It’s almost time to decorate your home for the holidays. Chances are, you will be using a ladder to deck the halls once again. Now should be a good time to review the rules and guidelines for ladder safety around the home. Ladder safety seems so simple, so obvious – but clearly there is much more to it than simply carrying the ladder in a horizontal position and watching out for power lines. You should also consider the safety of those around you 
when you are working on a ladder.
Here are 5 family rules to establish for ladder safety around the home that will help keep everyone safe this year.
- Who can use a ladder? It may be helpful to set an age limit, or decide person by person. Also, consider who requires grown-up supervision when using a ladder.
- Which ladder can each family member use? Step-ladders are generally safer than extension ladders when used correctly, but both have specific do’s and dont’s to be aware of.
- How will you secure the area around the ladder to prevent accidents? You should consider the safety of the person on the ladder and the safety of people on the ground.
- Plan ahead. Before using a ladder, consider the tools you will need, the type and size of ladder, and ladder placement. This is also the time to look for hazards on the ground (slippery surfaces, uneven terrain) and overhead (power lines, low-hanging tree limbs).
- You may think everyone is aware of this rule, but make it a rule anyway: NEVER walk under a ladder. It is not a superstition. It is a safety issue.
For more information about staying safe at home, contact us. We have been nominated as the best alarm company on Long Island! Why? Because we want to keep you safe, day and night. That is our number one priority. You are our number one priority.
