Is your home as safe as it could be?

The following are all important factors in ensuring safety for the older consumer.

Click here to take this short quiz to learn more about how you can enhance your quality of life by routinely practicing safe habits.

General Household Suggestions

Have a list of telephone numbers to call in case of an emergency (911, doctors, relatives, etc.) near all phones and in LARGE, readable type or writing.
Check all electrical cords. Replace those showing signs of wear and tear.
Install adequate electrical outlets to prevent overloading circuits. Avoid multiple extension cords or electrics cords stretched across open areas or doorways, and secure cords along baseboards or behind furniture.
Make sure all floor boards are even and rugs, including area rugs, are secured to the floor with tacks, non-skid pads or double-sided tape.
Use non-skid floor wax.
Arrange furniture so that outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords. If an extension cord must be used, place it on the floor against a wall so as not to cause trip and falls.
Move newspapers, boxes, electrical and phone cords, plants, and furniture out of traffic areas.
Store clothing, bed coverings, and other household items where they can be easily reached.
Be sure that the doors can be unlocked from the outside in case of an emergency. This is especially important in the bathroom and bedroom.

Make sure all handrails are not loose or broken and are securely fastened.
Both sides of the steps should have handrails.
Place bright-colored, non-skid strips on the edge of steps to prevent falls.
See that stairways, hallways, indoor and outdoor pathways are brightly and evenly lit.
Remove protruding objects (i.e. coat hooks, low light fixtures and shelves) from stairways or pathways.
Check steps and walkways for holes, cracks and splinters; make needed repairs.
Use smooth but slip-resistant handrails along stairways.

Be sure that you can move safely in bathroom area, and in and out of the tub or shower.
Place non-slip strips in bath/shower.
Mount grab bars at the toilet, bath and shower on walls with secure reinforcements, to prevent the bars from coming loose.
Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape.
Use shower seat and hand-held shower hose if unable to stand safely while showering.
Check and set water heater thermostat to ensure that water temperature is not too hot.
Avoid use of electrical equipment in the bathroom as much as possible. Water contact with this equipment may cause electrical shock.

Put a good, sturdy lamp next to the bed, or locate the bed next to a light switch.
Put a stable nightstand next to the bed. This provides a place for glasses and other necessary items within easy reach.
Keep clear pathways around the bed, to the door and to the bathroom.
Remove casters on beds, tables and chairs. Unintended movement of furniture used for support can result in a fall. Heavy pieces of furniture can also be strategically placed to serve as support.
Fix bed height so the older person can get on and off comfortably.

Items that are used frequently, such as dishes and food items, should be easy to reach.
If you have to use a step stool, make sure that it has a bar at the top to hold on to.
Keep towels, curtains and other things that may catch fire away from stove area.
Use large handle utensils – they are easier and safer to use.

Repair holes, uneven joints on walkways.
Arrange to have leaves, snow, and ice removed from stairs and walkways. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.
Make sure outside lighting is working in entryways and other walk areas.
Check that handrails are not broken and are securely fastened. Both sides of steps should have handrails.
Avoid placing sharp rocks or objects along garden pathways. Keep hoses away from walkways. Store garden equipment between uses.