Released June 19, 2009
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Your home may not be as safe as you think, according to Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Nearly two million people are treated in emergency rooms across the country because of falls, and about 13,000 die," McKinnon says.
Many of those injuries could have been prevented with some home maintenance, she says, which may eliminate hazards in nearly every room of the house.
"Get help moving furniture if the pathway is not clear, and you have to walk around furniture," she advises. "Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip. Pick up clutter on the floor."
Electrical cords are another overlooked potential hazard. Make sure all cords run along the wall edge. This includes lamp cords, telephone cords or extension cords, which can trip you.
"Consider hiring an electrician to install additional outlets," McKinnon says.
Steps and stairs can be hazardous if not maintained properly. To assure safety:
- Pick up items on the steps and stairs inside and outside your home. Don't let papers, shoes, books or other items accumulate on the steps.
- Fix loose or uneven steps and have boards replaced on porches and decks that are weak.
- If lighting is bad, have an electrician install an overhead light at the bottom and top of the stairs or steps. Make sure there is a switch for the lights at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- If there is carpet on the steps, make sure it is firmly attached to every step. Fix any loose handrails or put in new ones.
- Make sure there are handrails on both sides of the steps, securely fastened to the wall.
In addition to stairs, other areas of the house may be made safer through simple changes. Store items you use frequently on low shelves. If you must use a step stool, make sure it has a safety bar. Never use a chair as a step stool.
"Bathrooms can be the source of many falls, especially for older residents," McKinnon says. Install a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of your tub or shower. If you need support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet, have a carpenter install grab bars.
In the bedroom, put a lamp near the bed on each side where it's easy to reach. A nightlight can help you see objects that might otherwise cause you to trip. Night-lights are available that go off by themselves during the day and come on after dark.
McKinnon says regular exercise can make you stronger and improve your balance and coordination. This might help you avoid falls.
"Improve lighting in your home," she recommends. "Put in brighter light bulbs. Florescent bulbs are bright and cost less to use. Add lighting in dark areas."
Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone. Keep your cell phone in your pocket in case you fall and can't get to a phone for help. For older residents or people with medical conditions, personal alarm devices can bring help in case you fall and can't get up.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/june2009/0619fall_prevention.htm
Writer: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
