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Household
Hints & HELP!
Safety
First
submitted
by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article appeared in the June 8,
2003 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.
Have
you tripped over or slipped on a rug in your home or someone
else's? Have you fallen going up or down steps or just walking
on a flat surface? The National Safety Council (NSC) reported
falls, regardless of the person's age, happen in the home.
More than 10,000 people, age 65 and older, die every year
as a result of falls. June is National Safety Month. Safety
in the home is important all year long but during this week
(June 8-14) special emphasis is put on Home and Community
Safety. Since falls can happen at any age taking precautions
in the home can prevent injury and death.
The
NSC suggests the following tips to prevent slips and falls
in the home:
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Keep the floor clean. Reduce clutter and safely tuck telephone
and electrical cords out of walkways.
-
Keep the floor clean. Clean up grease, water and other
liquids immediately. Don't wax floors. Use non-skid throw
rugs to reduce your chance of slipping on linoleum, wood
or ceramic tile floors. Secure other rugs with a rubber
pad, a piece of foam carpet backing or double-sided tape.
-
Install handrails in stairway. Have grab bars in the bathroom
(by toilets and in tub/shower).
-
Make sure living areas are well lit. We can all trip and
fall in the dark.
-
Be aware climbing and reaching high places will increase
your change of a fall. Use a sturdy step stool with hand
rails when these tasks are necessary.
- Fill
holes and depressions around your property.
- Replace
old light bulbs. But always use the appropriate wattage
listed.
-
Keep stairs clear. Use safety gates if there are infants
and toddlers in your home or that come to visit.
-
Children should not play alone on fire escapes, high porches,
balconies or decks.
-
Use a rubber mat or slip resistant stickers in the tub.
Remember
all age groups are vulnerable but older adults are most
at risk for falls. Take time to check your home and those
of elderly relatives, friends or neighbors to help make
each home a safer place for everyone.
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