7 Stair Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Family

Stairs make it easy to navigate your multi-level home, but they also pose a potential risk. Even a minor misstep can lead to injuries, particularly for children, seniors, or anyone with mobility challenges. Fortunately, by taking a few smart precautions, you can create a safer environment for everyone. Here are our top tips for improving stair safety inside your home. 

1. Upgrade Your Handrail (And Install It Properly!)

Handrails are required for stairs with more than three steps, so you likely already have some installed. However, if your current handrails are outdated, weak, or improperly installed, upgrading them could be the right move. For example, switching to modern metal handrails from worn wood ones can help make your stairs safer. Metal doesn’t warp, crack, or splinter over time, and it can often take more weight and pressure than wood. 

How do handrails on stairs help keep you safe? They offer a secure surface to grip, helping people maintain balance, especially while ascending or descending stairs. When adding new handrails to your stairs, ensure you install them properly so they can provide the reliable support you and your loved ones need. 

2. Light ‘Em Up

Proper lighting can make stairs easier to see, reducing the risk of missteps, trips, or falls. Stair lighting is especially important for seniors or people with poor vision. It can illuminate objects, spills, or clutter that could cause tripping or prevent missing a step due to shadows. 

There are a few ways you can add lighting to your staircase:

• Overhead lighting that can be turned on and off via light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. Be careful not to install lights that cast shadows over the stairs. 

• Wall sconces can provide soft, diffused lighting without casting a glare on the stairs. Like with overhead lighting, you want switches at both the top and bottom of your staircase. 

• Motion-sensor lights activate automatically when someone uses the stairs. They are perfect for nighttime use. 

• LED stair lights can be added under each step or along the handrails to provide continuous lighting at any time of day. 

3. Add Traction

Slippery stairs (especially wooden ones) can be a major hazard. You can add traction to enhance safety. Here are a few ideas:

• Install non-slip treads or mats

• Apply anti-slip stair tape

• Use a stair runner

In addition to adding traction to the stairs themselves, encourage everyone to wear non-slip footwear inside. Wearing socks with grip dots or slippers with rubber soles can provide extra stability. Avoid wearing smooth-bottomed socks on wood stairs and floors.  

4. Keep Stairs Clear of Tripping Hazards 

If you’re wondering how to make stairs safer instantly, clearing clutter is at the top of the list. Toys, boxes, laundry, shoes, and other clutter are major tripping hazards, especially in homes with children, seniors, or pets. Plus, keeping stairs clear can help your home stay visitor-ready. 

Avoid using the stairs to store items, and establish a “no storage” rule for your home. Have family members take items up or down the stairs immediately instead of leaving them on the steps. Placing a basket or trunk next to the stairs can give everyone a designated spot if they do need temporary storage. Be sure to leave handrails clear and accessible — don’t leave bags, coats, and other items hanging on them. 

Cleaning your stairs is also important. Dust, pet hair, and spills can make stairs more slippery than they appear. Regularly vacuum or sweep stairs, but avoid polishers or cleaners that can leave a slick residue. 

5. Install Child-Proof Gates

Depending on how little the youngest members of your household are, you may want to consider installing child gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Gates can help prevent toddlers and infants from crawling or walking onto stairs unsupervised and act as a physical barrier while still giving adults easy access. 

6. Improve Stair Visibility with Contrast

It can be difficult for seniors and other family members who have vision issues to distinguish between steps. Adding some contrast can help make stairs more visible and reduce the risk of missteps and tripping. A contrasting paint or strip on the edge of each step helps define each tread. Use light-colored nosing or strips on dark steps and vice-versa. You can also try adding reflective paint or tape on the edges.

7. Secure Mats & Rugs

Loose rugs and stair runners can be a major slipping hazard, especially on smooth surfaces like wood, tile, or laminate. If you have rugs or mats at the top/bottom of your stairs, try using non-slip rug pads or double-sided carpet to prevent shifting. 

Get the Best of Safety and Style

Make your stairs safer without sacrificing style. Bold MFG’s durable metal handrails are the perfect blend of safety and sophistication, ideal for families with kids or seniors. Browse our handrails today and take the first step toward a more secure home.