Home Safety
Checklist
Remember, Home Safety Isn't Just for
Seniors!
Each year, many older
Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1981, over 622,000 people over age 65
were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products
they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes that many of these injuries
result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting
these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might
be prevented. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be
present in your home. Keep this checklist as a reminder of safe practices, and
use it periodically to re-check your home. This checklist is organized by areas
in the home. However, there are some potential hazards that need to be checked
in more than just one area of your home.
In all areas of your
home, check all electrical and telephone cords; rugs, runners and mats;
telephone areas; smoke detectors; electrical outlets and switches; light bulbs;
space heaters; woodburning stoves; and your emergency exit plan.
CHECK ALL
CORDS
QUESTION: Are lamp, extension, and
telephone cords placed out of the flow of traffic?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Cords stretched across walkways may
cause someone to trip.
- Arrange furniture so
that outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension
cords.
- If you must use an
extension cord, place it on the floor against a wall where people can not trip
over it.
- Move the phone so that
telephone cords will not lie where people walk.
QUESTION: Are cords out from beneath furniture and rugs
or carpeting?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Furniture resting on cords can damage them, creating fire and shock hazards.
Electric cords which run under carpeting may cause a fire.
- Remove cords from under
furniture or carpeting.
- Replace damaged or
frayed cords.
QUESTION: Are cords attached to the walls, baseboards,
etc., with nails or staples?
YES ___ NO ___
Nails or staples can
damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards.
- Remove nails, staples,
etc.
- Check wiring for
damage.
- Use tape to attach
cords to walls or floors.
QUESTION: Are electrical cords in good condition, not
frayed or cracked?
YES ___ NO ___
Damaged cords may cause a
shock or fire.
- Replace frayed or
cracked cords.
QUESTION: Do extension cords carry more than their
proper load, as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord and the appliance?
YES ___ NO ___
Overloaded extension cords may cause fires.
Standard 18 gauge extension cords can carry 1250 watts.
- If the rating on the
cord is exceeded because of the power requirements of one or more appliances
being used on the cord, change the cord to a higher rated one or unplug some
appliances.
- If an extension cord is
needed, use one having a sufficient amp or wattage rating.
CHECK ALL RUGS,
RUNNERS AND MATS
QUESTION: Are all small rugs and runners
slip-resistant?
YES ___ No ___
CPSC estimates that in 1982, over
2,500 people 65 and over were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries
that resulted from tripping over rugs and runners. Falls are also the most
common cause of fatal injury for older people.
- Remove rugs and runners
that tend to slide.
- Apply double-faced
adhesive carpet tape or rubber matting to the backs of rugs and
runners.
- Purchase rugs with
slip-resistant backing.
- Check rugs and mats
periodically to see if backing needs to be replaced.
- Place rubber matting
under rugs. (Rubber matting that can be cut to size is available.)
- Purchase new rugs with
slip-resistant backing.
NOTE: Over time,
adhesive on tape can wear away. Rugs with slip- resistant backing also become
less effective as they are washed. Periodically, check rugs and mats to see if
new tape or backing is needed.
QUESTION: Are emergency
numbers posted on or near the telephone?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: In case of emergency, telephone numbers
for the Police, Fire Department, and local Poison Control Center, along with a
neighbor's number, should be readily available.
- Write the numbers in
large print and tape them to the phone, or place them near the phone where they
can be seen easily.
QUESTION: Do you have access to a telephone if you fall
(or experience some other emergency which prevents you from standing and
reaching a wall phone)?
YES ___ NO ___
- Have at least one
telephone located where it would be accessible in the event of an accident which
leaves you unable to stand.
CHECK SMOKE
DETECTORS
QUESTION: Are smoke detectors properly
located?
YES ___ NO___
RECOMMENDATION: At least one smoke detector should be
placed on every floor of your home.
- Read the instructions
that come with the smoke detector for advice on the best place to install
it.
- Make sure detectors are
placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on
the wall.
- Locate smoke detectors
away from air vents.
QUESTION: Do you have properly working smoke detectors?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Many home fire
injuries and deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases, rather than the fire
itself. Smoke detectors provide an early warning and can wake you in the event
of a fire.
- Purchase a smoke
detector if you do not have one.
- Check and replace
batteries and bulbs according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Vacuum the grillwork of
your smoke detector.
