Did you know that falls are the #1 cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in people age 65 and older in the United States. Most of these falls occur in the home while doing everyday activities. Medical Rescue Team South Authority (MRTSA) would like to suggest some things that you can do to prevent falls from occurring in your home:

In the kitchen:

• Avoid climbing and reaching for high shelves
• Use a stable step stool with handrails
• Arrange storage at counter level

In the living areas:

• Remove low tables, footrests and other items from    pathways
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of pathways
• Arrange furniture to provide an open pathway    between rooms

In the bathroom:

• Install handrails in the bathtub and toilet areas
• Place a rubber mat or non-skid strips on the    bathtub/show floor.
• Keep a night light on in the bathroom

On the stairs:

• Provide enough lighting so that steps can be seen    clearly
• Keep steps free from clutter and cover them with    tightly woven carpet or non-slip treads.
• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairway.