If you are thinking of doing some diy decorating or renovating this summer, make sure the money you plan on saving isn't offset by doctor's bills. Summer sees a rise of accidents from homeowners doing it themselves - incorrectly. Many diy-ers are tempted to work with a combination of the three most dangerous elements in a home - electricy, gas, and water. I am tempted to add another one - ladders.

According to Underwriters Laboratories, ladder accidents send more than 222,000 people a year to emergency rooms. Whether you are working with water, electricity, gas, or water, follow these basic safety tips to keep your summer accident free.

1. Safety kit. Make sure you have a first-aid safety kit nearby at all times and make sure your family knows where it is.
2. Fire extinguisher. In addition to a first-aid kit, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure it's large enough for the job. It should be an A-B-C extinguisher to handle the widest range of fires.
3. Water and electricity don't mix. Water and electricity don't mix - ever. When you are working on electricity, make sure the power is turned off at the source or electrical box. If in doubt, double and triple check. And if you are working on electrical lighting, appliances, or wiring, stay away from water or even dampness. And if you are tempted to do so, you might try to use that nearby hammer to knock some sense into yourself. Once again with feeling - water and electricity don't mix!

1. Don't overload. When you are working with power tools, don't be tempted to overload your household outlets. If your outlets look like spaghetti with several layers of extensions, you have a potential fire hazard, not to mention the hazard of tripping over cords everywhere. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, extension cord accidents cause approximately 4,000 injuries a year.
2. Ladders. Don't use a ladder on an uneven surface. Make certain it's on a stable flat surface. And never stand on the top two rungs as the ladder may become unstable.
3. Attire. As you are working, make sure you wear safety glasses, work gloves, and clothes that are not loose enough that they can potentially get caught or snagged by power tools.

Keep these rules in mind and your summer renovations can be accident free. Break them, and the next thing you might be decorating is a plaster cast!