- Replace any smoke
detectors which can not be repaired.
NOTE: Some fire
departments or local governments will provide assistance in acquiring or
installing smoke detectors.
CHECK
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES
QUESTION: Are any outlets and switches unusually
warm or hot to the touch?
YES ___ NO ___
Unusually warm or hot outlets or switches may indicate that an unsafe
wiring condition exists.
- Unplug cords from
outlets and do not use the switches.
- Have an electrician
check the wiring as soon as possible.
QUESTION: Do all outlets and switches have cover plates,
so that no wiring is exposed?
YES ___ NO
___
RECOMMENDATION: Exposed wiring presents a shock
hazard.
QUESTION: Are light bulbs the appropriate size and type
for the lamp or fixture?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: A bulb of too high wattage or
the wrong type may lead to fire through overheating. Ceiling fixtures, recessed
lights, and "hooded" lamps will trap heat.
- Replace with a bulb of the correct type and wattage. (If you do
not know the correct wattage, use a bulb no larger than 60 watts.)
CHECK SPACE HEATERS
QUESTION: Are heaters which come with a 3-prong plug
being used in a 3-hole outlet or with a properly attached adapter?
YES
___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: The grounding feature
provided by a 3-hole receptacle or an adapter for a 2-hole receptacle is a
safety feature designed to lessen the risk of shock.
- Never defeat the
grounding feature.
- If you do not have a
3-hole outlet, use an adapter to connect the heater's 3-prong plug. Make sure
the adapter ground wire or tab is attached to the outlet.
QUESTION: Are small stoves and heaters placed where they
can not be knocked over, and away from furnishings and flammable materials, such
as curtains or rugs?
YES ___ NO
___
RECOMMENDATION: Heaters can cause fires or serious burns
if they cause you to trip or if they are knocked over.
- Relocate heaters away
from passageways and flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, furniture, etc.
QUESTION: If your home has space heating equipment, such
as a kerosene heater, a gas heater or an LP gas heater, do you understand the
installation and operating instructions thoroughly?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Unvented heaters should be used with room doors open or window slightly
open to provide ventilation. The correct fuel, as recommended by the
manufacturer, should always be used. Vented heaters should have proper venting,
and the venting system should be checked frequently. Improper venting is the
most frequent cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, and older consumers are at
special risk.
- Review the installation
and operating instructions.
- Call your local fire
department if you have additional questions.
CHECK
WOODBURNING HEATING EQUIPMENT QUESTION: Is woodburning equipment installed properly?
YES
___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Woodburning stoves should be
installed by a qualified person according to local building codes.
- Local building code
officials or fire marshals can provide requirements and recommendations for
installation.
NOTE: Some insurance companies will not cover fire losses if
wood stoves are not installed according to local codes.
CHECK THE
EMERGENCY EXIT PLAN QUESTION: Do you have an emergency exit plan and an
alternate emergency exit plan in case of a fire?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly.
Since you may not have much time to get out and there may be a lot of confusion,
it is important that everyone knows what to do.
- Develop an emergency
exit plan.
- Choose a meeting place
outside your home so you can be sure that everyone is capable of escape quickly
and safely.
- Practice the plan from
time to time to make sure everyone is capable of escape quickly and safely.
Remember periodically
to re-check your home.
In the kitchen,
check the range area, all electrical cords, lighting, the stool, all throw rugs
and mats, and the telephone area.
CHECK THE RANGE
AREA
QUESTION:
Are towels, curtains, and other things that might catch fire located
away from the range?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Placing or storing non-cooking equipment like potholders, dish towels,
or plastic utensils on or near the range man result in fires or burns.
- Store flammable and
combustible items away from range and oven.
- Remove any towels
hanging on oven handles. If towels hang close to a burner, change the location
of the towel rack.
- If necessary, shorten
or remove curtains which could brush against heat sources.
QUESTION: Do you wear clothing with short or
close-fitting sleeves while you are cooking?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: CPSC estimates that 70% of all people
who die from clothing fires are over 65 years of age. Long sleeves are more
likely to catch fire than are short sleeves. Long sleeves are also more apt to
catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and causing scalds.
- Roll back long, loose
sleeves or fasten them with pins or elastic bands while you are cooking.
