It’s that time again, time to add some sparkle and shine to your house and light it up like a Christmas tree! With all the sparkling tinsel, blow up Santa’s, singing Christmas decorations and shiny baubles it’s easy to get carried away and forget to keep it safe. That’s where we come in with our top ten tips to keep safe while decorating the house and packing up after Christmas. So, if you are planning on lighting up the house like the Griswold’s consider these top tips first!
1. Check the quality of the lights and make sure they are not damaged, if you have very old lights consider investing in some new ones. Make sure using are using outdoor lights on the outside of the house.
2. Avoid climbing on the roof, if you must make sure you use a harness and an extension ladder and have someone spot you. And don’t forget to wear non slip closed footwear, this is not the time for your thongs…
3. Separate your lights from your tinsel or anything else flammable such as paper, cardboard or curtains. The most common way a fire starts is by overloading a power point. The average capacity for a power point is 2,300 watts so keep this in mind.
4. Plastic hooks are safer for hanging lights than nails, staples or screws. Also think about trip hazards and take the time to place things away from walk ways and tape leads down.
5. When installing lights, plug the light set into an earthed power point that is protected by a safety switch.
6. Keep transformers and light changing controllers indoors unless they are made for the outdoors.
7. Keep your lights away from the pool and make sure you turn them off each night before bed and during storms or bad weather.
8. Don’t alter or modify your lights and make sure they are Australian compliant lights (especially if purchased online).
9. Test your safety switch and smoke detector to make sure they are working and don’t leave your children or animals unattended near the Christmas décor.
10. Remember the pack down is just as dangerous as the set-up, take your time and protect yourself from the heat.
We hope you have a safe and happy Christmas break with lots of time spent with family and friends.
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