| OHSA probably will not be coming around this holiday | | | | good idea is to hire an electrician place outside GFIC |
| season, but maybe they should. Hundreds of people | | | | receptacles where you need them. |
| are hurt every year installing holiday decorations cuts, | | | | 4. Heavy Decorations - Hanging or installing heavy |
| broken bones, strains, electrocution, and falls from | | | | decorations like the Santa on the roof or large wreath |
| ladders, falls from roofs, tripping, slipping, and sliding. | | | | covering half of the second floor. Keep yourself safe |
| These things and more will do it every time putting a | | | | climbing around on a roof is dangerous business. Make |
| big damper on your family holiday. Here are six ways | | | | sure you securely fasten these or any large |
| to make life easier and longer lasting. | | | | decorations in place. There always are windy nights |
| 1. Moving Heavy Boxes - Don't carry too much weight. | | | | and we would hate to have Santa take out the front |
| Bend your knees when picking things up. Use a dolly or | | | | of uncle Vinnie's corvette. |
| cart to move items around. Be extra careful when | | | | 5. Inside Decorations - they are no different, make sure |
| carrying up or down stairs. Get help for the big | | | | the tree is secure and won't fall over. Place the stand |
| awkward boxes that you can't get your hands around. | | | | on a piece of plywood 18" x 18" or a size at least as |
| 2. Step Ladders & Extension Ladders - Use only | | | | large as the legs. This plywood base should have the |
| on level surfaces make sure the legs are secure not | | | | legs screwed into it. Watch out hanging decoration |
| sliding. Don't stand on top stop where the | | | | from light fixtures or railings. Keep stairs and doorways |
| manufacturer recommends. Have a helper when | | | | clear of decorations. Don't over load outlets, use |
| carrying a large ladder. Extension ladders have a | | | | power strips with ground fault breakers and check all |
| helper holding the feet so they don't move while you're | | | | extension cords. |
| going up and down. Watch out for electrical wiring an | | | | 6. Clean up Back to Storage - cleaning up and |
| aluminum ladder against your electrical services wires | | | | packaging can be as dangerous as when you installed |
| can put you out forever. | | | | the decorations. Disconnect from the outlets any |
| 3. Outside Lighting - Use GFCI receptacles on all | | | | electrical cords before taking down the lights. Have |
| outdoor lighting. If wiring from inside use receptacles in | | | | your helper there with you again for ladders and all |
| the garage, kitchen or bathrooms they are normally | | | | heavy objects. |
| GFCI protected then check to insure they are. | | | | Safely install and safely take down all holiday |
| Extension cords, lights, power strips, and timers all must | | | | decorations and then you'll be around to do it all over |
| be outside rated and weatherproof. Check the boxes | | | | again next year. Aren't you the lucky one? |
| and manufactures tags/stickers for use instructions. A | | | | Have a very Happy Holiday and a Merry Christmas. |