Everyone has heard the old cliche “Accidents happen.” But many do not realize just how often they occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control, accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States leading to over 130,000 deaths annually. Of those accidental deaths, over 30,000 can be attributed to falling. However a few safety precautions can prevent most stair related injuries.
Handrails—The most obvious way of keeping yourself safe on the stairs is to always use the handrails when walking up or down them. Older homes built before stricter housing codes had been set, may still have inadequate handrails that do not provide proper support as you walk. If you have such a home and the handrails do not go down the full length of the stairs, or if the handrails are able to catch on clothing causing a falling hazard, then you should replace your handrail. It is also important to encourage your children to walk carefully and slowly on the stairs while holding the railing. Be sure to model this behavior by doing it yourself; children are apt to imitate what they see parents do.
Safety Gates—Another way to prevent falling is with child safety gates at the bottom and top of the stairs. If you have young children in your home, especially those who are just learning to walk, then safety gates are a must have. The older type of expandable gate that wedges into the stairway is probably the most popular type. While this does provide a safe alternative to using no gate, it may not be your best choice. If a child is at the top of the stairs and leans against the gate, then the weight of the child can cause the gate to collapse, leading to a dangerous fall. The best option is to use gates that are secured into the studs of the wall for extra stability.
Adhesive strips—If you have flooring that is particularly slick, you may wish to consider adding textured strips to the stairs. This allows the soles of your feet to better grasp the floor, preventing slips and falls on the stairs.
Safety for Other Stairs—When people think of stairs in their home, they usually only think of the main stairway leading to the upper floors of the home. In many homes, there are other stairs such as the front steps leading to the door. Once again, you should follow the same cautions including the use of handrails. In the winter, be sure to keep these steps clear of snow and ice. Extra caution should also be taken when it is raining.
Many of the victims of falling accidents at home are children. It is important to teach your children everything they need to know about stair safety. In addition, you should also model safe behavior for them so that you can instill in them the need to be safe around the stairs.