QUESTION: Are kitchen ventilation systems or range
exhausts functioning properly and are they in use while you are cooking?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Indoor air
pollutants may accumulate to unhealthful levels in a kitchen where gas or
kerosene-fire appliances are in use.
- Use ventilation systems
or open windows to clear air of vapors and smoke.
QUESTION: Are all extension cords and appliance cords
located away from the sink or range areas?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Electrical appliances and power cords
can cause shock or electrocution if they come in contact with water. Cords can
also be damaged by excess heat.
- Move cords and
appliances away from sink areas and hot surfaces.
- Move appliances closer
to wall outlets or to different outlets so you won't need extension
cords.
- If extension cords must
be used, install wiring guides so that cords will not hang near sink, range, or
working areas.
- Consider adding new
outlets for convenience and safety; ask your electrician to install outlets
equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against
electric shock. A GFCI is a shock-protection device that will detect electrical
fault and shut off electricity before serious injury or death occurs.
(illustration is in ).
For more information on
cords, refer to the beginning of the checklist (pages 1 and 2).
QUESTION: Does good, even lighting exist over the
stove, sink, and countertop work areas, especially where food is sliced or cut?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Low lighting and
glare can contribute to burns or cuts. Improve lighting by:
- Opening curtains and
blinds (unless this causes to much glare).
- Using the maximum
wattage bulb allowed by the fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage for
the fixture, use a bulb no larger than 60 watts.)
- Reducing glare by using
frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or
partially closing the blinds or curtains.
- Installing additional
light fixtures, e.g. under cabinet/over countertop lighting.
(Make sure that the
bulbs you use are the right type and wattage for the light fixture.)
QUESTION: Do you have a step stool which is stable and
in good repair?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Standing on chairs, boxes, or other makeshift items to reach high shelves can
result in falls. CPSC estimates that in 1982, 1500 people over 65 were treated
in hospital emergency rooms when they fell from chairs on which they were
standing.
- If you don't have a
step stool, consider buying one. Choose one with a handrail that you can hold
onto while standing on the top step.
- Before climbing on any
step stool, make sure it is fully opened and stable.
- Tighten screws and
braces on the step stool.
- Discard step stools
with broken parts.
Remember: Check all of
the product areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
LIVING
ROOM/FAMILY ROOM
In the living
room/family room, check all rugs and runners, electrical and telephone cords,
lighting, the fireplace and chimney, the telephone area, and all passageways.
QUESTION: Are chimneys clear from accumulations of
leaves, and other debris that can clog them?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: A clogged chimney can cause a
poorly-burning fire to result in poisonous fumes and smoke coming back into the
house.
- Do not use the chimney
until the blockage has been removed.
- Have the chimney
checked and cleaned by a registered or licensed professional.
QUESTION: Has the chimney been cleaned within the past
year?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Burning
wood can cause a build up of a tarry substance (creosote) inside the chimney.
This material can ignite and result in a serious chimney fire.
- Have the chimney
checked and cleaned by a registered or licensed professional.
CHECK THE
TELEPHONE AREA
For information on
the telephone area, refer to the beginning of the checklist.
CHECK
PASSAGEWAYS
QUESTION: Are hallways, passageways between rooms,
and other heavy traffic areas well lit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Shadowed or dark areas can hide
tripping hazards.
- Use the maximum wattage
bulb allowed by the fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb
no larger than 60 watts.)
- Install night
lights.
- Reduce glare by using
frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or
partially closing blinds or curtains.
- Consider using
additional lamps or light fixtures. Make sure that the bulbs you use are the
right type and wattage for the light fixture.
QUESTION: Are exits and passageways kept clear?
YES ___ NO ___
Furniture, boxes, or other items could be an
obstruction or tripping hazard, especially in the event of an emergency or fire.
- Rearrange furniture to
open passageways and walkways.
- Remove boxes and
clutter.
Remember: Check all of
the product areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
BATHROOM
In the bathroom,
check bathtub and shower areas, water temperature, rugs and mats, lighting,
small electrical appliances, and storage areas for medications.
CHECK BATHTUB
AND SHOWER AREAS
QUESTION: Are bathtubs and showers equipped with
non-skid mats, abrasive strips, or surfaces that are not slippery?
YES
___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Wet soapy tile or porcelain
surfaces are especially slippery and may contribute to falls.
- Apply textured strips
or appliques on the floors of tubs and showers.
