Falls are a leading cause of accidental injury for all ages. Young children and older adults are at highest risk. Learn how to keep your everyone in your family safe from falls.
Always fasten straps on changing tables, high chairs, strollers, and swings. Supervise your baby when they use these products. Avoid products that let your baby move more than they may be ready for, like walkers or hanging bouncers.
Put a non-slip mat in the bathtub to help stop slips and falls. Use a non-slip rug outside the tub and clean up any water that spills on the floor.
Do not place chairs, tables, beds, or other furniture near windows. Use bedrails on the top bunk of a bunkbed which reach at least 5 inches above all sides of the mattress. Do not let children under the age of 6 years old sleep on the top bunk.
Put locks or guards on windows that are not meant for escape so they can't open more than 4 inches. This will help prevent falls.
You should only install a hardware mounted gate at the top of the stairs. You can use a pressure mounted gate at the bottom of the stairs or to keep rooms closed off. Do not let children play on balconies, stairs or fire escapes.
Check to make sure that playgrounds are covered with a with soft material like mulch or rubber. These materials will help cushion a child's fall.
Protect your head! Wear a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Comission) approved helmet when riding a bike, scooter, skateboard, or other toys with wheels. Wear elbow, knee, and wrist guards for extra protection from falls.
Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older. Take steps to help keep your older family members safe from falls. Make sure they have a cane, walker, or wheelchair when needed. Use stair grips to avoid slipping on the stairs. Handrails can be added to allow for improved safety on toilets or tubs.
Do you have questions about falls safety ?
Call our FREE Safety Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.
