This information has been prepared to identify hazards in every room of the home and to enhance safety. We hope that these suggestions will help prevent accidents and falls and improve home safety.
Closets
- Do not stack items dangerously high on shelves; make sure all items are stored securely
- Store heavy boxes on the floor where they may be moved and reached safely – do not stack heavy boxes
- Do not store combustible materials indoors
- Ensure that areas are well lie to prevent possible injuries
Bedrooms
- Put a light switch at the door to prevent accidents in a dark room
- Avoid hazardous placement of furniture
- Lamp or light switches should be within reach of each bed
- Keep a phone within reach of your bed in case of emergencies
- Do not cover electric blankets when in use and do not tuck in corners
- Keep smoking materials and electrical appliances away from bedding
- Never smoke in bed
Stairways
- Install secure handrails
- Apply bright tap to the first and last steps for depth perception if you have a vision problem
- Keep stairways well lighted
- Keep stairways clear and carpeting well secured
Kitchen
- Never stand on a chair to reach a shelf
- Place most frequently used items on lower shelves that are more easily reached
- Write emergency numbers an all phones
- Wipe up spills/clean up broken glass right away
- Use non-skid floor wax
- Ensure that stove controls are clearly visible and in good working condition
- Place towels, curtains and other flammable materials away from stove or heater
- Turn pot handles toward the stove
- Turn off all appliances before leaving home
Garage/Outdoors
- Get assistance to hold the ladder if you must climb to reach something
- Wear non-skid shoes if you must stand on a wet concrete surface
Bathrooms
- Install safety rails on the tub and toilet
- Put a non-skid mat near the tub and toilet
- Mark hot and cold faucet controls with colors – red for hot & blue for cold
- Use non-skid abrasive strips in the bathtub or shower
- Lower your water temperature to guard against accidental scalding
- Keep electrical appliances away from the tub or sink
- Consider shower curtains and bath benches to minimize risk of falling
- Before getting in the tub, check the water temperature with a hand, foot or elbow