How to Spot Potential Fall Hazards in Your New Home
<p>We spend most of our time at home, and when we move to a new one, fall risks are usually not at the forefront of our minds. One in five falls results in serious injury, and every year nearly 3 million emergency visits are due to older people falling. If you’re concerned about yourself and […]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zoocasa.com/blog/how-to-spot-potential-fall-hazards-home/">How to Spot Potential Fall Hazards in Your New Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zoocasa.com/blog">Zoocasa Blog</a>.</p>
We spend most of our time at home, and when we move to a new one, fall risks are usually not at the forefront of our minds. One in five falls results in serious injury, and every year nearly 3 million emergency visits are due to older people falling. If you’re concerned about yourself and your loved ones, here’s how to spot potential fall hazards in your new home, and how to prevent them.
Hallways and Stairways
Check to make sure all carpet is firmly attached to the floor, and consider no-slip strips or mats under rugs to prevent tripping over the edge. Motion-activated night lights are great in hallways and on the stairs for late-night coming and goings, and ensure there is at least a guardrail on the side of the staircase. If your home has wooden stairs, consider a carpet runner or textured strips to prevent slipping.
All too frequently, we leave things on the steps as a reminder to get them on the next time we climb them. If we forget or are unaware of these things, there could be a serious fall danger.
Non-skid mats are the best way to prevent slipping in the bathroom, especially by the shower/tub. Showers and bathtubs are naturally abrasive. Self-stick, non-slip strips are a simple and effective way to improve our grip and keep our feet where they belong. Because of the constant dampness they are exposed to, non-slip mats with suction cups should be avoided since they may eventually lose their suction.
Check to see if water escapes and pools on the floor outside the tub/shower after using it. If so, a better shower curtain or re-sealing of shower doors might be necessary.
Kitchen
Are the things you use most frequently in easy reach? The best places for kitchen appliances or tools that we use infrequently are higher cabinets or remote corners, which frees up room for often-used goods to be easily accessible. Invest in a good step stool, one with a wide base, and consider one with a handrail for extra safety. A step stool will make anything out of reach easier and safer to get, rather than climbing on the counters or using a chair.
Make sure the path from the door(s) to your bed is clear, especially at night. Have a lamp or other source of light within easy access to your bed, navigating through the dark only increases the chances of falling.
Outside
If you have steps leading to your front door, make sure they are not broken or uneven and add non‐slip material and if you have a large staircase, install a handrail. In the winter, treat outdoor walkways with an ice melt product or sand to make them less slippery. Do the same for the driveway.
Other Safety Tips
Think about installing a smart home gadget that can instantly link you to contacts or emergency response teams. A few smartwatches include the ability to immediately contact for help in the event of an emergency or to detect abrupt movements that resemble a fall.
In the winter when you track snow inside, put all winter boots and shoes on a tray to collect the moisture, and clean up melted snow puddles to prevent slipping.
