Why You Should Never Risk Installing Christmas Lights Yourself: The Real Dangers and the Importance of Hiring a Qualified Professional

Dwight Kossman
Nov 26
5 min read

FixPro Professional Christmas Light Installation | 636-336-6312 | FixProSTL.com

Every year as the holiday season approaches, families across St. Louis, St. Charles County, Lincoln County, Warren County, and Jefferson County climb ladders, step onto frozen roofs, and stretch just a little too far to hang their Christmas lights. For many, it’s a festive tradition. But for thousands of others, it ends in catastrophic injuries, financial hardship, lawsuits, and long-term recovery.

Recently, a heartbreaking story circulated on social media—a man named Joe, dressed as an elf while installing Christmas lights, fell from a roof and suffered a broken hip, a broken wrist, and severe trauma. By the grace of God, he survived. But like so many others, he faces months of recovery, lost income, and uncertainty.

His story isn’t rare.

It’s a wake-up call.

And it’s exactly why homeowners should never climb onto a roof or ladder to install holiday lights themselves—or hire an unqualified person to do it.

This article explains why using a reputable, fully insured, and properly trained professional company like FixPro is the safest decision you can make for your home, your family, and your financial security.

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Christmas Light Installation

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 160 decorating-related injuries occur every single day during the holiday season. Between November and December, more than 14,000 people end up in emergency rooms due to falls, electrical shocks, or ladder accidents while decorating.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

1. Ladder Falls – The #1 Holiday Injury

According to the CDC, 43% of all fatal falls in the home involve ladders. Many take place during routine tasks like hanging lights or cleaning gutters.

2. Roof Slips in Winter Conditions

Missouri’s winter weather—snow, ice, morning frost, and slick shingles—makes roofs one of the most dangerous work surfaces. Even experienced contractors take extra precautions, and homeowners simply don’t have the equipment to do the job safely.

3. Electrical Hazards

Holiday lighting introduces:

Overloaded circuits
Damaged extension cords
Old bulbs
Wet surfaces near outlets
Power surges

Each year, electrical malfunctions from holiday décor cause hundreds of house fires nationwide.

4. Falling Objects

Loose light strings, unsecured clips, or tangled cords can drag someone off balance or cause injuries below.

These risks multiply when homeowners attempt to speed through installations or use makeshift equipment.

The Legal and Liability Risks Homeowners Don’t Consider

Hiring “a guy who does lights on the side,” or asking a friend, neighbor, or coworker to get up on your roof is dangerous—not just physically, but legally.

If an uninsured worker falls off your roof, you, as the homeowner, could be legally responsible.

Here’s what that means:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Disability coverage
Lifetime care if injuries are severe
Potential lawsuits

All of this falls under your homeowner’s insurance liability coverage, which can lead to skyrocketing premiums—or worse, denial of coverage if the worker was unlicensed.

In Missouri, especially in areas like Wentzville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Troy, Wright City, Lake Saint Louis, and St. Charles, courts routinely rule that homeowners can be held financially responsible for injuries sustained by workers hired “off the books” to perform dangerous tasks.

When you hire FixPro, you are protected.

FixPro is fully insured, properly trained, and equipped to safely perform:

Holiday light installation
Gutter cleaning
Pressure washing
Roofline inspections
Exterior handyman services

You are not liable. You are not at risk. You are hiring a professional.

Why Joe’s Story Is a Warning for Every Homeowner

The viral post about Joe, the man who fell from the roof while hanging Christmas lights, resonates because it could happen to anyone. The images show him:

Happy and laughing on the roof
Bloodied and barely conscious in a trauma ward
Holding a “Get Well Soon Dad” sign from his kids

His family is overwhelmed, scared, grateful he survived, and now facing a long recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.

Joe is exactly the reason FixPro exists. No family should ever have to go through this.

Common Problems We See With DIY or “Cheap” Christmas Light Installations

1. Unsafe Ladder Placement

Homeowners often place ladders on:

Soft ground
Sloped surfaces
Wet grass
Driveways dusted with frost

FixPro uses professional stabilizers, tie-offs, and commercial ladders designed for high-risk work.

2. Incorrect Fasteners

Staples, nails, and screws can:

Void roof warranties
Cause leaks
Damage gutters
Break shingles

FixPro uses non-invasive, roof-safe clips engineered for winter durability.

3. Electrical Overload

Improper connections cause:

Tripped circuits
Melted wires
Fire hazards

FixPro ensures correct load distribution and uses outdoor-rated components.

4. Poor Aesthetic Design

Light strings sag, mismatch, or fail halfway through the season.

FixPro creates professional, symmetrical, customizable designs that homeowners love.

5. No Insurance, No Protection

If something goes wrong, you’re on the hook. Period.

What FixPro Offers: Professional Holiday Light Installation Done Right

FixPro is more than a handyman service—we are a full-service exterior maintenance and holiday lighting team serving:

St. Louis County
St. Charles County
Lincoln County
Warren County
Jefferson County

Our Holiday Services Include:

Professional Christmas light installation
Full roofline coverage
Tree and landscape lighting
Custom design layouts
Safe removal and storage
Gutter cleaning while we’re already on the ladder
Home exterior inspections to catch issues early

Why Customers Choose FixPro:

Fully insured for your protection
Trained technicians
Industry-grade equipment
Fast, efficient scheduling
Professional-quality designs
100% satisfaction guarantee

We also offer all-season exterior handyman support, so homeowners can protect their property without risking injury.

Expert Insight: Why Professional Installation Saves More Than It Costs

Homeowners often assume hanging lights themselves will save money. But in reality, DIY installations create costs that far exceed hiring a professional:

Potential DIY Losses Include:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Roof repairs
Damaged gutters
Emergency electrical repairs
Insurance claims
Liability lawsuits

Professional installation eliminates these risks entirely.

And for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors across St. Charles, Wentzville, Troy, and O’Fallon, hiring a professional is even more critical—liability exposure multiplies when contractors are not qualified or insured.

FixPro protects you from all of it.