If you plan to stand on a ladder to hang Christmas lights or place an ornament atop the tree, take safety precautions. For example, you can “[u]se the buddy system,” says Mike Peck, vice president of installation at Leaf Home Safety Solutions, a company that outfits homes with accessible solutions. “If you can’t find someone to stabilize the bottom of your ladder, let someone know that you will be using a ladder to decorate your home,” he says. He suggests using a sturdy ladder with a strong shelf for a bucket to hold spare tools and decorations. And most importantly, he adds, “always move the ladder closer instead of reaching farther.” Our Mike Peck discusses common accidents that happen in the home around the holidays and simple strategies to help prevent them.

Read the full article in the Brookdale Senior Living blog.