Man killed while hanging
holiday lights

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - A Trafalgar man decorating for the holidays was electrocuted after touching a power line with his ladder.

Lighted displays look beautiful but there are many things you need to keep in mind before plugging in your Christmas lights.

More than 3,200 lights adorn each flag pole on the grounds of Lauth Properties. Christmas by Amsteel owner Bob Owens designed each display.

He's been installing decorations for 17 years and his safety procedures remain the same. 

"We want to do it safely, quickly and efficiently," Owen said.
 

On Friday a Trafalgar man was electocuted by a power line while hanging Christmas lights for a friend.
 
Police say the victim took the ladder he was standing on and moved it to another location. His friend noticed that something was wrong. He looked up and saw the ladder touching the power line. He then quickly pushed his friend to the ground.

Forty-two year old Bryan Davis died at the hospital. Police say Davis was using an aluminum ladder, which Owens says you should never get near power lines. Use a fiber glass ladder instead.

"You buy the right equipment or rent the right equipment to do the job properly," Owens said. "If you see a power line up there stay away from it."

But even before you flip the switch Owens say to check your light strands.

"If you use an incandescent light you can only attach three lights together at a time," Owens said.

And he recommends use outdoor cords, "It's cheaper to buy a five dollar cord than to lose a hand."

Owens also says LED lights are safer than incandescent lights. They also use one-tenth of the electricity and last longer.

"Most of the LED lights have a converter in it to DC voltage rather than AC voltage. You're DC voltage has less shocking abilities," Owen said.

If you aren't sure what's best read the labels on the products you are using before attempting to decorate.