When the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, homes across Pittsburgh begin to sparkle with the glow of holiday lights. It’s a magical time. But for homeowners, it also comes with a very real responsibility: installing those lights safely. We’ve seen firsthand how something as joyful as holiday decorating can quickly turn into a hazard without the right precautions. In this guide, we’ll break down the risks of DIY installations, offer best practices for lighting safety, and explain how professional help can protect your home, your family, and your holiday spirit.
Pittsburgh’s winters are no joke. From icy rooftops to high winds and freezing rain, the conditions can make even basic outdoor work dangerous; and when ladders, power tools, and electricity come into play, the risks multiply.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 injuries each year are linked to holiday decorating. The leading causes? Falls from ladders, electrical issues, and damaged lights.
When you combine these risks with the unpredictable weather in North Hills, it's clear that safety is essential.
Many homeowners in North Hills think holiday light installation is a quick weekend project, but they often underestimate the following dangers:
Slippery sidewalks, uneven ground, or a gust of wind can easily turn a ladder into a liability. Even a fall from a single-story roof can cause serious injury.
Overloaded circuits, damaged extension cords, or improper connections can lead to electrical fires or shocks.
Stapling lights to shingles, walking on the roof in cold weather, or dragging cords over gutters can cause real damage, and repairs during winter aren’t cheap.
Hanging lights near flammable materials, or where animals and kids can reach them, increases the risk of fire or injury.
Pittsburgh homes built before modern wiring standards may not handle multiple outdoor electrical loads well, risking blown circuits or even electrical fires.
Want to keep your home shining without the hazards? Whether you’re going the DIY route or just want to better understand how the pros do it right, these are the top safety practices for holiday lighting in North Hills.
Not all lights are created equal. Only use lighting labeled “UL-rated for outdoor use.” These products are designed to withstand rain, snow, and freezing temps.
Also make sure:
● Extension cords are heavy-duty and weather-resistant
● Plugs and timers are GFCI protected to reduce shock risk
● Light clips are designed for outdoor gutters or shingles
If you must use a ladder, follow these ladder safety tips:
● Use a sturdy, well-maintained aluminum or fiberglass ladder
● Place the ladder on flat, ice-free ground
● Follow the “3 points of contact” rule (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand)
● Never lean too far: if you can’t reach, climb down and move the ladder
Pro Tip: Always have someone else present while you're up high, not just for safety, but to hand you tools and spot hazards.
Before a single bulb goes up:
● Check for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections
● Test each strand indoors to ensure it works
● Discard any lights with damaged cords or exposed wiring
Never mix indoor and outdoor light strands. Even if they look the same, they’re made to different safety standards.
A common mistake we see in older Pittsburgh homes is plugging too many lights into a single outlet.
Here’s what you should do:
● Follow manufacturer instructions for maximum wattage and daisy-chaining
● Use timers or smart plugs to limit runtime
● Spread loads across multiple circuits if possible
● LED lights consume far less power and generate less heat, offering a smart, energy-efficient choice
The steep roofs and older architectural styles in North Hills neighborhoods require special consideration:
● Steep-pitched roofs can become slick and icy overnight
● Brick or stone exteriors may need alternative mounting methods
● Gutters can become blocked by light strands, leading to ice dams
Always account for:
● Roof slope
● Gutter type
● Landscaping and walkways
● Wind-prone areas
There’s no denying it: holiday lights make the season brighter. But safety should always come first. With Pittsburgh’s harsh winter weather and the physical risks involved, hiring a professional holiday light installer is one of the smartest choices a homeowner can make.
Let M.A. Thompson Lighting take the stress (and the ladder) off your shoulders. We provide:
● Custom holiday light design
● Safe and professional installation
● Full post-season removal and storage
We’re the reliable, family-owned team homeowners trust for quality, care, and curb appeal.
