Home Safety

People aged 65 and older are especially vulnerable to falls and fires in their home. Use the checklist shown below to check your home for hazards.

• Improve yourself. You should exercise regularly to build strength and improve your balance and coordination.
  Improving your physical strength and stamina will help you avoid accidents, and help you better cope with one
  should it occur. Be sure to check with your physician before starting a new exercise program.



• Don't rush. Take your time answering the telephone or doorbell, so you won't be rushed or distracted, which
  increases your chances of falling. Make sure you get your balance when you stand up before you start to walk.



• All clear? Make sure that there aren't any tripping hazards, such as papers, books, electrical cords or
  shoes on your floors in walking areas or stairways that could cause falls.



• Look out! Have your eyes checked once a year. Poor vision can cause a fall.



• Light the way. Have night light along walkways and paths (such as from the bedroom to the bathroom)
  that you regularly use at night. Also, turn on the lights in the stairway when using the stairs.
  If needed, have a light switch installed at both the top and the bottom of the stairs. Never climb or descend
  stairs in the dark. Also, make sure each room in the house has a light switch which can be
  reached from the doorway.



• Avoid slip-ups. Use nonskid mats in bathtubs and showers. Install grab-bars in tubs, showers and in
  bathrooms near the toilet. Never use towel racks or shower rods for support.



• Wipe up spilled liquids right away. Even a few drops of grease or a spilled liquid can make your floors slippery.



• Throw out the throw rugs. All rugs should have a rubber, nonskid backing. Carpets and rugs should not
  be wrinkled, puckered, folded or torn. If they are, they are trip hazards! Have them repaired or replaced.



• Use the handrails. There should be sturdy, easy- to-grip handrails on both sides of stairs. If they don't exist,
  or if there is only one, have handrails installed so that both sides offer a secure grip. If railings are loose, have them
  secured firmly to the walls.



• Put your best foot forward. Avoid wearing high heels, loose shoes or slippers. Instead, wear well-fitted, sturdy,
  low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid wearing thick- soled athletic shoes, or walking about in your stocking feet.



• Do you take medication? Have your doctor or pharmacist review all of your medications and over-the-
  counter drugs at least once a year. Some medications can affect your balance and coordination.



• If you smoke, use a large, deep ashtray. Also, wet down cigarettes, cigars and ashes before emptying
  ashtrays into a trash can. Never smoke when you are drowsy, in bed or lying down.



• Leave adequate space around space heaters.
  They should be kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people and pets. Unplug heaters
  when you shut them off, go to bed, or leave your house.



• Be smart in the kitchen. Wear tight-fitting, rolled-up or short sleeves when cooking. Use oven mitts or pot
  holders to handle hot pots and pans. Never leave food that is cooking unattended. If a pan of food
  catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. Don't cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.



• Remember to Stop, Drop and Roll! If your clothing catches on fire, STOP, don't run. DROP gently to the
  ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over to smother the flames. If you can't do this,
  smother the flames with a towel or blanket. Immerse burns in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burns
  are severe, get medical help immediately.



• Get smoke alarms, and keep their batteries fresh.
  Have smoke alarms installed outside all sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test each alarm once a
  month by pushing the test button. Make sure that everyone in your home can hear the alarms. If a person in your home
  is hearing-impaired, get visual (flashing) alarms as well as audio (sound) alarms installed.



• Plan and practice escape routes. Know two ways out of every room in your home. Make sure windows and doors
  open easily, and get emergency escape ladders if necessary. If your home catches on fire, get out and stay out.



• Know your local emergency telephone number.
  It may be 911 or the fire department's telephone number. Once you have escaped from a fire, call the fire
  department from a neighbor's telephone or a cell phone.



• Plan your escape to fit your abilities. Have a telephone in your bedroom and keep the emergency telephone
  number near it in case you are trapped by a fire.