It seemed like a good idea at the time to climb your 12-foot extension ladder to hang the lights along the eaves of the house.
Until you free-fell all the way back down.
Every year around the holidays, the University Health emergency department 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 reports that nearly 15,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries related to holiday decorating.
If you plan to use a ladder to hang holiday decorations, consider these safety tips first. Plus, learn how to prevent fires caused by faulty lighting and 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 adults 65 and older or those with hearing or balance issues stay off ladders completely. Balance and coordination decline as we get older.
Other factors that influence balance and coordination are certain medications and a 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 call 9-1-1 if there is a problem.
- Wear dry, slip-resistant shoes when climbing.
- Always maintain three points of contact while climbing ladders when hanging decorations (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder).
- Follow the 4:1 ratio: For every 4 feet you 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 are all fire risks.
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, water it daily and keep it at least 3 feet away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and candles.
- 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.
Visit our website for more fire prevention tips.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Spiced rum punch and spiked eggnog are part of the fun, but don’t drink and drive.
Remember these tips to have a safe and fun holiday season:
- If you plan on drinking, coordinate a rideshare or find a designated driver ahead of time.
- If you’re hosting a party, consider serving festive non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and teens.
- Be a good friend – if you suspect your friend has been drinking, don’t let them drive. Offer to call them an Uber instead.
More 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, lilies, 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.
- Give age-appropriate gifts to the little ones.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and don’t use gas grills or stoves to stay warm indoors.
Emergency Care at University Health
We want you and your family to have a safe and happy holiday season. If you need care for an injury like a burn or a broken bone, don’t hesitate to come to the University Health emergency department. We also have the region’s only pediatric level I trauma and burn center to provide the highest-level care for injured children.
