging in too many lights.

• Opt for LED lights for a safer display that saves on energy costs.

• Do not use old or broken Christmas lights.

In the Christmas days of yore, people braved winter weather to staple or tack their Christmas lights onto their rooftops or nearby surfaces like the fascia boards. Problems quickly emerged with that approach. Damage to the roof, even small marks from staples, provides entryways for moisture and similar issues that can hasten roof rot, wear, and associated leaks. Plus, some homes had tough fiber cement boards or other materials where staples and screws didn’t work.

You can take a few steps to prolong the life of your holiday lights. Make sure to replace burnt-out bulbs as quickly as possible to avoid overloading the rest of the circuit and knocking out more lights. Before packing them up each year, plug each strand into the wall to confirm everything is still working. Wrap the lights carefully back into their original packaging or something similar—winding a strand tightly together or leaving it to hang loose in a storage bin can lead to frayed or damaged wiring.