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Health Corner

July 2006

Home Safety

Millions of Americans are only a step away from becoming victims of the leading cause of unintentional home injuries—falls.

According to the State of Home Safety in America conducted by the Home Safety Council, falls are by far the leading cause of unintentional home injury death. Falls account for an average of 5.1 million injuries and nearly 6,000 death each year. The vast majority of fall deaths occur among people age 65 and older and fall dath rates are higher for males.

In effort to reduce injuries among people of all ages, the Home Safety Council encourages families to identify and correct potential falling hazards in and around the home.

Home Safety “Walk-Through”

Walk through your home to identify and remedy potential falling hazards. What to look for:

·        All stairs and steps should be protected with a secure banister or hand-rail.

·        Make sure all porches, hallways and stairwells are well lit. Us the maximum safe wattage in light fixtures.

·        Use nightlights to help light hallways and bathrooms during night-time hours.

·        Keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear. Reduce clutter and safely tuck away telephone and electrical cords out of walkways.

·        In homes with children, make sure toys and games are not left on steps or landings. When very young children are present use safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.

·        Use a non-slip mat or install adhesive safety strips or decals in bathtubs and showers.

·        Install grab bars in bath and shower stalls. Don’t use towel racks or wall-mounted soap dishes as grab bars—they easily come loose, causing a fall.

·        Install window guards to prevent young children from falling out of upper windows. Select guards with emergency-release devices.

·        Keep the floor clean. Promptly clean up grease, water, and other spills.

·        If you use throw rugs in you home, place them over a rug-liner or choose rugs with non-skid backs to reduce your chance of falling.

·        Use a sturdy step stool with hand rails when climbing is necessary.

·        Follow medication dosages closely. Using multiple medication and/or using medication incorrectly may cause dizziness, weakness and other side effects which can lead to a dangerous fall.

Source: www.homesafetycouncil.org