Falls are worse for young children and older adults. Very few deaths from falls occur in adults under 60. For children, the most severe falls are associated with three products: baby walkers, windows, and play equipment including trampolines.

Below are a few things that you can do to prevent people in your home from falling:

Put window guards on all windows

Put soft, protective surfaces under play equipment.

Pay special attention to staircases. Make sure that they have handrails, are well lighted, do not have any loose carpeting, and are always clear of toys and other items.

Use safety gates both at the top and bottom of staircases if children are in the house.

If you have a dark basement, install a light on the staircase and paint your bottom step a bright colour to make it more visible.

Look out for pets because pets cause most of the recorded falls.

Make your shower safe: use non-slip rubber mats and install extra rails or grab bars if necessary. Also, make sure that the existing rails and other supports are in good condition and can support your weight.

Make sure that you always use (and have!) sturdy step stools when getting things in the kitchen or out of closets.

Do not allow children under six years old to climb on bunk beds.

If you have small children, install locks on all cabinets and drawers so that they won’t be able to climb them.