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Motor vehicle accidents slightly exceed home ac-
cidents as a cause of death in the United States as
a whole, although in many cities the reverse is true.
However, nearly four times: as many disabling in-
juries result from home accidents as from motor
vehicle accidents.

In the kitchen. (The second largest number of serious
accidents take place in the living room. But more
accidents occur on the stairs than in any room in the
house. )

Turn the handles of pots and pans on the stove out of
reach of small children.

Fasten curtains to prevent them from blowing into
open flames.

Before leaving the kitchen for any length of time pull
out the plugs of portable electrical appliances.

Keep matches in noninflammable containers where
children cannot reach them.

Use short ladders—not stools, chairs, or boxes—to
reach upper cabinets or other high places in the kitchen.

Immediately place broken glass or crockery in a dis-
carded box or can with a cover, and wrap it in heavy
paper before placing it in the rubbish container.

Keep the floor clean of grease and other slippery
substances.

Make sure that handrails and stair treads are in safe
condition. ee

See that rugs and carpets on steps and landings are
kept in repair and fastened securely and safely.

Make it a practice to keep stairs and stair landings
free of mops, brooms, soap, pails, toys, or any other
objects which may cause a person to fall.

If there are young children in the home, place a gate
at the top of the stairs to prevent falls.