Put up holiday decorations without an emergency room detour

Many holiday decorating problems start with a small compromise. It is getting dark, the last hook is just out of reach, or the only extension cord long enough has a cracked plug. Before pulling anything out of storage, choose what you can put up safely with the equipment and help available. A lower row of lights can look just as good and can be easier to take down after the holidays.

Plan the work at ground level

Lay out the strings before climbing so you know how far they reach. Read the product labels and check that lights and cords intended for outside use are suitable for that setting. Set aside damaged sets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on connecting light strings and do not overload outlets. Route cords away from walking paths and places they may be pinched, such as beneath a closing door. A battery-powered decoration may work better in a spot that would otherwise require running a cord through a doorway.

Choose a ladder and setup suited to the task and read the ladder's instructions. Keep it on a stable, level surface. A second person can hand up materials and let you know when children or pets enter the work area. Move the ladder when the next spot is out of reach. Leave roof work to a qualified person when the setup or conditions make it unsafe. Treat wind, wet surfaces and fading daylight as reasons to finish another time.

Work out a daily shutdown

Plug items in a way that allows them to be turned off easily. Keep the exit path clear, even if a display would look better closer to the door. Check that decorations stay secure after rain or wind, and shut off affected lights if a cord or connection appears damaged. Inside, choose battery candles if decorations are within reach of children or pets. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's holiday guidance covers both lighting and decorating hazards. Read it before shopping for replacements so the next setup is easier to use and safer to maintain.

What Georgia law says

Before reusing or buying decorations, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list. If a product injures someone because it was defective when sold, Georgia’s product liability statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, can make the manufacturer responsible, but the statute also contains a ten-year statute of repose that generally runs from the product’s first sale. Keep the box, receipt and the item itself after any incident, and stop using a set that sparks, overheats or has damaged wiring. This is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice for a particular situation.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Call us today, at (770) 840-9098 to speak with Attorney Ned Ogueri.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Results may vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.