Ten "Steps" To Stairway Safety

Watching someone take a tumble sometimes brings a chuckle from an onlooker; however, a fall is no laughing matter when you look at the possible consequences. Falls are the second most common cause of death from all unintentional injuries surpassed only by motor vehicle crashes. In addition, more than 75 percent of those who die from a fall are over age 65, according to the National Safety Council.

In 1995, falls in the home resulted in 6,150 deaths to people age 65 and over. And, falls are a common reason people enter a nursing home. Prevention is the key. Since falls from stairs and steps account for nearly half of all fatal falls in the home, use the following "Ten steps to stairway safety" to help you and your loved ones make each step a safe step.

Ten "steps" to stairway safety

1. Use the handrail. All stairways, no matter how short, should have handrails on both sides.

2. It's hard to avoid what you can't see so install bright lights and on/off switches at the top and bottom of each stairwell.

3. Check stairs for worn or loose carpeting and make any necessary repairs. Also, make sure the carpet is firmly attached all along the stairs. If your steps have a smooth surface, install anti-slip tread to provide safer traction.

4. Keep stairways clear of all objects. Never use the stairs as temporary storage.

5. Paint the bottom basement step white to make it more visible. Many people mistakenly think the lowest step is floor level.

6. If the stairs are carpeted, choose a pattern that doesn't hide the edges of the steps. A busy pattern can trip a person if he or she thinks the stairs have ended a step too soon.

7. Beware of single steps. Small changes in levels can be hazardous. Stairs with at least three risers are safer than single steps.

8. Be aware of your footwear. Take extra caution on steps when wearing athletic shoes, high heels, open-toe sandals, furry slippers or synthetic socks.

9. Avoid carrying vision blocking loads. Don't carry so much up and down stairs that you can't see where you are stepping. Also have one hand free to hold onto a handrail. Make several trips with smaller loads.

10. Do not put throw rugs at the top or bottom of a stairway. Small scatter rugs can slide or the edges can become curled. If it is necessary to put a rug at the bottom of a stairway, make sure it has a skid-resistant backing and use carpet tape to keep the corners from curling.

If you have steps outside your home, follow the above precautions in addition to keeping the steps free of ice and snow. Remember that the chances of falling are also increased by illness, fatigue, haste, use of alcohol and drugs, including cigarette smoking. Studies show that keeping yourself healthy and fit will help prevent falls. A recent study of women 50 - 70 years of age by the Research Center on Aging concluded that lifting weights twice a week helps improve strength, gait and balance -- three factors that help prevent falls.

For additional information about home safety, call the Lowe's Home Safety Hotline at 1-800-SAFE HOME.

The National Safety Council is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, international public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. The Lowe's Home Safety Council is a nonprofit organization founded to enhance the quality of American home life by helping families improve the comfort of their homes through better knowledge and practice of home safety.

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