Prevent Falls in Your Home

It may not be a huge concern in your mind, but it will become one if someone gets injured. Many injuries sustained in the home are the result of someone falling. I'm not just talking about the elderly either, I'm talking about any member of the family. Luckily, many of these accidents are preventable.

Some falls are unavoidable. Someone getting dizzy and falling down the stairs can happen no matter what precautions you take. Accidental falls of most types can be avoided with a little thought and some simple actions.

Rugs

Throw rugs are quite often the culprit in nasty falls. The problem is not limited to throw rugs however; larger area rugs can be a problem too. If you have any rugs that are not the wall-to-wall type, make sure they are securely fastened to the floor or have the proper non-skid backing in place. A rug without a skid-proof backing will slide across the floor if you step on them in a hurry. Any home improvement store will have the materials you need to secure any rugs in your home.

Wires and Cords

Any electrical cord or speaker wire running through your home should be kept well out of any walkways. Those that are run along the wall should be secured so they cannot catch on a foot and trip someone. If you must have wires running across a room or doorway, find a way to run them overhead so they are not a potential tripping hazard.

Children

When you have children in the house, you have special things to worry about in regards to falls. The stairs and any windows have to be safe for small children who cannot climb safely or may not know they shouldn't be hanging out an open window.

Have safety gates on the tops and the bottom of each set of stairs in your home. Remind everyone they must be closed at all times. It just takes one instance of a gate being left down for an accident to occur.

Windows pose a problem if they do not lock and are low to the floor. Keep things away from windows that small children can use to climb up to look outside. If the windows have locks, use them. Remember that a screen is not enough to keep a child from falling out, so if your windows are open, you must monitor your child at all times. Some companies sell window guards that are made especially to keep children from falling out of windows.

More About Stairs

Keep your stairs free of anything. It is very easy to step on something and fall down the stairs. This can also happen if you see something at the last moment while stepping and you try to avoid it. If you pile things on the stairs as a reminder to take them up when you go, opt for a small basket to collect such items. Keep the basket at the bottom of the stairs, but never on the stairs.

Some stairs have carpeting on them. If you have the kind that runs up the center of the stairs, it can become a problem if a section comes loose. Nail down any carpet that seems loose to prevent tripping or sliding.

Nighttime

Keep nightlights in all hallways and restrooms. They are a good idea around the stairs as well. People getting up to use the restroom or to get a glass of water may trip and fall if they cannot see something lying on the floor in the middle of the night.

Garage

If you have a garage that members of your family walk through, remember to watch for oil or other liquids that may leak from your car. Keep these cleaned up so no one will slip as they walk through.

Sidewalks

Not everyone gets snow and ice, but if you do, you need to keep your walkways clear. If you shovel, remember to use salt to keep the ice off of the surface. You town or city may have rules regarding the removal of snow and ice during the winter months. These are made with safety in mind, so it's best to follow their advice.

Bathroom

Use a bathmat in your tub or shower. You can buy decals that will stick to the bottom of your tub. These are always a good idea even if you don't have any children in the house. A handrail to safely get in and out of the tub is not a bad idea either.

Stepladders

Many people use chairs to reach high spaces for storage, or to change light bulbs. This is never a good idea. Invest in a well-made stepladder for these chores. Chairs (especially folding chairs) are not as sturdy and can tip over causing serious injury.

Wrap Up

A little prevention will go a long way in keeping falls in your home to a minimum. Along with these simple measures, take the time to teach your kids to pick up their toys and don't leave newspapers and magazines lying around. You'll rest a little easier as your kids go running through your house if you know the rugs and stairs are secure. Not all accidents are avoidable, but every little bit helps.