Today's the day in 1492 that Columbus first set foot on America. He learned that wet rocks are slippery in the process. Today, more than 500 years later, nasty falls and spills still are a menace. With cold weather just around the corner, here's what you can do to protect friends and loved ones from dangers caused by wet and slippery surfaces. Make a "household walk-through," looking for potential dangers and safety hazards. Outside, check stairs and porches for cracked edges, and repair, if needed. Check for loose handrails, too. In slippery spots, add adhesive-backed tread strips or etch smooth concrete with a 10-percent muriatic acid solution to make it less dangerous. Inside, wet sloppy weather means more throw rugs. Make sure they have skid-proof backs or no-slip pads underneath, and wipe up spills or wet tracks on waxed floors to prevent human spills. Giving your home a good safety check is the best welcome you can give you can give visitors and family. And that's the On The House tip for today.