SLIP & FALL PROBLEMS IN OTHER ROOMS & SPACES
The kitchen and bath, because of the presence of water, are rooms were the greatest risk for slips and falls exist. But it’s important to pay attention to other areas of the home where slips, trips and falls can occur.
For example, there are numerous slip-and-fall hazards in basements. The combination of mechanical equipment, water, moisture and hard surface flooring can make for dangerous conditions.
Similarly, garages demand special attention because of the dirt and moisture that typically accumulates on the floor.
Here’s our take on rooms and spaces both inside and outside of the home where a little bit of PREVENTION can make you and your family much safer.
Bedroom
It’s all too easy to end up with clutter in a bedroom, as it often becomes a de-facto storage space for things without a home. Make sure your bedroom is clear and safe to navigate even after dark. If you have a dog or cat, take special note of your pet’s favorite place to sleep. Remember, when you wake up at night you won’t be fully alert. Better to plan now so that you will be safe later.
Basement
Keep the basement free from clutter and make sure there are clear safe pathways so you can navigate around your basement. Make sure that any sources of water, like a laundry room, sump pump or humidification system, are kept dry.
Hallway
A hallway is a high traffic area between rooms. The pathway should be clear from boxes, laundry, extension cords, etc. All rugs or runners should be secured safely to the floor. Make sure that there are no frayed edges and that all corners stay flat on the floor.
Living Room and Family Room
Make sure all regularly used walkways are free from clutter and there is enough room to safely walk past furniture. Extension cords should be securely fastened to the baseboards or the floor. Area rugs should be secured to the floor using a nonslip backing that prevents them from slipping. The rug should sit flat on the floor; watch to make sure corners cannot flip up and create a tripping hazard.
Dining room
Your dining room table and chairs should fit comfortably in your dining room. If it’s too big, the chair legs will become tripping hazards. Make sure that table runners are safely off the floor. When the dining room is not in use, keep all chairs neatly organized and tucked safely under the table.
Outside
All paths and sidewalks should be level and clean. Keep them free from leaves and shovel them whenever it snows. Use salt or other deicer products whenever the temperature approaches freezing.
Garage
Garage floors are especially dangerous because they get dirty quickly. Your car carries the worst weather conditions inside, and even the newest of cars will leave traces of oil under the engine creating a slip hazard. What seems like a large open storage area can become a narrow, trip filled walking path when you park your car. Maintain clean and clear walking paths all around your car so you can safely get to and from home and car. You may want to treat your garage floor with a non-slip epoxy coating. Doors with steps leading into your home should have a handrail or grab bar to make getting in and out of your home safer.