Home safety

Rain, ice or extreme heat can increase the risk of falls. Here’s how to stay safe and steady whatever the weather brings.

This page offers practical tips to help you feel safer and more confident outside your home, whether you're heading to the garden, walking to the shops, or navigating your driveway or front step.

Check Paths and Paving

• Look for loose or uneven paving slabs — these can cause trips even if you know your route well.
• Moss, algae and wet leaves can be very slippery. Ask someone to clear these for you, or use a pressure washer or anti-slip treatment if possible.
• Cut back overgrown plants and bushes to keep paths clear and improve visibility.
• If areas are dim or shaded, consider adding outdoor solar lighting.

Take Care on Steps and Doorways

• If you have a high or steep doorstep, consider adding a second step to reduce the height.
• Grab rails next to front or back doors can give added support — especially in bad weather.
• Make sure door mats are flat and non-slip.

Gardening and Outdoor Tasks

• Try not to stay in one position for too long — whether standing, bending or kneeling.
• Use tools with long handles where possible to avoid over-reaching.
• Raised beds or container gardens are easier to access than ground-level planting.
• Always wear supportive footwear and gloves with a good grip.

When Using a Walking Aid

• Always take your walking aid with you — even for short trips to the bin or garden shed.
• Keep the wheels or rubber tips clean and check for wear.
• Store it in a place that's dry and easy to reach when leaving the house.

In Different Weather Conditions

• In icy or wet conditions, only go outside if you feel confident and well supported.
• Wear shoes or boots with a good grip and avoid smooth soles.
• Carry a mobile phone in case you need help while out.
• If you’re worried about slippery paths, speak to someone about getting gritting salt or support with winter maintenance.

📖 For more seasonal advice, visit our Weather and Seasonal Safety page.

Calling for Assistance

If you ever fall or need help, it’s important to have a simple way to call for assistance - especially if you live alone.

Keeping a mobile phone close by or having a landline phone within reach can make a big difference. You might also want to think about using a personal alarm, such as a pendant or wrist-worn device, so you can get help quickly if you can’t get to a phone.

If you're unsure what's right for you, local social care services or home adaptation teams can help you find safe, reliable options.

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Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

For a full list of organisations in your local area that can support you, help you to stay active, and improve your home safety, please visit our help and contacts section.

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Support Services

Social Services
If you are struggling to manage around your home, contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred for assessment for rehabilitation:
Redcar and Cleveland - 01642 065070
Middlesbrough - 01642 065070

South Tees Falls Team
If you require general falls prevention advice and support or don't know where to start, please contact the Falls Team at Low Grange Health Centre, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
01642 944484 / ste-tr.fallsteam@nhs.net

Age UK Teesside
Age UK Teesside has a wide range of services to help over 50s in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland to achieve the best out of their lives, their finances, social life and health & wellbeing
01642 805500 / info@ageukteesside.org.uk

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Home Adaptations and Support

Handyperson and Adaptations, Redcar and Cleveland
We offer assistance to older, disabled and vulnerable people by providing advice on housing options, minor and major housing adaptations as well as delivering a handyperson service for small jobs.
01642 771500 / HandyPersonAndAdaptations@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk 

Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency
Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency (SPA) is a home improvement agency that offers specialist support and advice to older, vulnerable, and disabled people to help them remain safe and independent in their own homes. 
0800 5875 184 / stayingputagency@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Middlesbrough Assistive Technology
Assistive technology means devices or systems that can help you do everyday things that might be hard or impossible otherwise. It can help with a range of difficulties, including memory and movement problems. It can also be called 'technology-enabled care' (TEC).
01642 726009 / telecare@middlesbrough.gov.uk

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Fire Safety

Cleveland Fire Brigade Safety Check 
Offering Safer Homes Visits to people who may be at greater risk from fire. These visits can include our trained staff visiting your home to provide safety advice, conduct smoke alarm checks, and fit free alarms if needed.
01429 874063

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Pendant Alarm and Response Services

Connect Middlesbrough
We offer emergency help and support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Connect is easy to use and gives you extra security and peace of mind. All of our staff are highly-trained and qualified. We're committed to helping our residents stay safe and independent in their own homes.
01642 726009 / controlroom@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Beyond Housing Reach and Response
For pendant alarm and telecare services in Redcar and Cleveland.
01642 771339

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Helpful Links 

Avoiding falls out and about - RoSPA
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide (video)

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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