Christmas Light Decorating Safety Tips

‘Tis the season to decorate your home with sparkling lights and inflatable yard ornaments. Decrease your risk of injury with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Christmas Ladder Safety Tips for the season.

Choose the right ladder for the job.

A step ladder is meant for washing windows and other jobs at low or medium heights. An extension ladder may be needed to hang lights high up on your roof line. Double check the ladder’s maximum load rating to make sure it is capable of handling both your weight and the load of Christmas lights that you are carrying.

Before use, inspect the ladder for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off accumulated mud, dirt or liquids. Before you climb a ladder, make sure all ladder locks and safety braces are in place. Step in the center of each ladder rung as you ascend and descend to prevent the ladder from leaning to one side. Never place a ladder on ground or flooring that is uneven, soft or wet; choose a firm surface. When working on a ladder, do not lean so far that your bellybutton has gone beyond the edge of the ladder. Climb down the ladder and re-position it closer to your work area if necessary. Never climb a ladder without a spotter. Have them stand at the bottom of the ladder to hold in place and prevent tipping. Never sit or stand on the top of a step ladder or pail shelf as these areas weren’t designed to hold heavy weights.

If you’d rather not risk it, you’re in luck! Nutri-Green Lawn Care offers professional Christmas lighting services by Hook & Ladder. Make your holiday shine brightly by contacting us today!