Your home is where your family gathers to make memories. Your home should be a haven of safety and comfort. It shouldn’t be a place for sudden accidents, potential injuries, or even 911 calls. A common issue, especially in the homes of the elderly, slips and falls can result in a serious injury. It’s important to guard against every type of slip and fall danger to keep your family safe. Here are three basic ways to do so.

Take Care of the Outside

The outside of your home is riddled with chances for slips and falls, especially in bad weather. A yard full of holes, a broken or uneven walkway, or an improperly salted driveway can all become hazardous if not taken care of. Make sure your yard isn’t cluttered with debris. Don’t leave your dog’s leash lying hidden in the grass, and don’t fail to shovel and salt after every snowfall. A good front mat will go a long way in keep your guests and family stable on the front porch. Make sure you have plenty of bright lighting for anyone traveling through the yard at night. Remember, your health or the health of a friend or family member is never worth it. It’s always better to be prepared for injuries than to face them afterward.

Take Care of the Inside

The inside of your home is just as prone to hazard as the outside is, if not more so. You should watch for cupboards that stick out too far, or uneven floor boards. You should consider placing glow tape on the last basement step, or making sure you can always reach the light switch before you head downstairs. Have handrails on all your staircases, and if you or a member of your family is having difficulty with steps, move your bedroom to the first floor of your home. There’s no point in risking it! Have proper mats and gripping pads in your bathroom, and make sure that all cords and wires are safely tucked out of reach. If your basement is prone to moisture, you should consider

to keep puddles, damp spots, and slick tiles from increasing the chance of a fall at home.

Take Care of Tenants

If you were injured in a rental property, you may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. Usually, you will need a witness and other form of proof that your injury was caused due to

on someone else’s part. A good landlord will keep their property free of hazards, however, so if your injury was the fault of another party, you should contact an

. You should not have to face your medical bills alone, and if you win your personal injury case, you’re entitled to financial compensation. If you own property, you should make sure every one of your tenants is safe from potential threats like these. Keep your buildings, sidewalks, and parking lots free from all potential hazards.