Hanging Holiday Lights: Ladder Safety Basics
Hanging holiday lights is a happy tradition. It also means climbing a ladder, and falls are a real concern. The CDC says falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, and about 1 in 4 older adults report a fall each year (CDC, page updated September 2026).
A few simple habits can make a ladder much safer. These come from OSHA’s portable ladder safety guidance.
Before You Climb
- Look the ladder over. Check it before each use. If it is damaged, do not use it.
- Look up. Check for overhead power lines before you handle a ladder, and avoid using a metal ladder near them.
- Find level ground. Set the ladder on a stable, level surface. Never stand it on boxes or other unsteady things to gain height.
- Read the labels. Follow the markings on the ladder, including its maximum load. That includes the weight of what you carry.
While You Climb
- Face the ladder and keep three points of contact: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
- Keep your body near the middle of the rungs.
- Do not stand on the top step of a stepladder or the top three rungs of a straight or extension ladder.
- Never move or shift the ladder while you are on it. Climb down and move it.
- If you use a straight or extension ladder, set the base about one foot out for every four feet of height, and let the top extend at least 3 feet above where it rests. Make sure the locks are fully engaged.
A Safer Plan for the Season
Ask a family member, neighbor or hired helper to do the high work. If you do climb, tell someone first and keep your phone with you. Choose a calm, dry day. Keep rungs and shoe soles free of anything slippery.
You can also keep the display low: lights along a porch rail, in bushes or in a window need no ladder at all. For more seasonal tips, see our guide to holiday decorating safety.
More on Seniors Tips
- Holiday Decorating Safety: Trees, Lights and Candles
- Brighter Stairs and Nightlights: Simple Ways to Prevent Falls at Home