- Use non-skid mats in
the tub and shower, and on the bathroom floor.
QUESTION: Do bathtubs and showers have at least one
(preferably two) grab bars?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Grab bars can help you get into and out
of your tub or shower, and can help prevent falls.
- Check existing bars for
strength and stability, and repair if necessary.
- Attach grab bars,
through the tile, to structural supports in the wall, or install bars
specifically designed to attach to the sides of the bathtub. If you are not sure
how it is done, get someone who is qualified to assist you.
QUESTION: Is the temperature 120 degrees or lower?
YES ___ NO ___
Water temperature above 120 degrees can cause tap
water scalds.
- Lower the setting on
your hot water heater to "Low" or 120 degrees. If you are unfamiliar with the
controls of your water heater, ask a qualified person to adjust it for you. If
your hot water system is controlled by the landlord, ask the landlord to
consider lowering the setting.
NOTE: If the water
heater does not have a temperature setting, you can use a thermometer to check
the temperature of the water at the tap.
- Always check water
temperature by hand before entering bath or shower.
- Taking baths, rather
than showers, reduces the risk of a scald from suddenly changing water
temperatures.
CHECK
LIGHTING
QUESTION: Is a light switch located near the
entrance to the bathroom?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATIONS: A light switch near the door will
prevent you from walking through a dark area.
- Install a night light.
Inexpensive lights that plug into outlets are available.
- Consider replacing the
existing switch with a "glow switch" that can be seen in the dark.
CHECK SMALL
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
QUESTION: Are small electrical appliances such as
hair dryers, shavers, curling irons, etc., unplugged when not in use?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Even an
appliance that is not turned on, such as a hairdryer, can be potentially
hazardous if it is left plugged in. If it falls into water in a sink or bathtub
while plugged in, it could cause a lethal shock.
- Unplug all small
appliances when not in use.
- Never reach into water
to retrieve an appliance that has fallen in without being sure the appliance is
unplugged.
- Install a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your bathroom outlet to protect against electric
shock.
CHECK
MEDICATIONS
QUESTION:
Are all medicines stored in the containers that they came in and are
they clearly marked?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Medications that are not clearly and accurately labeled can be easily
mixed up. Taking he wrong medicine or missing a dosage of medicine you need can
be dangerous.
- Be sure that all
containers are clearly marked with the contents, doctor's instructions,
expiration date, and patient's name.
- Dispose of outdated
medicines properly.
- Request
non-child-resistant closures from your pharmacist only when you cannot use
child-resistant closures.
NOTE: Many poisonings
occur when children visiting grandparents go through the medicine cabinet or
grandmother's purse. In homes where grandchildren or other youngsters are
frequent visitors, medicines should be purchased in containers with
child-resistant caps, and the caps properly closed after each use. Store
medicines beyond the reach of children.
Remember: Check all of the
product areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
BEDROOMS
In the bedroom,
check all rugs and runners, electrical and telephone cords, and areas around
beds.
CHECK AREAS
AROUND BEDS
QUESTION: Are lamps or light switches within reach
of each bed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Lamps or switches located close to each bed will enable people getting up at
night to see where they are going.
- Rearrange furniture
closer to switches or move lamps closer to beds.
- Install night lights.
QUESTION: Are ash trays, smoking materials, or other
fire sources (heaters, hot plates, teapots, etc.) located away from beds or
bedding?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Burns
are a leading cause of accidental death among seniors. Smoking in bed is a major
contributor to this problem. Among mattress and bedding fire related deaths in a
recent year, 42% were to persons 65 or older.
- Remove sources of heat
or flame from areas around beds.
- Don't smoke in bed.
QUESTION: Is anything covering your electric blanket
when in use?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
"Tucking in" electric blankets, or placing additional coverings on top of them
can cause excessive heat buildup which can start a fire.
QUESTION: Do you avoid "tucking in" the sides or ends
of your electric blanket?
RECOMMENDATION:
- Use electric blankets
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Don't allow anything on
top of the blanket while it is in use. (This includes other blankets or
comforters, even pets sleeping on top of the blanket.)
- Don't set electric
blankets so high that they could burn someone who falls asleep while they are
on.
QUESTION: Do you ever go to sleep with a heating pad
which is turned on?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Never go to sleep with a heating pad if
it is turned on because it can cause serious burns even at relatively low
settings.
