A Few Tips for Home Safety

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

19 Oct 2006 06:26 AM

Many accidents reportedly occur in the home. With falls being the biggest cause of emergency room visits related to injury, it makes sense to help prevent falls in our homes. Here are some tips to help you avoid slips, trips, and falls around your house.

Step it Up

Always use a sturdy stool or a step ladder if you need to reach something. Don't balance precariously atop a box or stand on a folding chair. You can pick up a convenient, hard plastic stool at any discount or hardware store for under $5.00. These are perfect for reaching high cabinets or top shelves in closets. For long reaches, opt for a step stool. Make sure it is set up level and never climb onto it while wearing high heels or slippers or other footwear that could cause slips or falls.

Take the Stairs

Stairs in your home can create a danger area, especially if you get into the habit of leaving things on them until your next trip up or down. It is an especially bad idea to set things on stairs near the top of the stairway, and you should never place a rug or mat near the top. In fact, it's not really good to use a rug or mat at the bottom either, especially if you have hard flooring. Stepping off the stairs onto a rug can cause slip and fall accidents. To avoid those extra trips, supply a small basket at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs, off the steps and out of the way. Items can be placed in the basket until someone gets ready to go up or down.

Secure the Area

Or, more accurately, secure the area rug. Look for non-slip rug liners to place beneath area rugs, runners, and accent rugs to avoid slip and fall injuries.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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