Today’s the day Columbus first set foot on American soil, and learned that wet rocks are slippery. More than 500 years later, nasty falls and spills are still a menace. With cold weather just around the corner, there are things you can do to protect friends and loved ones from dangers caused by wet and slippery surfaces. Outside, check stairs and porches for cracked edges; repair, if necessary. 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. And that’s the On The House tip for today.