For further information, write to:
U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
To report a product hazard or a product-related injury, write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207, or call the tool free hotline: 800-638-CPSC. A tele-typewriter for the deaf is available on the following number: National 800-638-8270.
Educational Department
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017-3288
(212)986-3240 - FAX (212) 986-7981
1-800-FIGHT-MS [1-800-344-4867]
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Falls can result in injury to any individual, but are of special concern for a person with a disability. Those with balance problems, lower extremity weakness or visual problems are at increased risk for falls. Consequences of falls include bruises, cuts, pain, discomfort and even more serious injuries such as fractures. This is especially important for those individuals with osteoporosis. Prevention is the main concern to ensure that a fall does not occur. (Click here for more information on osteoporosis.
Please click at the topics of your interest
Are lamp, extension, telephone, and other cords placed out of the flow of traffic?
- Are
all small rugs and runners slip-resistant?
- Do you have access to high and
low storage?
-
If
you are weight bearing, do you use a step stool rather than unsafe substitutes?
-
Do you maintain wheelchair or
scooter safety?
- Are bathtubs and showers equipped
with non-skid mats, abrasive strips, non-skid shower chairs, or surfaces that are not
slippery?
- Do bathtubs and showers have at
least 1 (preferably 2) grab bars?
- Is a light switch located near
the entrance to the room and at the proper height for you?
- Are lamps or lights switches
within reach of your bed?
- Are walkways, stairs and ramp
areas kept clean and well lit?
- Are sturdy handrails fastened
securely on both sides of the stairway or ramp area?
- Do steps allow secure footing?
Are lamp, extension, telephone, and other cords placed out of the flow of traffic?
- cords stretched across pathways may cause falls or
other injuries.
- Arrange furniture so that outlets are available for
lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords. Extension cords should be used on
a temporary basis only.
- If you must use an extension cord, place it on the
floor against a wall where it will not be in a person's path.
- Move the phone so that telephone cords will not lie in the path of walking or wheelchairs.
Are all small rugs and runners slip-resistant?
Smooth non-skid floors are always best for persons with mobility problems.
However, if you choose to have rugs or runners, remember the following tips:
- Remove rugs and runners that tend to slide.
- Apply double-faced adhesive carpet tape or rubber
matting to the backs of rugs and runners or purchase rugs with slip-resistant backing and
check periodically to see if the backing needs replaced.
- Always remember that socks slide on smooth floors and walking in them without shoes may result in falls.
Do you have access to
high and low storage?
The 'easy-reach zone' for wheelchairs begins at 15" or 16" from the floor and
ends 51" or 52" from the floor. Standing zone begins at knee level and
ends a few inches higher than your height, not the outstretched arm.
- Place things you use most often within your 'easy
reach zone'.
If
you are weight bearing, do you use a step stool rather than unsafe substitutes?
Standing on boxes, chairs, and other unsafe substitutes for step stool can lead to
falls.
- Consider buying a step stool if you do not have
one. Choose a sturdy object to hold onto while standing on the step stool.
- Make sure the step stool is fully opened and stable
before putting weight on it.
- Tighten screws and braces on the step stool; throw
away stools with broken parts.
- Step on the center of the step, not near the edge.
- Ask for help rather than risk injury.
Do you maintain wheelchair or scooter safety?
- Falls often occur during the transfer from a
wheelchair or scooter to other surfaces.
- Always lock the wheelchair or scooter before
transferring to or from the chair.
- If you transfer from a wheelchair or scooter to
other seats, keep them all at the same level and use a sliding board.
Are bathtubs and showers equipped with non-skid mats, abrasive strips, non-skid shower chairs, or surfaces that are not slippery?
- Wet tile or porcelain surfaces are especially
slippery and may contribute to falls.
- Apply texture strips or appliques on the floors of
tubs and showers or use non-skid mats.
- Use a shower chair with non-skid tips for showering or bathing.
Do bathtubs and showers have at least 1 (preferably 2) grab bars?
