Safety guides on how to prevent falls at home

Home accidents kill more people every year than any other kind except motor vehicle accidents. Falls are the most common kind of accident at home. To avoid them:

• Floors and stairs should be in good repair.
• Toys, tools, and other objects should be picked up and put away - not left on floors and staircases for people to trip on, especially at night.
• Small scatter rugs should not be used at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs. All rugs should have nonskid rubber mattings underneath.
• Stair carpeting should be anchored firmly waith brass or iron rods.
• Spilled water, grease, oil and other liquids should be wiped up as quickly as possible.
• When you reach for something high up, use a ladder or firm chair. (Never stand on a wobbly chair or table or on a pile of boxes or books.) The chair or ladder should be securely placed.
• Stairs and doorways should be well lighted; flashlights should be used if necessary.