Here are some tips to help you use your ladder safely.

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Go ahead, use that ladder.

Ladders are designed to help you reach things. It is a better choice to use a ladder to reach something than trying to use a chair, table or your super powers.

Level and lock.

Place your ladder on level ground and make sure all safety locks are in place. Not sure if your safety locks are in place? Try reading the stickers on the ladder or the directions. Really.

Give it some tread.

Well-fitting, sturdy, nonslip shoes will help your feet stay on those rungs. Leave the high heels for dancing.

Center yourself.

Consider having someone steady the ladder as you climb. Keep your body in the center of the ladder. If you need to reach to the side, make sure your belly button is still within the frame of the ladder. If you need to reach farther than that, climb down the ladder and move it over – the exercise is good for you.

Aim high, but not that high.

Not every rung on a ladder is safe to use. If using a stepladder, don’t climb higher than the second rung from the top. If using an extension ladder, don’t climb higher than the fourth rung from the top. Climbing any higher than that is just asking for trouble.