Keep electrical cords near walls and away from walking paths.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-skyline-of-venice-right-a-canadian-passport-on-a-suitcase.jpg?id=60248411&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're dreaming of a summer getaway in Europe or the tropics, you might want to double-check your destination before booking that flight.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories" target="_blank">Government of Canada's travel advisory site</a>, several popular countries — including some of the most visited places in the world — currently have official warnings in effect. While many aren't considered no-go zones, the federal government is still urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution due to issues like terrorism threats, crime, political unrest, or health risks.</p><p>Here are some of the most surprising vacation destinations flagged by our government.</p><h3>Italy</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHENFKEIhmx/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHENFKEIhmx/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p> Why it's flagged: With the recent election of a new pope and the ongoing Jubilee year in Rome, crowds are expected to surge through the summer. The Government of Canada warns of a terrorism threat, especially around mass gatherings and religious events.</p><p> Tourists should also watch out for pickpockets, scams, and bag snatching in busy areas like train stations and tourist sites.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy" target="_blank">Read the full advisory </a></p><h3>Costa Rica</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_TSBoBZBc/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_TSBoBZBc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p> Why it's flagged: Despite being a popular (year-round) tropical destination for Canadians, Costa Rica has seen a rise in violent crime, including armed robberies and carjackings, even in tourist areas. The Government of Canada also warns of volcanic activity near Poás and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue.</p><p> Travellers should avoid isolated areas, especially after dark, and take extra care with valuables and vehicle rentals.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the full advisory</a></p><h3>Dominican Republic</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-VENgYgXD1/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-VENgYgXD1/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p> Why it's flagged: The Government of Canada warns about violent crime, including armed robbery, sexual assault, and petty theft, even in popular resort areas like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Tourists are urged to stay in well-known areas, avoid travelling alone after dark, and use hotel-recommended transportation.</p><p>Extra caution is urged near the border with Haiti, which Canada has officially classified as a no-go zone (risk level: Avoid all travel). The land and sea borders are currently closed, and security conditions are highly unstable, particularly around Dajabón. Emergency services may be unavailable in that region.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/dominican-republic" target="_blank">Read the full advisory</a></p><h3>Bahamas</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwWTZrxDlC/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwWTZrxDlC/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p>What to know: A high crime rate, particularly in Nassau, the capital, and Freeport, the main city of Grand Bahama, has prompted the Canadian government to recommend extreme caution to travellers.</p><p>Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in tourist areas, particularly around cruise terminals and popular beach resorts, both day and night.</p><p>More violent crimes (armed robberies, burglaries, fraud, and sexual assaults) are also being reported, especially on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. The government advises avoiding isolated areas after dark, including beaches, and sticking to secure tourist areas.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/bahamas" target="_blank">Read the full advisory</a></p><h3>Denmark</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCH1l7GM-es/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCH1l7GM-es/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p> Why it's flagged: Canada warns that Denmark faces a significant terrorism threat, with the national alert level currently set at 4 out of 5. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service maintains a public threat scale and communicates updates through media and its website.</p><p>Demonstrations are also common, especially in major cities, and while usually peaceful, they can disrupt transit or escalate without warning.</p><p>In Copenhagen, travellers should be cautious in Freetown Christiania, where recent gang-related violence linked to the drug trade has occurred. A fatal shooting happened there in August 2023, and photography is strictly prohibited. Some tourists have been assaulted or robbed after taking photos.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/denmark" target="_blank">Read the full advisory</a></p><h3>Germany</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGIsowKRvsX/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGIsowKRvsX/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p> Why it's flagged: Germany is currently flagged for a persistent threat of terrorism. The Government of Canada notes that recent attacks in public places have included stabbings, shootings, and vehicle-ramming incidents, some of which have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.</p><p>Travellers should be especially alert in areas with large crowds, including train stations, shopping centres, Christmas markets, demonstrations, and major public events.</p><p>Protests and labour strikes are frequent in Germany and can disrupt public transit or lead to road closures. While usually peaceful, they can escalate quickly, and authorities recommend avoiding these gatherings altogether.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/germany" target="_blank">Read the full advisory</a></p><h3>France</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHVVy4lo0_9/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHVVy4lo0_9/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution</p><p> Why it's flagged: France remains at its highest security alert level, "urgence attentat," due to a persistent terrorism threat. Attacks have targeted public spaces, including tourist areas, transit stations, and places of worship. The French government has deployed armed military patrols in high-traffic areas as part of <strong>Operation Sentinelle</strong> to deter potential threats.</p><p>Demonstrations and nationwide strikes are common and can lead to transportation delays, road closures, and sometimes violence. Travellers are advised to avoid protest zones and monitor local updates.</p><p>If you're heading to the French Alps or Pyrenees, be aware that mountain activities can be dangerous. Sudden weather changes, avalanches, and poorly marked trails pose serious risks. Local rescue operations can be delayed or costly, especially in remote areas, so make sure you're properly equipped and insured.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/france" target="_blank">Read the full advisory</a></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
