IT'S ALSO THE SEASON TO BE FALLING {.

Byline: LISA MASCARO STAFF WRITER

VALENCIA - It's that time of year, when holiday home improvers take on the task of climbing up a ladder to string lights across the eaves - some to go crashing to the ground.

The annual decorating accidents play out in the local emergency room: holiday tumbles, along with those in other months, accounted for 25 percent of all trauma cases during the past fiscal year.

``It's definitely seasonal,'' said Vivian Rebel, trauma program manager at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. ``We've already had more than several admitted.''

The trauma center sees about 400 cases a year, and falls account for 100 of those - more than any other injury after vehicle crashes, officials said.

Construction falls are typically the most common, with the large amount of building in the Santa Clarita Valley, followed by recreational falls - including horseback-riding incidents - then injuries from hanging holiday lights, Rebel said.

And if the injuries make it to the trauma center - trauma cases include those in which the patient has fallen more than 15 feet - they can be serious.

``You can see anything from head injury to broken back to chest injury with fractured ribs to extremity injuries, arms and legs,'' she said.

``When you fall, just about any area of your body is fair game.''

Rebel said the combination of climbing up high - about 20 feet for a two-story house - and the handiwork of a homeowner who only practices the craft once a year, creates the makings for accidents.

``People who are not accustomed to heights, and it's something you only do once a year, puts you at risk,'' she said.

Rebel offer this advice to seasonal climbers.

``Preferably have somebody helping you with the lights,'' she said. ``Basically, it's 'Have a secure ladder and somebody assist you.' ''