Statistics show many Americans suffer injuries in their homes each year, and falls are very common. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each day for fall related injuries, and over one third of adults age 65 and older fall each year. One of the tips the CDC provides for avoiding falls is to improve the lighting in your home. Increasing the light in areas such as the kitchen can also help you avoid other common injuries. There are many simple lighting adjustments you can make to improve the overall safety and comfort in your home.
Check to make sure you have adequate Ceiling Lighting, especially in stairwells. You should also have a light switch installed at the top and bottom of each staircase so the light can be turned on as someone runs up or down the stairs quickly.
Make sure there are adequate night light options in each room of your home, and in hallways, to avoid stumbling in the dark. There are a variety of fixtures that can work as night lights, including Wall Sconces and Table Lamps.
Many accidents occur in the kitchen, so be sure to light countertops and the area around your stove, where cooking takes place. Track Lighting, Under Cabinet Lighting, and FreeJack pendant lights are all options that can help you create a safe cooking environment.
The bathroom can also be a dangerous place without proper lighting. Make sure to include Bathroom Lighting in the areas around your sink and shower, as many falls can occur there.
Don't forget the basement and attic, where there is often minimal light and the clutter of items you do not use everyday. Avoid falls and other injuries while searching through your storage areas by installing Ceiling Lighting or Floor Lamps that can easily light your way.
Many falls and injuries also occur in outdoor areas such as patios and decks, especially after dark. Outdoor Lighting such as Post Lighting, Wall Lighting, Hanging Lights and Landscape Lighting can beautify your property while adding safety around your home. Fixtures such as step lights can illuminate walkways in your yard, and lanterns can be placed near driveways and other high traffic areas.
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