Light up your Patio Safely this Christmas

Little strings of coloured lights have started to appear in the trees and along the fences and trellises of our more festive neighbours. Lighting up your garden and patio at Christmas time is a great way of adding cheer to the cold frosty nights, but please make sure that you do so safely. Here’s our guide to lighting up your patio safely this Christmas.

1. New Lights. Check the label on your lights to make sure that they are suitable for outdoor use. Outdoor lights will typically have more robust fittings to prevent water from getting into the system. Water and electricity are a bad combination.
   
2. Old Lights. If you are reusing an old set of lights, check them for signs of damage. You should also plug them in before you hang them up. You don’t want to go to all that effort and then find out they no longer work.
   
3. Ladder Safety. Thoroughly check your ladder before climbing it. Check the stiles, the feet, the rungs and any locking mechanisms. Once up, do not overreach. If necessary climb down and reposition your ladder. Only use a ladder that is balanced on firm level ground.
   
4. String Theory. Don’t leave great hanging loops of wire. When your Christmas lights are turned off, these strings will be invisible to guests trying to cross your patio in the dark.
   
5. Replacement Bulbs. Make sure that any replacement bulbs are of the same wattage as the originals.

Following these tips and the basic common sense rules that apply to all electrical appliances should mean that you will be able to set up a very festive patio safely. If you have any concerns about the safety of your Christmas lights, just don’t use them. It is not worth the risk!

Would you like a new patio for the New Year? Call us on 01603 360548 for a chat about your ideas or email us at enquiries@knightslandscaping.co.uk.