If you've got a ladder that's old, rickety or broken, here's what to do: get out your saw, cut it into small pieces and use it for firewood. There's no excuse for using an unsafe ladder. It truly is an accident waiting to happen. Even a perfectly good ladder can be unsafe when it is not used properly. With stepladders, be sure legs are fully extended, hinges are locked solidly into place and the feet are firmly planted for maximum safety. Also, that warning on top that says, "this is not a step" means just that. To maintain proper balance, keep your hips between the side rails, and, with extension ladders, set the bottom out one-fourth the ladder's length. Make sure the feet have firm support. And that's the On The House tip for today.