THE FLAGSTAFF
Although the flagstaff is the most simple part of the Steeple Jack’s work, at the same time it is the most dangerous. Before climbing a wooden pole look all around it first to see if any cracks are visible. In all probability there are, as most wooden poles are cracked. If the crack runs up and down then the pole is safe, unless it is dry rot, but if the crack runs crosswise on the pole watch your step. Chances are it will hold, but again it might not. Watch your step, because no one will watch it for you. Remember, a man can only fall once.