To reduce the possibility of a fall, the most common cause of serious brain injuries to both children and adults inside the home, consider the following precautions:

For Children:

Windows

• Fit window locks and safety catches
• Move furniture away from the windows to prevent children from climbing and falling out.
• Use safety glass (complying with BS 6206) in low glass doors and windows or cover the panes with safety film.

On the Stairs

• Use stair gates at the top and the bottom of the staircase.
• Ensure stairs are free from clutter
• Supervise young children at all times when walking up or down stairs.
• Ensure children walk and don't run up and down stairs.
• Do not allow children to play on the stairs
• Hold onto the banister rail when carrying babies on stairs and encourage young children to do so
• Ensure a toddler’s cot is free from larger toys to prevent them from climbing and falling out.
• Don't leave babies unattended on raised surfaces
• Use harnesses in high chairs and pushchairs

In the Yard and Garden

• Teach children not to climb on roofs or sheds etc.
• Ensure play equipment in the garden is over a soft surface such as grass or bark as opposed to concrete.
• Ensure paving stones are level.
• Encourage children not to climb-- pruning lower tree branches to discourage this.

For Everyone:

• Ensure floors are clear of clutter and toys—be extra careful when children are learning to walk
• Avoid highly polished floors
• Use rug grips to avoid slipping.
• Use soft corner covers on sharp edges such as tables, shelves etc.
• Consider bathroom grab bars
• Locate and fix uneven
• Quickly clear ice, water or fallen leaves