It may seem fairly silly to have an article about avoiding taking a tumble down the stairs, but believe it or not, "falls" are among the leading causes of injuries in the home. They occur primarily in the bathroom (getting in and out of the tub with a wet floor, etc.), but also on the stairs. If it is such 'common sense' to avoid the falls, then why are falls so common?

Here are some tips to stay safe:

1. Use the handrail. This is so obvious it is ridiculous. But in the event you do slip, which does happen, you can catch yourself before you take a tumble. Housing code requires that stairs have a built in handrail...for good reason.

2. Slow down. Going up or down the steps should not be a race. Moving quickly on the steps is asking for trouble. And feel free to take the steps one at a time, even if you are spry enough to do more than that. This is especially true on the way down.

3. Keep the steps clear of clutter. Many folks place items on the steps "to be carried up next time". But they pose a danger for folks coming down. That is also assuming that whoever goes up the next time will actually carry the items up. It is better to place the items near the steps, rather than on the steps themselves.

4. Turn on the lights! It's easier to avoid falling if you can see where to step.

5. Do you have big feet? Do the steps seem small? Turn sideways a bit as you go up and down so you get your entire foot on the stair tread. If you step down with your toes hanging off each stair, you risk falling.

6. Take extra trips. Do not pile up a load of laundry or other items so big that you cannot safely make it up or down the steps. Make an extra trip and stay safe!