Home accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries, particularly among the elderly. Statistics show that falls and fires are two of the major causes. To secure your home, here are some tips to ensure a safe environment for both your family and friends.

Injury Prevention:

• Always use handrails when travelling up and down stairs
• Maintain good lighting to help prevent falls. Replace burned out bulbs in light
  fixtures to keep areas well lit.
• Keep floors clear and slip resistant. Secure carpets, electrical cords and other
  items you could trip over
• Install grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces in your bathroom
• Don’t use step stools and ladders that are wobbly or unstable
• Have emergency numbers readily available in case you need immediate help
• Keep all medications and toxic materials in a secure location
• Set your hot water heater to no more than 120 deg. F to help prevent burns
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters to protect against electrocution
• Keep small electrical appliances away from sinks, tubs and other sources of
  water
• Do not operate portable generators anywhere inside or near the house
• Pay attention to your cooking. Keep pot handles turned inward, keep cooking
  surfaces and surrounding area clutter free. Use pot holders and oven mitts. Take a reminder with you if you must leave the kitchen with food cooking.

 

Fire Prevention:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout
  your home and outside all bedrooms, and be sure to test them regularly
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, in potentially damp locations
  such as the kitchen, bathroom, garage, near utility tubs or sinks, and on the
  exterior of the house to protect against electrocution.
• Have an emergency escape plan and pre-arrange for a family member or
  caregiver to help facilitate if needed.
• If you smoke, don’t smoke in bed
• Have a fire extinguisher handy

• Keep space heaters and other heat generating sources away from flammable
  materials
• Keep ashtrays, smoking material, candles, hot plates and other potential fire
  sources away from curtains, furniture, beds and bedding.
• Hire a professional every year to check all fuel-burning appliances and fireplaces
  to ensure they function properly
• Store combustibles away from all heat-producing appliances
• Ensure kitchen ventilation systems or range exhausts are working properly
• Make sure the fuses in electrical panels are the correct amperage

 

Home accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries, particularly among the elderly. Statistics show that falls and fires are two of the major causes. To secure your home, here are some tips to ensure a safe environment for both your family and friends.

By following this handy checklist, and in keeping up with regular maintenance and follow-up, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are able to enjoy all the comforts of home worry and injury free.