HOA Holiday Lights Safety Tips
HOA residents may be getting an early start on holiday décor this year. Lights are being strung on homes even earlier as they seek to find some extra joy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As is typical during the holiday season, homeowners should review any seasonal décor guidelines in their community and follow some simple steps to decorate safely.
LED Lights versus Incandescent Ones
First, consider using LED lights this year instead of incandescent ones because they use less electricity and are more reliable. LED bulbs emit fewer greenhouse gases than incandescent bulbs, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. Also, if you have children or pets and are concerned about safety around holiday decorations, LEDs are the right choice because they produce next to no heat. And that means they're always cool to the touch.
Ladders Are Not Safe
Do not allow residents to use tall ladders to decorate their homes. Unfortunately, more accidents occur on ladders than other holiday-decorating instances. While it's tempting to decorate roof lines, many homes have too steep peaks and roofs to decorate them safely.
Rules About Decorations
Some associations may also have guidelines on the types of decorations, such as inflatables or their sizes. Homeowners must check with their community association management and board to confirm that the décor is allowed by the community's governing documents.
How to Avoid Electrical Outages
Remind residents always to read the instructions on the decoration packages. Most brands of lights have a different number of lights that can be connected. Never add more than the stated required amount, or you can blow a fuse or cause the circuit breaker to trip. One of the causes is the ground fault circuit interrupter might trip if the lights go out. It is very sensitive, and any connection left on the ground can trip it even with moisture in the air. Overall, be aware of electrical outages, as they can be dangerous.
Decorating Trees and Bushes
When decorating trees and bushes outside, install enough lights to make it look professional. Bushes at the front of a home often take 1,500 to 2,000 mini lights to get a professional, perfected look. To distribute the lights evenly around the bushes, be sure to take breaks during installation and check on your work.
It's All in the Timing
According to managers and board members, the most significant restrictions that homeowners associations have regarding holiday decorations is the timing. Often, there are restrictions on when residents can install lights and other decorations. Rules centered on when the lights need to come down may also be in effect.
Contact Us
If you are unsure of the association's rules, be sure to reach out to your board members to assist you. You can also contact us directly. Condominium Associates is here to serve our community's needs.