QUESTION: Is there a telephone close to your
bed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: In case of
an emergency, it is important to be able to reach the telephone without getting
out of bed.
Remember: Check all of the product areas mentioned at the
beginning of the checklist.
BASEMENT/GARAGE/WORKSHOP/STORAGE
AREAS
In the basement,
garage, workshop, and storage areas, check lighting, fuse boxes or circuit
breakers, appliances and power tools, electrical cords, and flammable liquids.
CHECK LIGHTING
QUESTION: Are work areas, especially areas where
power tools are used, well lit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Power tools were involved in over 5,200
injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms to people 65 and over in 1982.
Three fourths of these were finger injuries. Good lighting can reduce the chance
that you will accidentally cut your finger.
- Either install
additional light, or avoid working with power tools in the area.
QUESTION: Can you turn on the lights without first
having to walk through a dark area?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Basement, garages, and storage areas
can contain many tripping hazards and sharp or pointed tools that can make a
fall even more hazardous.
- Keep an operating
flashlight handy.
- Have an electrician
install switches at each entrance to a dark area.
CHECK THE FUSE
BOX OR CIRCUIT BREAKERS QUESTION: If fuses are used, are they the correct size
for the circuit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Replacing a correct size fuse with a
larger size fuse can present a serious fire hazard. If the fuse in the box is
rater higher than that intended for the circuit, excessive current will be
allowed to flow and possibly overload the outlet and house wiring to the point
that a fire can begin.
- Be certain that correct-size fuses are used. (If you do not
know the correct sizes, consider having an electrician identify and label the
sizes to be used.)
NOTE: If all, or nearly
all, fuses used are 30-amp fuses, there is a chance that some of the fuses are
rated too high for the circuit.
CHECK
APPLIANCES AND POWER TOOLS
QUESTION: Are power tools equipped with a 3-prong plug
or marked to show that they are double insulated?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: These safety features reduce the risk
of an electric shock.
- Use a properly
connected 3-prong adapter for connecting a 3- prong plug to a 2-hole receptacle.
- Consider replacing old
tools that have neither a 3-prong plug nor are double insulated.
QUESTION: Are
power tools guards in place?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Power tools used with guards removed
pose a serious risk of injury from sharp edges or moving parts.
- Replace guards that
have been removed from power tools.
QUESTION:
Has the grounding feature on any 3-prong plug been defeated by removal
of the grounding pin or by improperly using an adapter?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Improperly grounded appliances can lead
to electric shock.
- Check with your service
person or an electrician if you are in doubt.
CHECK FLAMMABLE
AND VOLATILE LIQUIDS
QUESTION:
Are containers of volatile liquids tightly capped?
YES ___ NO
___
RECOMMENDATION: If not tightly closed, vapors may
escape that may be toxic when inhaled.
- Check containers
periodically to make sure they are tightly closed.
NOTE: CPSC has reports
of several cases in which gasoline, stored as much as 10 feet from a gas water
heater, exploded. Many people are unaware that gas fumes can travel that far.
QUESTION: Are gasoline, paints, solvents, or other
products that give off vapors or fumes stored away from ignition sources?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Gasoline,
kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored out of living areas in
properly labeled, non- glass safety containers.
- Remove these products
from the areas near heat or flame such as heaters, furnaces, water heaters,
ranges, and other gas appliances.
STAIRS
For all stairways,
check lighting, handrails, and the condition of the steps and coverings.
CHECK LIGHTING
QUESTION: Are stairs well lighted?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Stairs should be lighted so that each
step, particularly the step edges, can be clearly seen while going up and down
stairs. The lighting should not produce glare or shadows along the stairway.
- Use the maximum wattage
bulb allowed by the light fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use
a bulb no larger than 60 watts.)
- Reduce glare by using
frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or
partially closing blinds and curtains.
- Have a qualified person
add additional light fixtures. Make sure that the bulbs you use are the right
type and wattage for the light fixture.
QUESTION:
Are light switches located at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
RECOMMENDATION: Even if you are very familiar with the
stairs, lighting is an important factor in preventing falls. You should be able
to turn on the lights before you use the stairway from either end.
- If no other light is
available, keep an operating flashlight in a convenient location at the top and
bottom of the stairs.
- Install night lights at
nearby outlets.
- Consider installing
switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.
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