Prevent Falls on the Way to the Safe Room

Injuries on the way to the safe room can be prevented with early preparation and careful movement.

The sense of pressure and the rush to reach the safe room are the main causes of these injuries.

Preparing your home in advance and creating a safe, quick way can significantly reduce the risk of falls

Choose in advance the closest and safest room you will go to when the siren sounds.
Practice the route to the safe room to make sure you can reach it in time and safely, both in the evening and under different lighting conditions.
As much as possible, clear obstacles from the way inside and near your home, such as chairs, small rugs, electrical cords, flowerpots, and unnecessary items. As part of this preparation, it is recommended to completely remove rugs that are not fixed to the floor.
Adequate lighting is important for your safety. Leave a light on along the way to the safe room. Consider using a night light or installing motion sensors in the hallway.

Important to remember: The alarm lets you have enough time to move closer to the safe room and even enter it before the siren sounds. Use this time to reach it calmly and safely. Take a deep breath and remember that stress increases the risk of losing balance while moving.
Therefore, when you receive the advance alarm and even before the siren sounds—it is recommended to start getting ready: put on supportive shoes and your glasses and hearing aids. If it takes time to reach the safe room, begin moving toward it.

Try to wear closed shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid flip-flops, open slippers, or walking only in socks.
Make sure mobility aids are within reach. If you use a cane, walker, or wheelchair, ensure they are available and ready for immediate use.
Do you use hearing or vision aids? Make sure they are available and ready to use. Vision and hearing ability directly affect the risk of falls.
When going down stairs, hold the handrail, move carefully, and avoid carrying objects at the same time.
It is recommended to prepare a small bag in advance with your mobile phone and anything you may need while staying in the safe room.
Prepare the safe room in advance. Make sure it has a comfortable chair with armrests for safe standing, a small table, regular medications (if relevant), drinking water, and some food.
Have difficulty getting up? It is better to avoid sitting on the floor.

When the alarm sounds, go to the safe room quickly—but carefully. Avoid running or walking on wet or slippery floors.

Fall prevention on the older adults website