Nailing it Down

By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty

Finally, some rain-free weather here on the Harbor. Maybe we’ll even have a pleasant evening for Montesano’s Festival of Lights parade tonight.

While many folks have already started (or finished) decorating for Christmas, some waited to get that tree or string up those lights because of all that wind and rain. So, if you’re decorating this weekend, here are some good reminders for Christmastime safety:

OUTDOOR DECORATIONS

Use only outdoor lights outside your home. Also, use only lights evaluated by a recognized testing entity, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL).

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Dispose of any set with damage.

Disconnect electrical power while replacing bulbs and keep it off while putting up outdoor lighting.

Before putting up lights, check each string by setting it on a nonflammable surface and plugging it in for 10-15 minutes to ensure the lights don’t melt or smoke.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.

Always use extension cords with a three-prong plug approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor extension cords outside.

Avoid standing in water while handling electrical wiring or using power tools.

Use a dry, wooden or fiberglass ladder when hanging holiday lights, to reduce the chance of electrical shock. Be sure to stay clear of overhead electrical wires.

Waterproof all electrical connections and keep them elevated so that rainwater won’t drain into the connection and possibly cause a shock or short circuit.

For added electric shock protection, plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, walls or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage. To hold in place, use only insulated staples (not nails or tacks) that are hammered in. Using a staple gun increases the chance of electrical shock. Or, run strings of lights through hooks.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

MINIATURE LIGHTS

When replacing miniature bulbs, use bulbs with the same voltage rating (for instance, a 3-volt bulb to replace a 3-volt bulb, a 12-volt bulb to replace a 12-volt bulb) to prevent dangerous overheating.

Bulbs are not marked individually with a voltage rating, so save that information on the bulb packaging.

Promptly replace burned-out bulbs, because the remaining bulbs burn brighter and hotter for each dead one. Light sets with bulbs that burn out rapidly, or sets that show signs of melting around bulbs, are early indications of defective or incorrect lamps. These sets should not be used.

People often tightly wrap or bunch miniature lights together into a cup or pot for special effects. The heat generated by bunching the lights together may result in melting, which could expose live parts. Christmas lights are designed for decorating trees and objects where the bulbs are separated and their heat is not concentrated.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Many of you likely will be searching for the perfect Christmas tree this weekend. Aren’t we lucky around here to have lots of beautiful, fresh trees to choose from?

Sadly, the natural Christmas tree, which is found in more than 33 million American homes, tops the list of potential holiday hazards.

Heed the same advice for the outside lights and carefully inspect your Christmas tree lights, throwing out any that have signs of excessive wear.

Here are some other tips for a safer tree:

• Use an artificial, laboratory UL-evaluated, flame-retardant tree.

• If you use a fresh tree, make sure it is very fresh — easy to do around here. Cut the trunk again right before placing it in water, and keep it well-watered.

• Make sure all lights are evaluated by a testing laboratory such as UL.

• Do not place tree near a heating source.

• Unplug tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

• Do not link more than three light strands together unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.

• Periodically check the wires — they should not be warm to the touch.

• Have smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and ensure that they are tested monthly. After about 10 years, smoke alarms need to be replaced.

Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.