In 2000, over 16,000 people died as a result of a fall. According to the National Safety Council, only motor-vehicle crashes cause more unintentional injury (accidental) deaths. One in five visitors to a hospital emergency room for an injury is there because of a fall.

Over 50% of falls occur at home. So says NSC publication," Injury Facts." Since more time is spent at home than anywhere else, that's where falls are more likely to occur, especially if steps are not taken to reduce the risk.

Fewer than 4 percent of falling fatalities involve sports. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), more people died as a result of tripping on a level surface than in mountain climbing.

More falling deaths result from stairs and steps, according to the CPSC. Beds rate second, while ladders are in third place. -

To reduce injuries on stairs and steps, consider these modifications:

• Make sure stair height and tread widths are adequate, and each step is identical in size.
• Install a second handrail if the stairs are wide enough.
• Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Be sure carpeting is tightly woven and installed so it doesn't move or slide.

Children are also at high risk. The NSC publication indicates there were 11,081 falling injuries. Of this total, seniors age 65 and older account for 2,459, and children under 12 account for 2,173.

Other fall-prevention tactics include:

• Supervise babies on beds and changing tables, and buckle them into high chairs and strollers.
• Make porches, balconies and fire escapes off limits. Use safety gates.
• Become familiar with window safety information.
• Space pickets on stair rails 4 inches or less apart to prevent infants from slipping through.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors over 65 have a 33 percent chance of falling in any year. Older adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury than for other injury-related reasons.

Depression does not cause people to fall more often. But some medications used to treat depression and other diseases can leave people dizzy or disoriented and more susceptible to falls. Review your medications with your doctor to see if they cause balance problems.

Five ways to prevent a fall:

1. Clean up! Remove clutter and boxes, especially from stairs and high-traffic areas. Clean up spills immediately.
2. Re-route obstructing electrical cords.
3. Fill holes and depressions around your property.
4. Read the instructions for proper use of ladders, step stools and other household equipment.
5. Replace old light bulbs, but always use the appropriate wattage listed.