It seemed like a pretty good idea at the time to climb your 12-foot extension ladder to hang the lights along the eaves of the house.
Until you landed after free-falling all the way back down.
Every year around the holidays, University Health sees an increase in injuries related to falls. And it’s not just a local issue. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that nearly 15,000 people were treated in emergency rooms last year for holiday decorating-related injuries.
If you’re planning on using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, check out these safety tips first. Plus, learn how to prevent fires from faulty lighting or dry Christmas trees.
Ladder Safety Tips
Falling off a ladder can result in broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruises. Stay out of the emergency room this season by following our safety tips.
Experts recommend that, for safety’s sake, older adults stay off ladders completely. Balance and coordination decline as we get older. Other factors that influence balance and coordination are medication regimen and lack of consistent exercise, all of which can contribute to falls.
If you’re going to use a ladder, keep these tips in mind:
- Set up the ladder on a firm, level surface.
- Don’t decorate alone – you need a buddy to hold the ladder and quickly call 9-1-1 if there is a problem.
- Wear dry, slip-resistant shoes when climbing; don’t be tempted to keep your flip-flops on.
- Always maintain three points of contact while climbing ladders to hang decorations (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times).
- Follow the 4:1 ratio: For every 4 feet of height you have to climb, move the base of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall.
- Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture (especially ones with wheels) to reach heights when decorating.
- Do not place a ladder on the stairs. Consider another way to reach the area where the ladder can be safely set up.
Fire Prevention
Another common safety risk this time of year is fire. Dried-out holiday trees, old holiday lighting and candles may catch fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters across the country responded to 180 Christmas tree fires in 2020.
Keep these tips in mind to prevent fires:
- If you have a real tree in your home, make sure to water it daily and keep it at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces.
- If your tree is artificial, pick one that is labeled “Fire Resistant.”
- Never leave burning candles or fires in fireplaces unattended.
- Keep candles away from flammable decorations like tinsel, wreaths, ribbons and wrapping paper.
- Check your string lights for frayed ends or other signs of damage. Throw out lights that are past their prime to prevent sparks.
- Throw out your live tree once the holiday season is over – about 41% of Christmas tree fires happen in January.
Drinking and Driving During the Holidays
Spiced rum punch and spiked eggnog are part of the fun, but don’t drink and drive.
Make a plan to get home safely before heading out to parties. Identify the designated driver before leaving, decide to use ride share or make plans to stay overnight.
If you’re hosting a party, include some fun non-alcoholic drink options for guests and teens.
Other Safety Tips for the Holidays
According to the National Safety Council, you should take other precautions during the holidays to make sure you and your family stay safe:
- Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit for long road trips.
- Keep poisonous plants such as mistletoe, holly and amaryllis away from children and pets.
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or before you leave the house.
Emergency Care at University Health
When you need care for an injury like a burn or a broken bone, come to the University Health emergency department. Learn more on our website.
