My Home, Safe Home

Identifying hazards and taking simple steps to correct them may prevent unforeseen injuries and accidents in the home.

Injury risk increases with:

• Age—Changes in vision, hearing, muscle tone, bone strength and reflexes
• Illness and debilitation
• Fatigue and confusion
• Alcohol consumption
• Medications and related side effects
  • Medications that thin your blood (Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin) increase your risks for bleeding; therefore, severity of injury may be increased if you are taking these types of medications

Personal Safety – To Do’s

• Stay active and promote a healthy lifestyle
• Know your limits and do not be afraid to ask for help

Kitchen Safety

• Avoid cooking in long sleeves
• Use oven mitts or hot pads
• Keep pot handles turned inward
• Have a fire extinguisher close at hand
• Unplug electrical appliances when not in use and keep them away from water

Bathroom Safety

• Install handrails/grab bars for tub and shower
• Use a rubber bath mat
• Use shower chair with hand-held shower
• Keep hot water heater between 100-120 degrees F
• Use elevated toilet seat
• Have non-skid rugs
• Keep electrical appliances unplugged

Living Room and Hallway Safety

• Install smoke detectors (at least one per floor of home), replace batteries every six months
• Install at least one Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Ensure there is good lighting in your home
• Avoid throw rugs on floors
• Keep hallways, stairways and doorways clutter free
• Avoid long extension/electrical cords

Bedroom Safety

• Never smoke in bed
• Check electric blankets for cracks in wiring
• Do not place anything on top of electric blanket, including pets
• Keep space heaters at a safe distance
• Keep bedside light within easy reach
• Place smoke detector outside bedroom door
• Wear snug fitting slippers – no “slides”

Basement and Attic Safety

• Have clutter-free access
• Get an annual furnace inspection
• Never mix cleaning agents

Ladder or Step Stool Safety

• Use wide-based step stool or ladder
• Do not stand above knee height on ladder
• Ensure base of step-stool ladder is secured
• Tell someone you are going to use the ladder prior to doing so

Stairway Safety

• Keep stairway clutter free
• Install handrails on both sides of stairs
• Hold handrail while on stairway
• Ensure adequate stairway lighting

FOR ANY HOME EMERGENCY CALL 911

Want to learn more?

Find out how to schedule a free, informative presentation at your facility.