Fall Prevention in the Home

One does not have to be 30 stories up in a high-rise building under construction to be
faced with the hazard of falling, it exists everywhere and never was it more prevalent
than in the home. Falls are statistically the #1 cause of accidents in homes often
leading to sprains, strains, emergency room visits, and injuries requiring time to heal.
Here are a few helpful tips and suggestions to make your home a safer environment for
you and your loved ones.

Make Sure Passageways are Clear

Nothing goes further to reduce trips, slips and falls than ensuring commonly used
passageways and thoroughfares are clutter-free and wide enough for two people to
pass. If necessary, rearrange the furniture to make this possible. Lying in wait are
these common culprits: extension cords, loose area rugs, toys, pets, and planters. An
obstructed view when carrying a load of laundry exacerbates an already dangerous
condition. Please consider making two trips instead of thinking you can carry everything
all in one trip.

Lighting

Having well-lit stairways, hallways and bedrooms goes a long way in spotting that
hazard ahead. Lippolis Electric will happily visit your home and make lighting upgrade
suggestions that will both enhance the beauty of your home and make it a safer place
for all.

Make Sure Bathroom Floors are Dry

A small puddle of water on a tile floor left behind by the last user is an accident waiting
to happen. Clean up after yourself, make sure all bathmats have non-slip undersides
and install grab bars both inside and out of the shower/tub area.

Use a Ladder to Reach High Places

Placing items out of reach has its many advantages but how we retrieve them is critical.
Standing on a chair or unsteady step stool is an invitation no accident can refuse.
Consider purchasing a ‘reach stick’ for the smaller items or get an ‘A’ frame ladder for
accessing the larger packages.

Following these simple ideas will help make your home a safe and happy abode for all
those who share their lives under its roof.