Home Safety

If a person is to stay at home in a safe environment there are many things to do to make it that way. Use the following checklist to make the home a safe place to live.

Throughout the home

Electric cords are properly plugged in and safely tucked away
Extension cords arent overloaded
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and have fresh batteries
Electrical outlets arent warm to the touch
The home is well-lit inside and outside
Night lights are present in hallways, stairwells, bedrooms and bathrooms
Electric heaters are placed away from curtains, rugs and furnishings
Electric appliances are a safe distance from water
Fireplace chimneys are clear of accumulation and checked yearly
Light switches are present at the top and bottom of stairs
Light switches are located near room entrances
Stairwells are well-lit
Stairways are free of objects
Stair handrails are present and sturdy
Stairs are marked for visibility with contrasting tape
Steps are even and uniform in size and height
Floors arent slippery or highly polished
Carpeting, linoleum and plastic stair treads are secure
Carpets do not have holes or snags
Carpet edges are securely fastened
Water temperature is reduced to prevent scalding
Water faucets are clearly marked hot and cold
House smoking rules are established
Rope ladders are available on upper levels
Furnace is checked yearly
Room furniture patterns permit easy access to doors and windows
Rooms are free of floor clutter
Stairs and pathways are free of objects
Drawers, doors and windows open and shut easily
Flashlights are available in every room
Glow tape is stuck on key items to identify them in the dark
Cleaners and poisons are clearly marked
Step stools are sturdy
Window and door locks are secure and operating
Medications are properly stored and usage instructions are written down
A first aid kit is available and contains up-to-date supplies.

In the kitchen

Dishes and food are stored on lower shelves
Towels and curtains are kept away from the stove
Lighting is sufficient over stove, sink and countertops
Radio and electric appliances are a safe distance from the sink
Off indicators on stove and appliances are clearly marked with brightly colored tape
A telephone is in the kitchen
Emergency telephone numbers are displayed near the telephone and on the refrigerator
A fire extinguisher is in easy reach and in working order
Whistling teakettles and food timers are in use
Food is properly stored in the freezer
No expired food is in the refrigerator or cupboards
Plastic, easy-open containers and dishes replace glassware
Heavy pots or pans are replaced with lighter ones
Pot holder mitts are available and used
Refrigerator and stove are in good working order
Sturdy step stools are available
Pet dishes are tucked away from the walking path

In the bedroom

Lamps and light switches are within reach of bed
The electric blanket is in good working order
The telephone is accessible from the bed
An emergency telephone list is near the telephone
A flashlight and whistle are near the bed
Medications are stored away from the nightstand
The bed is an appropriate height

In the bathroom

Non-skid decals and rubber mats are available for the tub and shower
Floor rugs are secure and wont skid
Grab bars and handrails are next to the toilet, and in the tub and shower
Handrails are secure
Shower and tub stools are present
There is telephone access in the bathroom

Home exterior

Tools and yard equipment are safely and securely stored
Solvents, paints and sprays are clearly marked
Goggles are worn when using power equipment
Stair rails are secure
Walking paths are clear and safe, with no holes in concrete
Leaves and snow are cleared away
There is telephone access while outside