Slips, Trips & Falls

Falls are the major cause of householdinjuries. Most falls happen when someone slips on icy, wet, or slick surfaces;trips over a loose rug, toy, or other object; or stumbles 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.

Suffocation, Strugling & Choking

Each year hundreds of people die afterchoking on food or other small items. Most deaths involve infants, toddlers,and the elderly.

Tips to prevent choking and suffocation

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

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

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