How to Prevent Slips & Falls at Home

Slips, trips, and falls are a common household occurrence. But for many, they can also lead to serious injuries and hospital visits. Luckily, you can minimize the risk to you and your loved ones by taking a few simple and inexpensive precautionary steps.

1. Clutter Free – Keeping your stairs, hallways, and floors free of clutter may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s common to leave items out “for a minute” only later to forget about them. Have you children pick up their toys after playtime, keep electrical cords out of foot traffic’s way, and avoid setting things down on the stairs, even temporarily.

2. No-Slip Zone – Make your wooden stairs safer by installing durable skid-resistant carpet treads using high-quality double-sided tape. If you love the look of an area rug in a room, be sure to use a non-slip rug pad underneath it, or double sided tape to keep the rug from sliding under heavy traffic.

3. Safer Windows – Window screens – while great for keeping bugs out while letting outdoor air in – are not meant to prevent children or pets from falling out. But window guards are. Be sure to choose only those that have a quick release mechanism in case of fire.

4. Wall-Mounted Soap Dispenser – Between a slippery bathtub and occasionally wet tile floor, your bathroom can and usually is the most dangerous room in your house. In fact, a large number of falls are caused simply by reaching for dropped soap in the tub or shower. Because of that risk, why not install wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers. And don’t forget to use a rubber-backed anti-slip mat on the bathroom floor.

5. Step Stool Safety – Step stools are great for helping us gain access to otherwise out-of-reach items, yet they also pose a fall hazard if not used correctly. Make sure your step stool is tall enough and strong enough for the job, and includes deep, non-skid steps and a handrail that extends well above the top step. Always place your step stool on a flat surface and never lean too far in one direction to prevent tipping and falling over.

Here at Your 1 Plumber, we play an active role in helping our customers avoid slipping and falling, especially in the bathroom. In fact, we have a growing number of ways to enhance your personal safety, too. To learn more about grab bars, anti-scald shower valves, walk-in tubs, and other bathroom safety fixtures, contact Your 1 Plumber today.