- Grab bars can be used in the bathroom, bedroom
and anywhere else they may be useful.
- Check existing bars for strength and stability, and
repair if necessary.
- Attach grab bars, through the tile, to structural
supports in the wall, or install bars specifically designed to attach to the sides of the
bathtub. If you are not sure how it is done, get someone who is qualified to help
you.
Is a light switch located near the entrance to the room and at the proper height for you?
- A light switch near the door and at the proper
height for a wheelchair or scooter will protect you from going through a dark area.
- Consider replacing the existing switch with a "glow switch" that can be seen in the dark.
Are lamps or lights switches within reach of your bed?
- Lamps or switches located close to the bed will
enable you to see where you are going if you get out of the bed during the night.
- Rearrange furniture closer to switches or move lamps
closer to beds.
- Install night-lights; inexpensive lights that plug
into outlets are available.
Are walkways, stairs and ramp areas kept clean and well lit?
- Shadowed or dark areas, objects and slick
surfaces can cause result in injuries, including falls.
- Keep walkways, stairs and ramp areas free of snow,
ice, or other materials that make the surface slippery.
- Keep walkways and ramp areas free of objects such as
toys, tools, etc.
- Keep walkways, stairs and ramp areas well lit;
consider having light switches installed at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Are sturdy handrails fastened securely on both sides of the stairway or ramp area?
- The handrail should provide a comfortable grip
and should always be used when using stairs or ramps.
- Repair broken handrails; tighten fixtures that hold
handrails to the wall.
Make sure that the handrail runs the entire length of the stairs or ramp.
Do steps allow secure footing?
- Worn treads or worn or loose carpeting can lead
to insecure footing, resulting in slips or falls.
- Avoid wearing only socks or smooth-soled shoes or
slippers when using stairs or on smooth floors.
- Make certain the carpet is firmly attached to the
steps all along the stairs.
- Consider refinishing or replacing worn treads, or
replacing worn carpeting.
- Paint outside steps with paint that has a rough
texture, or use abrasive strips. Paint edges white to see them better at night.
- Make sure steps are even and the same size and
height.
Emergency evacuation of the home can be a problem for the person with a disability. Prevention should be the main goal so that emergency measures will not be needed. But if an emergency does occur it will be a stressful time. Be sure you can access the phone, doors, locks, windows and mobility aids when you are at your worst.
Do you have an emergency plan?
- An emergency plan should be developed in advance
to prevent chaos or confusion if an emergency does occur.
- Plan emergency exit routes and review the plan with
others in your home.
- Identify a site away from your home for all residents to meet.
Is there a telephone close to your bed?
- In case of an emergency, it is important to be
able to reach the telephone without getting out
of bed.
- Have a telephone installed close to the bed.
- Note: If your power goes out, portable phones WILL NOT work!
Is your home maintained as safely as possible?
- Ask your police and fire departments for a safety
inspection.
- See U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for ways to improve the safety in many areas of your home.
Individuals with a disability - especially women - can be very vulnerable to strangers who may take advantage of the situation. It is important to prevent placing yourself in a compromising situation.
Are you telling others that a disabled person lives in your home?
- Look at the outside of your home and see if you
are advertising that a disabled person lives here.
- Some fire departments will place a special decal on
the bedroom window of a person with a disability, but you need to decide if this is
something you desire.
- You may want to camouflage ramps with waist level
landscape plants.
- If possible, keep your car with wheelchair carrier or handicapped plates in a closed garage.
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Are you taking adequate precautions with your home access?
- Be sure you are not opening your door to danger.
- Install wide-angle peepholes in solid doors at your eye level. Install two peepholes if you sometimes answer the door from a standing
position and other times from a wheelchair or scooter.
- Never open the door to a stranger. If persons
identifies themselves as utility or police officers, ask for a number to call and verify
their presence.
- Don't place classified ads that require people to
come to your home.
- Never let strangers on the phone know you are alone or disabled.
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08/07/03 12:11 PM