Falls Prevention Month an important reminder for Albertans

Keep floors, stairs, and pathways clutter-free
Turn on the lights in stairways
Choose footwear with a proper fit, low heels, and good grip
Take short, slow steps when surfaces are slippery
Join activities with friends or family in order to stay safe while connecting with others.

For children, falls are more likely to take place in the home amongst children five years old or under, PCA notes. Keeping a close eye on young children and using appropriate safety equipment can help reduce the risk of a fall-related injury:

Always use the safety straps on highchairs and changing tables
Use wall-mounted gates at the top of all stairs and a wall or pressure-mounted gate at the bottom
Install window guards or child-proof locks on windows higher than ground level, ensuring safety devices can still be opened by an adult or older child in case of emergency, without the use of tools or special knowledge
Make sure children and adults wear a certified helmet while skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tobogganing, or skating.

Furniture should also be moved away from windows and balcony rails, while dressers and bookcases should be anchored properly to the wall.

For tips on keeping kids safe while out and about, use the playground checklist.

For more information on how to keep children safe from falls, visit myhealth.alberta.ca. Resources for older adults can also be found through Finding Balance – a seniors’ fall prevention initiative developed by the Injury Prevention Centre (IPC) at the University of Alberta.

by Josh Hall

Falls Prevention Month an important reminder for Albertans

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