Slips, Trips And Falls

Falls are themajor cause of household injuries. Most falls happen when someone slips on icy,wet, or slick surfaces; trips over a loose rug, toy, or other object; orstumbles on stairs.

Tips to reduce the risk of falls

• Use rubber-backed rugs on hard floors.

• Avoid very thick carpets and rugs with busy patterns, especially on stairs.

• Replace loose, torn, or frayed rugs.

• Replace wooden stairs and floors that are broken, warped, or rotted.

Suffocation, Strangling And Choking

Each yearhundreds of people die after choking on food or other small items. Most deathsinvolve infants, toddlers, and the elderly.

Tips to prevent choking and suffocation

• Learn how to use the Heimlich maneuver to remove something stuck in aperson’s throat.

• Keep small objects away from toddlers. Anything that is small enough topass through a toilet paper tube is a choking hazard.

• Place infants on their backs to sleep. Use a firm crib mattress and avoidsoft bedding.Remove drawstrings from children’s clothing.