Simple ways to make your home safer

Our homes can be fraught with risks -- after all, anything that can fall, break, tip over, cause a fire or cause us to trip or slip can be a danger. While you're in the midst of seasonal cleaning, here are some ways to eliminate hazards:

Keep clutter off the floors and stairs. Anything left on the floors or stairways can be a tripping hazard, so make sure to keep these areas clear of things like decorations, bags and shoes. Key areas -- like entrance ways and the pathway between the bedroom and bathroom -- should always be clear of obstacles.

Tame cords. Not only can we trip over them, but children can pull on them and accidentally cause items to topple over. Try to position items near outlets to avoid dangling cords, and keep cords clipped or tied out of the way. (But avoid sneaking cords under carpets because it's a fire hazard.)

While you're at it, check cords for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure outlets aren't overloaded.

Use stickers or decals on sliding doors. It may be funny in the commercials, but an adult, pet or child running into glass is no laughing matter. Having a decoration on the door as a warning can stop these harmful collisions.

Make sure there's plenty of light. We don't see very well in the dark, especially as we age. Good lighting -- including night lights -- is essential for high traffic areas like hallways and staircases. Switches should be in handy places like entrances to rooms and the top and bottom of stairways. Don't forget some emergency lighting too in case the power goes out.