When you go out in public, you expect that the areas you visit will be intact and without danger. Stay safe and avoid injury in open spaces with these tips.

Keep Valuables Hidden

If possible, keep valuable items at home such as electronics, credit cards or large amounts of cash. Not only will you avoid theft, but you also can avoid injury from the person trying to take your items away from you. It seems that everyone carries a smartphone these days, but keep your use of it as low-key as possible to avoid attracting the attention of thieves.

Stay in the Light

Try to walk in well-lit areas as much as possible to make sure that you have a good view of your surroundings. This way, you can avoid wet and slippery areas, any obstacles and other risks such as cutaway curbs.

Avoid Falls

The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control found that unintentional falls were the leading cause of nonfatal injury in the United States in 2015. You can avoid falls by always using handrails when you go up or down stairs. Avoid wet or icy walking surfaces as much as possible.

Cross Carefully

Avoid using headphones and mobile devices when you are walking across the street or down a busy sidewalk. The distraction you create for yourself could contribute to you being severely injured or killed.

In addition to your efforts at staying safe, the public premises that you visit also have a responsibility to the public to be without hazards and free of danger for the public. If you are the victim of an accident in a public place, you will want to find out who is responsible for your medical bills and other compensation before the statute of limitations runs out.