Taking Down Holiday Lights: Ladder Safety Tips

1/6/2013 (Updated 10:58:54 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- The holidays have come and gone, and many are taking down their lights.  We spoke with a lowes store manager for some ladder safety tips.

Steven Rockwell says Lowes on Upper Front Street always sees a spike in sales for 6 foot stepladders around the holidays.  When taking down lights, Rockwell says not to rush, and use a partner to steady the ladder.  You can also use a ladder stabilizer to ensure your balance. 

"Start as high as you can, as early as you're doing it.  That way you're the freshest when you're doing it, you're not tired, you're not getting impatient, you're already mentally prepared to do it," said Steven Rockwell, Asst. Manager of Lowes, Binghamton.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls account for 12 percent of seasonal emergency room visits.