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 gives you simple, practical ways to stay safe and steady all year round, whatever the forecast. No matter what the weather looks like, here are some general tips for staying safe in all seasons and types of weather.

• Keep a weather eye: Check the forecast before heading out. Delay errands or ask for help if conditions are poor.
• Stay visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking in low light or poor visibility.
• Keep emergency contacts nearby: Carry a mobile phone or pendant alarm if you go out alone.
• Think ahead: In extreme conditions, stock up on essentials or consider meal deliveries.

Cold Weather and Icy Conditions

Cold and icy conditions can make pavements slippery and increase the risk of falls, especially early in the morning or after dark.

• Footwear matters: Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with a good grip.
• Plan ahead: Wait until paths have been gritted or cleared if possible. Carry a mobile phone or tell someone when you’re heading out.
• Take small steps: Walk slowly and carefully, especially on uneven ground, wet leaves or frosty surfaces.
• Use walking aids if needed: Make sure any walking sticks or frames have ferrules (rubber ends) in good condition — winter-specific tips can improve grip.
• Dress in warm layers: Cold muscles and joints are more likely to stiffen. Gloves, scarves and thermal socks can help maintain mobility.
• Clear your own paths: Ask a neighbour or local service to help grit or clear garden paths and driveways.

Wet Weather and Autumn Hazards

Rain, mud and wet leaves increase the chance of slipping both outdoors and indoors — especially near doorways.

• Wipe wet shoes: Keep a mat by the door to dry footwear before walking through the house.
• Use an umbrella or hood: It helps keep your hands free and avoids rushing.
• Check lighting: Rainy days can make indoor spaces darker. Turn on hallway lights or install night lights near stairs.
• Be cautious indoors: - Wet leaves and water brought in on shoes can make floors slippery, especially near entranceways. Mop up quickly and remove leaves as needed.

Hot Weather and Summer Risks

Warmer weather can cause dizziness, dehydration and fatigue, increasing the risk of unsteadiness and falls.

• Stay hydrated: Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water a day. Don’t wait to feel thirsty.
• Keep cool indoors: Close curtains during the hottest part of the day, wear loose clothing, and avoid heavy activity between 11am and 3pm.
• Pace yourself outdoors: If gardening or walking, take breaks and carry water. Use shady paths and avoid being out in extreme heat.
• Watch for light-headedness: Sit down if you feel dizzy or faint. Speak to your GP if you’re concerned.

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 

Stay well this winter - NHS
How to cope in hot weather - NHS
Keeping warm and well in winter - Age UK
How to keep cool in hot weather - Age UK
Advice for vulnerable groups during a heatwave - Red Cross

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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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