The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 15,000 injuries related to holiday decorating occur every November and December. With the holiday season upon us, you might be feeling the itch to break out those strings of twinkling lights, but don’t get so carried away with the holiday spirit that safety precautions fall by the wayside. Here are a few tips to keep you—and your roof—safe this holiday season. BEFORE YOU BEGIN Untangle strands of lights to save you time and effort while on the roof. Check your lights for bad bulbs, frayed wires or lights that flicker before hanging them. These could be signs of electrical damage, which poses a potential fire hazard. Use extension cords rated for outdoor use. Ensure that your ladders are in good condition and that you set them on flat, solid ground. When hanging lights directly from a ladder, try not to extend beyond the natural reach of your arm.   UP ON THE HOUSETOP A good question to consider while implementing your holiday decoration plan is, “Would Clark Griswold do this?” Generally, if the answer is yes, do not proceed—especially when it comes to stapling lights to your roof. The best way to hang holiday lights is by stringing them through plastic clips attached to your shingles, gutters and eaves. Plastic clips designed for use with holiday lights are easy to install and remove, affordable and readily available at most home improvement or large retail stores. Using plastic clips instead of traditional nails or staples will prevent you from puncturing your shingles or gutters; even the tiniest hole in a shingle can allow moisture to seep in and potentially damage the roof. Using nails or [...]