•When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around
furniture?
Ask someone to move the furniture so
your path is clear.
•Do you have throw rugs on the floor?
Remove the rugs or use double-sided
tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.
•Are there papers, books, towels, shoes, magazines, boxes,
blankets, or other objects on the floor?
Pick up things that are on the floor.
Always keep objects off the floor.
•Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like
lamp, telephone, or extension cords)?
Coil or tape cords and wires next to
the wall so you can’t trip over them. If needed, have an
electrician put in another outlet.
STAIRS
AND STEPS:
Look
at the stairs you use both inside and outside your home.
•Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the
stairs?
Pick up things on the stairs. Always
keep objects off stairs.
•Are some steps broken or uneven?
Fix loose or uneven steps.
•Are
you missing a light over the stairway?
Have an electrician put in an over head
light at the top and bottom of the stairs.
•Do you have only one light switch for your stairs (only
at the top or at the bottom of the stairs)?
Have an electrician put in a light switch
at the top and bottom of the stairs.
•You can get light switches that glow. Has the stairway
light bulb burned out?
Have a friend or family member change
the light bulb.
•Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?
Make sure the carpet is firmly attached
to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber
treads to the stairs.
•Are the handrails loose or broken?
Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?
Fix loose handrails or put in new ones.
Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as
long as the stairs.
