Decorating Your Home For The Holidays---Tips On How NOT To Become a Statistic

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

19 Oct 2006 12:31 PM

It's not even Halloween, but there are some people in my town who are already pulling Rudolph out of the garage for his annual planting on the front lawn. (Frankly, I don't blame them, we've been experiencing winter-like temperatures for more than a week now). Ah, yes, the beginning of the holiday season means homeowners around the world will soon be making the obligatory climb to rooftop to attach a festive string of blinking lights.

But before you pull out the ladder consider this: according to the National Safety Council, taking a fall is the leading cause of home fatalities. Watching your neighbor struggle as he ascends his ladder and tries desperately to get the icicle lights to stay in place can be mildly amusing, but seeing him take a tumble is no laughing matter.

With that said, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while decorating:

Double and Triple Check Your Equipment. It's a good idea to inspect all decorating gear and your ladder before ascending. Ladders should be in good shape--rungs should be tight and sound. Extension cords shouldn't have cuts or cracks in their jacket or plugs. Light strings should be tested on the ground (or indoors) before putting them up. Also, consider wearing a tool belt or pouch filled with everything you need before climbing up.

Review Your Tools. Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Remember that aluminum ladders conduct electricity and are therefore potentially hazardous. Opt for a wooden or fiberglass ladder instead, both of which are non-conductive when dry. Also, try using a staple gun, rather than a hammer, for attaching cord to your house's eaves. The gun is easier to use with one hand.

Wait Until the Weekend. Not only will you have more hands to help around the house, but winter days leave less light after work for installing decorations. If you schedule your decorating project for a Saturday or Sunday you can maximize daylight hours.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help. My dad never had a problem with this, though he did have several sons to recruit. However, if you don't have extra hands under your own roof there's nothing wrong with asking a neighbor or fiend to help hold the ladder base while you are climbing, or unraveling and handing you the cord while you secure it in place. You can reciprocate by helping them with their annual decorating chores.

Ditch the Ladder. If you are afraid of heights-forget about the ladder. There are dozens of other ways you can make your yard into a winter wonderland. Luminaries, inflatable and plastic yard decorations, lights strung along the windows or in other accessible locations are all good options.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger