Nothing cheers up a space like string lights, especially during dreary winters. If you want a truly eye-catching display, hiring a professional to bring your festive vision to life will guarantee an outstanding result, done safely.
Moyer prides itself on making your holiday lights the envy of the neighborhood.
Our methods for safe, beautiful decorations are something that can be applied to your own lighting project, no matter how big or small, regardless of the occasion.
Safety First
Installing holiday lighting is a tricky combination of electricity, height, and weather. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there are 160 decorating injuries each day during the holiday season, mostly a result of falling.
If you can’t accomplish something safely, don’t do it. No decoration is worth injury.
Keep these pointers in mind to make sure your festive occasions aren’t ruined with a trip to the hospital.
- Confirm that all extension cords, string lights, and electronics are in good condition. Look for frays, warped sections, and missing prongs.
- Choose a day to work with mild weather.
- Keep lights away from accumulated moisture, decorative ponds, or fountains.
- Be mindful of cords as tripping hazards, especially around sidewalks and driveways.
- Place ladders on solid ground; leaning ladders should be at a 75-degree angle. Always maintain 3 points of contact.
- Work with a partner for general help and as a ladder spotter.
- Between 2016-2018 there were 100 Christmas tree fires in the US, resulting in 30 deaths, 180 injuries, and millions of dollars worth of property damage.
- Keep candles away from trees.
- Water live trees often.
- Use “Fire Resistant” labeled artificial trees.
Plan Ahead
No matter how big your project is, thinking ahead before beginning can save you from wasted time and energy spent in the cold.
- Measure your house to determine the materials needed.
- Have one hanger for every 6 inches of string lights.
- Avoid using nails or staples so as not to damage your home or lighting.
- Use plastic hooks for gutters and adhesive clips for windows, columns, or rails.
- Have one extension cord for every three standard lengths of string lights, but check each individual extension cord’s safety information.
- Make a plan for light placement, level, and type.
- Draw attention to key areas with more or brighter lights
- Test all lights before hanging them.
Needed Equipment:
- Lighting and fasteners
- Ladder
- Toolbelt to store fasteners
- Work gloves
Go to Work
With safety in mind and a plan in hand, hanging your decorations will be a project you can undertake with confidence.
- Layout your lights, along with their extension cords, to ensure they can reach the power outlet, but don’t plug them in yet.
- Set up your ladder on solid ground, at a 75-degree angle, and with a spotter.
- Attach each hook to the lights as you go and evenly space them 6 inches apart.
- Fasten the hook tight enough to be secure but not so tight that it damages the cord.
- Once that section is finished, carefully move your ladder to the next section. Be careful to avoid cords or other obstacles.
- When all lights are hung successfully, plug in the extension cords and enjoy!
