Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating

I watched the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while I was wrapping gifts last night. I laughed at the scene where Clark Griswold (comedian Chevy Chase) skids down the roof, snags the gutter and hangs from his fingertips for one, brief hopeful moment before the gutter comes loose and sends him crashing into the bushes below. Funny stuff on film, but not so much in real life.

Every year overzealous decorators have their own "Griswold moment" while trying to outdo the neighbors and light up the Christmas night. Starting in mid-November when holiday lights start going up, emergency runs increase noticeably, say local firefighters. There's a bit of a lull right around Christmas, then another increase as lights come down after New Year's.

Nationwide, hospitals see an average 5,822 decorating injuries from November through January. Ladders are involved in 43% of those injuries. Foot and ankle injuries (sprains and breaks) are among the most common injuries. The most common causes of ladder injuries are: reaching too far, improperly positioning or supporting the ladder, and not stabilizing the ladder base so it won't slip.

To hang holiday lights without a trip to the ER, follow these safety tips:

• Don't lean.
• Don't overstretch.
• Don't use the top rung as a step.
• Wear skid-proof shoes.
• Make sure the base of the ladder is firmly planted on the ground.
• Have someone hold the bottom of the ladder as you climb.

Take your time putting up outdoor (and indoor) decorations and be safe this holiday. I'd like to see you around to enjoy the new year! Happy decorating!