Ditch the clutter, especially on stairs
Nearly half of all falling deaths occur on steps and stairways. Keeping the steps clutter-free seems obvious, but take a look at your own steps. Who hasn’t set something on a step “temporarily” with a plan to take it down (or up) on the next trip? It’s easy to use the steps as semipermanent storage, but it’s a very dangerous habit. Odds are that eventually someone is going to trip over something and break an arm or leg (or neck). Don’t set anything on the steps. Ever.
Make windows safe for kids
Each year, thousands of children are injured because of falls from windows. Window screens are not strong enough to prevent falls. In rooms on upper floors, install window guards with quick-release mechanisms (in case of fire) to prevent windows from opening more than a few centimetres. And keep furniture away from windows so kids aren’t tempted to climb near them.
Use a wall-mount soap dispenser
The bathroom can be a hazardous place for everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, injuries around the tub or shower are actually most common among those ages 15 to 24. Believe it or not, many bath falls are caused by reaching for dropped soap! So do two things—use a slip-proof bath mat and install a wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispenser. There are many different models available, and most install quickly with adhesive strips and silicone glue. Look for models with easy-to-fill dispensers at bath stores and online retailers.
Here are the home repairs you need to do before someone gets hurt.