The cat or dog that has gotten used to being physically close to its owner can get underfoot without being noticed. Constant vigilance is required to make sure pets are not underfoot when rising from a chair or starting to walk from one spot to another. Low and Lightweight Furniture Low furniture, such as magazine racks, small end tables, plant stands and hassocks, is also easy to trip over, especially when one is carrying something heavy or something that requires watching, such as a cup of coffee, a watering can or vase with water in it. Often, lightweight furniture may be moved slightly out of position and into the path of traffic, where it causes a fall. A foot can also catch on the leg of light furniture, which greatly increases the possibility of tripping.
Extension cords are a major hazard.
They not only cause falls, but can cause fires, too. If any extension cords run across traffic areas, they should be picked up and replaced with a new outlet or at least with new cords that run along walls. Sometimes, the cause of a fall is a pair of comfortable slippers or shoes that are so loose or broken down that they cause a fall as they slip off the foot. Like the worn-out area rug, the cherished old slippers can become the cause of a fall and, afterwards, the source of a lot of wishing that they had been replaced years ago. Outdoors Falling down outdoors is usually caused by lack of traction on slippery surfaces or by unexpected changes in surfaces.