Outdoor Holiday Lights Extravaganza
The holidays are officially upon us, and while a lot of folks are out and about shopping for the best deals, there are folks who are getting ready to put up our holiday light displays. We’ll give you the best tips to make sure your holiday season is not only bright, but safe as well.
Decide what look you want to go for
Do you want to go all out with decorations or do you want to go for a more traditional look? The look you go for might depend on the type of house you live in. For example, if you live in a large Victorian home, you should consider a traditional look that will highlight the architecture of your home.
You can search the internet for ideas and inspiration. There are plenty of websites that will help you decide the right look for your home.
Holiday Light Safety Tips
Every year, about 12,000 people visit the emergency room for holiday light related injuries. Don’t be one of them. Let’s start with the obvious – please make sure you’re using outdoor lights. Indoor lights don’t belong outside. Now that’s out of the way, let’s consider a few other safety tips:
Use Caution and Common Sense
First off, you want to use a sturdy ladder when you’re installing outdoor lights and make sure the lights are far away from power lines.
Even though you might be tempted to use tacks or nails to secure your lights – don’t do it. They’re metal, which means they conduct electricity and could be dangerous. You’re better off using plastic or rubber fasteners to secure your lights.
Cover Extension Cords
Be sure to use UL approved extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use. Also keep them out of the way. If a cord crosses a walkway or waling path, cover them with tape or extension cord cover.
Use the Correct Outlet
To reduce the risk of shock and wiring shorts, you’re going to want to use the correct type of outlet. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, outdoor decorations “should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and require no special knowledge or equipment to install.”
Where to see holiday lights in the Portland Metro area?
There’s something about strolling around a neighborhood, hot cocoa in hand, looking at amazing holiday light displays. It really brings out the holiday spirit. We’re very fortunate to have some wonderful traditions in the Portland Metro area to see such wonderful displays. Where are the best places to go? Here are a few options for you.
If you’re in the Hillsboro and Beaverton areas, the Washington County Museum is hosting an exhibit called All I Want for Christmas: Toys and Dolls We Remember. Between November 19-January 3, you can check out a whole range of vintage toys that will be on display.
In Portland, the major displays are at Peacock Lane, the Oregon Zoo’s Zoolights, and The Grotto. Neighborhoods that are great to walk through and explore include Eastmoreland, and the University Park neighborhoods.
This year marks the 60th year of the Christmas Ships Parade, where ships decked out in lights cruise along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Visit the website for a full schedule.
If you want to see a vintage holiday display, there’s a place way off the beaten path in North Portland. The “Christmas House” at 9136 N Geneva has been lit up since the 1950’s and it is a sight to behold.
No matter what you do this holiday season, the staff at Best Buy In Town hopes it is filled with joy, laughter and love.
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