Steps to Reduce Falls

In an effort to reduce injuries among people of all ages, the Home Safety Council encourages families to identify and correct potential falling hazards in and around the home.

Stairway Safety

All stairs and steps should be protected with a secure banister or hand-rail

Make sure allstairwells are well lit. Use the maximum safe wattage in light fixtures. (Maximum wattage is typically posted inside light fixtures.)

Keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear. Reduce clutter and safely tuck away telephone and electrical cords out of walkways.

In homes with children, make sure toys and games are not left on steps or landings. When very young children are present use safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs

Young Children

Always watch young children.

Make sure toys and games are not left on steps or landings.

Use safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.

Window guards can keep a child from falling out the window. Have indow guards on upstairs windows.

Cover the ground under playground equipment with a thick layer (9-12 inches) of mulch, wood chips or other safety material.

Outside Fall Pervention.

Make sure all porches, hallways and stairwells are well lit. Use the maximum safe wattage in light fixtures. (Maximum wattage is typically posted inside light fixtures.).

Have handrails on both sides of the stairs.

Put ladders away after using them. Store ladders on their sides, in the shed or garage.

Keep sidewalks and paths clear, so you don’t trip.

Fix broken or chipped steps and walkways as soon as possible

 

Bathrooms

  • Use a non-slip mat or install adhesive safety strips or decals in bathtubs and showers. If you use a bath mat on the floor, choose one that has a non-skid bottom.

Install grab bars in bath and shower stalls. Don't use towel racks or wall-mounted soap dishes as grab bars; they can easily come loose, causing a fall.

  • Use nightlights to help light hallways and bathrooms during night-time hours.