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How Safe is Your Home? Find out now! |
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Making your home safe and secure is important to maintaining your ability to perform activities of daily living. Many of us are unaware of some common sense guidelines that can help ensure the general safety of your home. This is especially true for the elderly loved one, who's home may have become less than their number one priority. Use this checklist as a guide to where safety improvements may be needed in your home, or the home of a loved one. |
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Is Your Home Safe?
Compare Against this Home Safety Checklist: |
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| General Safety |
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Emergency phone numbers are posted by each telephone. |
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Electrical appliances and cords are clean and in good condition. |
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There are no "octopus" outlets with several plugs in use. |
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Lighting throughout the house is adequate. |
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The heating system is cleaned and checked regularly by a professional. Space heaters are only used according to manufacturer's instructions. |
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To prevent scalding, the water heater is set to 120 degrees or lower. |
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Torn or frayed carpeting is replaced. |
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Throw rugs have nonskid backing and are not used in high traffic areas. |
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Throw rugs are not placed over electrical or phone cords. |
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Medical supplies are secured in a clean, dry area out of reach of pets and children. |
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Proper ID is required of any visitor you do not know. Ask them to return when a friend or family member will be with you. |
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Valuables are stored out of sight. |
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Telephone, television and door-to-door solicitations are not entertained. |
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Household painting, roofing and other maintenance repairs are scheduled with a reputable company. Ask a friend or family member to assist you. |
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| Medications Safety |
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Medications are stored safely in a cool dry place according to label instructions. |
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Medications are stored away from children and pets. If children live in or visit the home, childproof caps are used. |
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Verify the name of the medicine, the dosage and the time before taking your medication. |
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Medications are renewed on a timely basis. Don't wait until the medication is gone before reordering. |
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Medication expiration dates are checked regularly. Discard those that are old, unused or discontinued by flushing down the toilet. |
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Medications are not stopped unless instructed by a healthcare provider. |
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Medications are not shared with family and friends. |
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| Kitchen Safety |
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Curtains are clear of the stove or open flame. |
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Cleaners and chemicals are stored out of reach of children and confused individuals. |
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Pan handles are turned to the rear of the stove. |
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Clothing with loose sleeves is not worn while cooking. |
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Potholders are kept near the stove. |
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Exhaust fans are turned on when cooking. |
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Microwave oven is operated only when food is in it. |
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Kitchen appliances are turned off when not in use. |
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Knives are secured in a knife rack or drawer. |
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| Living Room/Stairways and Halls Safety |
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Stairs have non-skid strips or carpeting which is securely fastened and free of holes or fraying. |
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Hallways are equipped with nightlights. |
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Doors do not swing out over steps. |
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| Bedroom Safety |
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A flashlight or lamp is kept within easy reach of your bed. |
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Night lights are used to illuminate the way to the bathroom at night. |
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Phone is accessible. |
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| Bathroom Safety |
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Bathtub or shower has non-skid mat or strips. |
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Grab bars are installed on walls by bathtub and toilet. |
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Towel bars and soap dish n shower are made of durable materials but are not used as grab bars. |
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Electrical appliances (radio, TV, heater, hair dryer) are kept away from the tub/shower area. |
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Tub benches are recommended. |
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| Medical Equipment Safety |
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Manufacturer's instructions for equipment is kept with or near equipment. |
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Routine and preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer's instructions. |
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Manufacturer's emergency phone numbers are easily accessible in case of equipment malfunction or failure. |
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Adequate electrical power is available for ventilators, oxygen concentrators or other equipment. |
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Equipment batteries are checked regularly. |
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Do not adjust setting on equipment unless instructed to do so by a nurse or physician. |
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| Fire Safety Precautions |
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Family and caregivers are familiar with emergency 911 procedures. |
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Do not smoke in bed or allow smoking when oxygen is in use. |
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Know exit stair locations in your apartment building. |
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Adequate electrical power is available for ventilators, oxygen concentrators or other equipment. |
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Keep hallways clear and do not use elevators in a fire emergency. |
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If your fire escape route is cut off, remain calm. Close the door, seal off cracks to withhold smoke and signal for help at the window. |
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Check fire extinguishers regularly. |
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Install smoke alarms and check batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time in the spring and fall. |
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Evacuation of a bedbound patient:
One or two people can get the patient to safety by placing the patient on a sturdy blanket and dragging the person out of the home. |
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| Oxygen Equipment Safety |
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Keep all oxygen equipment away from open flames. |
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Do not smoke around oxygen. |
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Do not allow oxygen to freeze or overheat. |
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Register with your local utility company if you have electrically powered equipment such as oxygen or a ventilator. |
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Do not store oxygen equipment in closets. |
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| Power Outage |
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Call 911 in case of a crisis or emergency situation or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. |
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If you need non-emergency assistance, call your closest relative or neighbor. |
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| Weather Emergencies |
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Gather emergency supplies in advance: |
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A battery powered radio |
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Food that doesn't require cooking and a manual can opener |
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Your medications |
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Extra blankets |
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Extra water |
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Flashlights, battery powered lamps and extra batteries. Avoid using candles. They are a fire hazard | |
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Have adequate heating fuel on-hand at all times. |
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