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SAFETY TIP |
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HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
1. FALLS - are the most common of home accidents: falls from ladders or stairs and trips or slips on floors or sidewalks. Senior Citizens are most likely to be the victims of falls. Falls in the home cause over 6100 deaths each year.
2. FIRES AND BURNS are second in frequency of home accidents. Actual burns or asphyxiation from smoke or toxic fumes are the major problems. Senior Citizens are frequent victims. Fire and burns in the home cause over 3900 death each year.
The following checklist designed to help eliminate some of the major causes of falls and fires in the home. Please take a moment to go through your home and identify hazards in your home so that you can correct them.
GENERAL SAFETY CHECKLIST Emergency numbers in large print are placed near each telephone. The "File of Life" is updated and placed on the refrigerator. Telephone or personal contact is made with a friend, neighbor or relative daily, so someone knows you are okay. There is a telephone near the bed. Water temperature is set at 120 degrees or less. You have your furnace cleaned and serviced yearly. Household chemicals and matches are properly stored poisonous chemicals are kept away from foods. Cleaners, disinfectants and insecticides are stored in original containers. Medicine cabinets are secured and checked regularly for outdated medications, which are disposed of properly. Canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are in good condition. You take the time needed and avoid rushing when moving around the home (to answer the phone or go to the bathroom) outside the home (to catch the bus, etc).
FALL PREVENTION All stairways are clear of objects which could cause a person to trip. All stairways have a firmly anchored handrail. All stairways are well-lighted. All throw rugs are skid-proof and lay flat on the floor. All carpets are securely anchored. All entrance ways, exits, halls, and walks are well-lighted. Night lights are used to prevent stumbling around in the dark. All walks, porches, and doorways are clear of obstacles. All hard-surfaced floors are clean and spills are wiped up immediately. Proper footwear is worn to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Bath tubs and showers have non-skid strips or suction mats in them. Grab bars are installed in bathtubs and showers. Electrical cords and telephone cords are placed out of high-traffic areas. Furniture is arranged so a path is clear for people to walk around the room safely. The floor is kept clear of clutter (magazines, books, boxes, blankets, towels, shoes, and other objects.) Frequently used kitchen items are kept on lower shelves. A sturdy step-stool with a bar to hold on to (or handles) is available for reaching objects on high shelves.
SMOKE ALARMS Your home has at least one smoke alarm on every level. All smoke alarms are in good working order (clean, free of dust and grime.) All smoke alarms are less than 10 years old. Smoke alarms are tested monthly. Smoke alarm batteries are replaced every 6-12 months.
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