Fall Prevention -
Injury Prevention Tips:

AT HOME

• Keep emergency numbers near all telephones.
• Place smoke detectors near kitchen and bedrooms and check batteries once a year (for example, on your birthday).
• Secure scatter rugs, steps, floor boards and tiles.
• Secure railings and banisters.
• Have adequate lighting in stairways, hallways, entryways, kitchen and bath.
• Clear obstacles from stairways, hallways, entryways.
• Secure windows and doors with easy-to-use locks.
• Repair frayed electrical cords and appliances.
• Stand on a sturdy step stool and never on chairs, boxes or makeshift items.
• Ventilate all rooms.
• Keep flashlights, batteries and bulbs handy.
• Wear shoes that have non-slippery soles.

IN THE BATHROOM:

• Place non-skid mats in bathtub and shower.
• Place a grab bar next to toilet, bathtub and shower.
• Use night lights.

IN THE KITCHEN:

• Wear short or tight sleeves while cooking.
• Keep flammables away from the stove.
• Place heavy pots and appliances on low shelves.
• Keep fire extinguisher or baking soda handy to fight grease fires.
• Never heat your home with stove or oven.
• Open the windows if you smell gas, then make sure all pilots lights and control knobs are off.
Call your gas company if gas smell remains.

For more information, contact the Sonoma County Senior Safety Task Force, a project of the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging at 707 565-5950.