December is upon us, and that means it’s time to decorate for the holidays! If you’re like us, you like to get festive around this time of year and there’s no better way to show it than with a beautiful display of holiday lights on your home.

There are many exterior points along the home to hang holiday lights. They include: along your roof, around your windows and doors, across your deck or posts, in your trees and bushes, and along your walkway and driveway. Some of these areas are easier to reach than others. You also require extensions cords, hooks and hangers, and potentially other accessories as well in order to complete your display. How can you safely hang holiday lights without worry of injury? Pro Home Improvement has you covered with a few quick tips.

Tip #1: Measure your home before hanging the lights. Measuring beforehand will help you determine how many strands of lights you will need to complete your display. You should also measure the distance to each power source along the house to make sure you can reach.

Tip #2: Be sure you have the proper extension cords. Any old extension cord just won’t do. Be sure you own or purchase outdoor extension cords, which are heavy duty with protective insulation, and built to be weather-resistant. You also want to secure your cords too, especially on the ground, so they don’t cause a trip hazard along your walkways.

Tip #3: Check your lights before hanging them. Never hang any lights that have frayed or worn wires. Not only could it cause your display to not light properly, but it can cause a major safety issue when bad weather strikes. Plug in your lights beforehand to make sure there are no bulbs that need replacing.

Tip #4: Use a strong, sturdy ladder. Place your ladder firmly on the ground and set it up at an angle where you can safely reach your roof or tree area. Never lean far from the ladder or stand on top of two rungs. For added safety, have a second person standing below to make sure the ladder doesn’t wobble or move, causing you to lose your balance.

Tip #5: Hang lights without damaging your home. The best and safest way to hang holiday lights on your home without causing damage is with plastic clips. Plastic light clips are affordable and designed for quick and easy installation and removal. Choosing these clips will prevent punctures or holes in the home which cause lead to air leaks and other issues.

As the year comes to a close, if there are any areas of your home that you’re looking to improve, contact the experts at Pro Home Improvement! We’ll take you into 2019 with a safe, cozy environment you can be proud of. Contact us online or call us directly at 888-PRO-1988 to schedule your no obligation estimate today.