Slips, trips and falls can happen to anyone at any age, causing injuries that include broken bones and concussions. With a few preventative steps, however, you can lessen the chances that you and your family members suffer these types of accidents.

The following home improvements in Las Vegas will help you prevent slips, trips and falls:

Install Guards on Upper-Story Windows

Falls from upper-floor windows are a common, yet preventable, cause of injuries in children. A screen doesn’t offer protection against a fall, so buy and install window guards. These safety devices only allow windows to open a few inches but also contain a quick-release mechanism to allow for escape in case of fire.

Make Your Tub and Shower Safer

With their hard, wet surfaces, bathtubs and showers are prime spots for falls. Many are actually caused by reaching for dropped soap, which can be prevented by installing a wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispenser. Using a slip-proof bath mat also creates a surface that’s less slippery.

Take Care When Using a Step Stool

When buying a step stool, look for one that has nonskid steps that are deep enough to securely support your feet. It should also have a handrail that extends beyond the stop step. When using your step stool, place it on a flat surface and make sure it’s tall enough so you can easily reach what you need.

Have Adequate Lighting

Poor lighting can make you more likely to slip on your outdoor walkway, porch, or deck or inside in hallways or on stairs. Solar-powered outdoor lights will help light your path, and LED battery-powered night lights can detect motion as you approach your stairs or hallways from six feet away.

Carry Lighting With You

Keep a flashlight within reach of your bed in case the power goes out and you find yourself fumbling around in the darkness. If your smartphone has a flashlight, use it when you’re out and about. Otherwise, attach a small LED flashlight to your key chain so you can navigate unfamiliar places after dark.

Install Safety Gates

Stairs and young children can be a dangerous combination and hardware-mounted safety gates are easy yet effective home improvements in Las Vegas that can help prevent stair-related falls. They can be bolted to wall studs at the top of stairs, but make sure the gates don’t swing in both directions. The gate should be easy for you – but not your child – to open. This is important because injuries can also occur when adults to try step over safety gates rather than opening them.

Get Rid of Clutter

You may put something on the stairs with the intention of taking it up or down later, but this creates a hazard. Make it a rule to never leave anything on your stairs and also take the time to reduce clutter anywhere you walk in your home.

For more information about helpful home improvements in Las Vegas, download First Quality Roofing & Insulation’s free Home Maintenance Checklist.