by KYW's Fran Sorin

In order to be sure that no accidents occur while decorating your Christmas tree,  you would be smart to take some precautions.

First, place ladders on a firm level surface, close to where you’ll be working so you don’t have to reach. Keep ladders away from power lines and if unsure of yourself, have someone hold the ladder while climbing.

When you’re unpacking holiday lights and decorations, look for frayed or broken bulbs or wires. Get rid of strands of light that are worn. Before hanging the lights, plug them in and test them. Replace any bulbs that are not working and be sure you are using the correct lights for indoor and outdoor decorating. Use no more than 50 bulbs of large lights plugged into one outlet. And to save electricity, put your lights on a timer.

Contact Fran Sorin at fransorin.com.