Exercise caution when decking the halls in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Most can finally agree that now is the time when everyone can show off their holiday spirit. While decorating for the holidays is a tradition for many families, experts say that a trip to the emergency room does not need to be a part of the experience.

Doctors say most of the emergency visits from holiday decorating are from falls, such as from people putting up lights or other decorations around their homes.

For that reason, decorating requires special care and attention to things like the weather forecast, especially wind and precipitation.

Dr. Jason Milk, an emergency medicine physician with the Cleveland Clinic, says that stepstools are another common hazard when decorating.

"If you're going to be up more than a few steps that there's somebody there by your side to hold the ladder and provide additional support with you and ultimately not to use the upper step which is usually marked do not stand on and most of us probably tend to still go up on."

Electrical injuries also are more common during the holiday decorating period as broken or frayed lights can be an instant hazard, as can extension cords and power outlets that are in poor condition.

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