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.