Do you hear what I hear? Sounds of jingle bells and holiday songs as homeowners in Southeast Florida prepare for another Christmas season. As we head into December and decorate for the holidays, it’s important to remember to keep yourself and your home protected as you hang holiday lights.

Climbing on the roof and figuring out how to plug in all the lights can pose safety risks. At Kenco Home Inspections, we want our communities and neighbors to stay safe this holiday season. We also want you to have the information you need to avoid damage to your property. 

Holiday Lights Home Safety Tips 

Practice Ladder Safety

One easy way to stay safe and avoid accidents this holiday season is by prioritizing ladder safety. Ensure you have the right ladder for the job, including the height and durability. Also, always place the ladder on a firm foundation to prevent the ladder from slipping. Organize your lights in a way that allows you to climb easily without becoming tangled in lights. Finally, watch your step. Climb slowly and carefully to avoid falls. 

Use Light Clips to Attach Lights

Light clips protect your roof and gutters from damage when hanging lights. Using nails can damage the roof, siding, or gutters. Instead, secure the lights in place using plastic light clips. This handy product clips onto the roofline and has a hook to attach the lights. Place the light clips at intervals to avoid dangling lights. 

Invest in LED Lights

Replace old holiday lights. LED lights offer improved energy efficiency, and they stay cooler when plugged in. LED lights use less energy, which means they are less likely to stress your electrical outlets. Even with LED lights, homeowners need to be mindful of the number of strands of lights plugged into each outlet.

Inspect Lights for Damage

Damaged lights pose a safety risk. Outdoor lights are exposed to the elements, which may lead to more wear and tear than indoor lights. Before you hang the lights, plug them in to ensure they work properly. Also, look for broken bulbs, frayed wires, or exposed wires. Throw away damaged lights. It’s not worth the risk to use broken light strands.

Use A GFCI Outlet

Ensure your outdoor outlets are ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets protect your home from electrical shorts. Because the outdoor outlets have more moisture exposure, the risk of a problem increases. GFCI outlets protect your electrical system by monitoring the electrical current. When a problem occurs, the outlet triggers to shut down the electric current.  

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Be intentional about safety this holiday season. A few simple practices can help avoid damage to your home and family. Holiday lights can lead to fires, falls, and blown fuses. Avoid the risk by upgrading your lights and taking the time to do the job right. 

If you plan to buy or sell a home this holiday season, contact Kenco Home Inspections. We serve clients in Southeast Florida with trusted home inspections.