“It may come as a surprise that the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls,” according to the National Safety Council. Most homeowners aren’t as worried about preventing slips and falls as they should be. Unfortunately, overlooking risks can result in injuries, lawsuits, and other long-term problems that are 100% avoidable. Being aware of common risks for slips and falls that may be lurking inside your home right now can make your home safer for all guests who enter! Here’s a look at five tips for preventing slips and falls at your home.
Make Sure Rugs and Carpets Are Secure
A study that looked specifically at fall injuries in adults associated with rugs and carpets found some common themes that all homeowners should know about. Fall injuries are most likely to occur at the transitions between carpet/rug and non-carpet/rug areas. Unsecured or “moveable” carpets seem to pose the highest risks for slips and falls caused by “lost footing.” To reduce risks, homeowners should consider carpet underlayments and adhesives that increase stability. Additionally, a heavier nylon or wool carpet with a firm backing is preferred over a simple woven carpet that slides around easily over wood or tile surfaces. Overall, larger rugs with added weight are preferred over small area rugs.
Add Handrails
All interior and exterior stairs at your home should have handrails. In addition to being required by code in most places, handrails provide stability. While you may be familiar enough with your home’s stairs to feel like you don’t need to hold on to a handrail for stability, older guests or guests who are not familiar with your home may struggle without support.
Update Your Lighting
First, make sure you have working light switches located at the top and bottom of your staircase. Light switches should also be situated on both ends of a long hallway. For added security, consider adding motion-activated lights to your driveway and outdoor walking path to ensure that visitors who arrive after dark have a clear path to your front door.
Consider Your Home’s Furniture Arrangement
If you have any low coffee tables or end tables in your living room, ensure that they are not concealed behind other pieces of furniture. For example, a glass coffee table that is hidden by a large sofa when you enter a room can pose a very serious tripping hazard. Similarly, an ottoman or dog bed can also pose tripping hazards for someone who is not familiar with the layout of the room.
Keep Electrical Cords Away from Walking Paths
If you’re using large extension cords to keep phones and other devices charged or plugged in, this poses a tripping hazard. All exposed cords should run parallel to a wall. In addition, any loose or visible cords should be concealed using cord covers or bundlers. Consider hiring an electrician to add additional outlets that are more convenient if you’re struggling with a lack of available outlets in your home.