Children, the elderly and people with physical disabilities have the greatest risk of experiencing a fall and also of suffering a serious injury as a result.
But you don't have to be a child, a senior or a disabled person to feel suddenly dizzy or weak and therefore suffer a fall.
Anyone can fall because of carelessness, stress, poor vision, or a loss of balance due to the side-effects of drugs or alcohol.
While the actual fall may result in nothing more than a bruise or slight cut, falling against a hot stove or hitting one's head against a hard object can cause a serious injury.
The statistics are alarming: every five hours one older person is killed by an accidental fall in the home.
Thousands are seriously injured every year - for many this leads to a long term reduction in their quality of life.
Also, injury from falls is a common reason for children to be admitted to the hospital, with children under 9-years-old being the most susceptible to accidental falling and resulting injuries.
With awareness and pre-planning, most of these falls can be avoided.
It makes sense to follow some simple safety precautions no matter who lives in your household:

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases.
  
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent toddlers from climbing up and falling down the steps.
  
• Open windows from the top, not the bottom, to keep children from falling out; screens are not strong enough to hold even small children.
  
• If you suffer from osteoporosis or have an unsteady gait from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or any other disorder, use a walker or a cane for added support.
  
• Install grab bars in tubs, in showers, and near the toilet.
  Use nonskid rubber mats or rubber stickers in bathtubs and shower stalls.
  
• Mark the bottom step with high-visibility tape, different color paint, or some other highly visual marking.
  
• Install photocell night-lights in your hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and near the staircase so they light automatically when it is dark.
  
• Remove scatter rugs or be certain they are securely taped to the floor or have a nonskid backing.
  Air-dry bath mats so the rubber backing doesn't crack.
  
• Clear staircases of toys, shoes or other clutter.
  
• Wear shoes and slippers with non-slip soles; don't walk up or down stairs in stocking feet.
  
• Wipe up all spills immediately.
  A dab of butter, a grape or a wet piece of lettuce can turn a floor into an ice rink, with potentially disastrous results.
  
• Relocate or tape down extension cords and telephone cords that might make someone trip.
  
• Be sure all floor surfaces are not slippery.
  After washing them, block them off from traffic until they are totally dry.
  
• Window guards should be installed in children's bedrooms and other rooms where children spend time.
  Window stops that permit windows to open no more than four inches are alternatives.
  Keep furniture at least three feet away from windows.
  Remember: a screen is not a support device; it can pop out and allow the child to fall.
  

Don't forget to make consistent efforts to avoid falls that can happen outside the house.
Especially in winter during icy and wet conditions, make sure walkways and driveways are clean and salted-keep sand, salt or cat litter near every doorway in case extra traction is needed.
When carrying bulky packages or bags, never block your line of sight! Make more trips with fewer bundles and be slower, but safer.
In all seasons, be sure to wear appropriate footwear for your outdoor activities-it's particularly easy to sprain or twist a foot or ankle on pavement, outdoor stairways or city brickwork, so be prepared with safe shoes even when your destination calls for something more formal.
(You won't look any better in a cast!) When your outdoor activity includes bike riding, be sure to wear a bike helmet to help to protect your head and brain from injury.
Bike helmets are very important for both children and adults.
Also, be sure to wear a helmet, wrist pads, elbow pads and knee pads to protect against injury while roller-blading or skate-boarding.
Whether indoors or outside, always take time to assess your surroundings and make sure of your safe footing and balance.
Don't take unnecessary risks just because you're in a hurry or distracted.
Install an ADT Home Security System with Two-Way Voice, so that if you or someone inside your home falls, you will be able to speak with an ADT emergency dispatcher from almost any room in the house in order to get the help you need quickly.
For young or old, healthy or frail, a little caution goes a long way toward preventing the many injuries that can be caused by accidental falls.