The importance of decorating safety doesn’t stop at the front door. There are a few additional points to keep in mind when decorating outdoors: Lights and Electrical Decorations: - Make sure all products, including extension cords, are marked for outdoor use.
- Always use a GFCI-protected outlet outdoors.
- Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using.
- Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage, but take care not to attach the lights in a way that could damage the cord’s insulation.
- Keep all extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water.
- Make sure spotlights used to illuminate decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather, and a safe distance from flammable items.
Ladders: - Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, and nuts before using.
- Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines.
- Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
- Use the right ladder height, ensuring ladders extend at least three feet past the edge of the roof.
Safety Spotlight: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a device designed to protect people from electrical shock and electrocution. The GFCI constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit, quickly switching off power to that circuit if any loss of current occurs.
GFCI receptacles are used in place of standard outlets in areas of the home where water may come into contact with electrical products, such as the bathroom, garage, kitchen, and basement.
GFCIs should be tested every month to ensure they are in working order.
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