by Roohi

Created on: December 15, 2008   Last Updated: December 18, 2008

Christmas is here and you must be planning on decorating your home with Christmas trees and lights. Putting on the lights on a tall tree and decorating the whole house with lights is a family affair which each member of the family can enjoy. However, while putting on the holiday lights, it is very important that you exercise extreme caution. You can do this by using a good and strong ladder which can prevent you from falling while putting up the holiday lights.

Now how can you be smart with ladders? Here are a few things that can help you buy and use ladders smartly to put up those holiday lights.

BUYING A LADDER
So how do you know which ladder would be safe for you? Here are some tips that can help you choose a good ladder for putting up the holiday lights:

* If you want to put up the holiday lights inside the house, the first thing you should know is the height of your ceiling. Buy a stepladder for this purpose which is 2 feet lower than the height of the ceiling.

* If you want to put up decorative lights outside the house, get an extension ladder.

* While buying, make sure that the ladder is well-made, strong, sturdy and able to support you.

* Check to see if the ladder has a flared footing. It is essential for the stability of the ladder.

* If you want to buy an extension ladder, make sure that it reaches at least 3 feet above the eaves of your house.

* If you want a light-weight ladder, buy aluminum ladders. However, since you would be putting up Christmas lights, try and get a fiberglass ladder since it is very strong and does not conduct electricity.

* A good aluminum ladder should weigh between 25 to 45 pounds and a good fiberglass ladder about 35 to 50 pounds. Anything lighter than this will not be durable and stable. If the ladder is heavier than this, then moving it around will become difficult.

USING A LADDER
Now that you have chosen a good and sturdy ladder, you are all set to put up the holiday lights. But you need to be smart while getting on the ladder. Here are some precautions that can help you use ladders safely:

* The ladder should not have oil, paint or grease on the feet or on the rungs. Always keep it clean so that it's not slippery.

* Don't use a damaged ladder.

* Wear shoes that help you get a good grip on the ladder rungs and do not slip. Rubber soles will be a good idea.

* The ladder should be supported properly at the contact points. It should be properly aligned and fixed securely on the ground.

* Make sure that the locks of a stepladder are engaged

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>