Rooftop Christmas Decorating Safety Tips

It is easy to get wrapped up in the decorating frenzy of Christmas, especially if you live in the kind of neighborhood where it is politely frowned upon if you don't recreate Santa's North Pole in and around your house. And one of the places where it can get tricky is on the roof so here are a few safety tips to keep Christmas hospital free.

1. Ask friends to help you. They can help with passing things and holding the ladder. It looks funny in the movies but in real life, around Christmas time there are many ladder related accidents reported to emergency rooms nation wide. Otherwise secure the ladder to the roof and make sure it is sturdy.

2. Plan ahead. Place things strategically beforehand in the spots where you want to put them up. This will eliminate a lot of unnecessary walking around.

3. Switch off the main circuit before installing anything electrical. Make sure all the bulbs and necessary components are screwed in tightly and everything is secure.

4. Check the roof before starting the actual work. Make sure the areas you will be working is safe to walk on and that it won't suddenly break underneath you. Also check for slippery areas or areas where it is too thick in snow that you can see the condition of the surface beneath it. For icy or slippery areas, rock salt can be liberally strewn around to make for a more slip-proof surface.

5. Choose the right kind of weather. Night time is obviously a bad idea for the lack of light. Also try not to do it during a day or time of day where it is so sunny that the brightness can affect your vision.

6. Use the correct tools and equipment. Also use a waist utility bag so that everything you need is secure in one place. When done with a tool out it back in its place to avoid tripping on it later.

7. Use the right types of decoration. Make sure that it is in fact made for outdoor use in order to withstand the elements. Ask the seller of these decorations if you are not sure. This includes the lights.

8. Wear the proper clothes. The right boots can help prevent a slip and fall. Also try to dress as comfortable as possible. You are already in an unsteady environment and being uncomfortable in your own clothes can be quite impairing.

9. Make sure that all the outdoor cords are long enough and attach them to walls so that they are secure. Be sure to check for broken cables especially if you expect rainy weather. Make sure it is weather resistant.

10.When everything is up and ready to go, make very sure all big ornaments like Santa and the reindeer are fastened securely. You don't' want them to blow off your roof and damage your property or the neighbor's property. What's worse is it can hit an animal or even a person.

Happy Holidays!

Article Resource: Maritza Retief