Home Safety
Classes:
Introduction > Take the Test > Home Safety > Poison Safety > Safety Proofing > In Case of Emergency > Outdoor Safety > Home Safety Checklist
Prevention: Safe Design and Architecture
There are a number of ways you can make your home safer. Some may require installing an extra feature that you can purchase from a hardware store or drugstore. Others may be as simple as reorganizing and rearranging your existing space. All of the options can lead to a safer, and more comfortable, home environment. Check to see if your home has the safety features below, and if so, that they are working.
Safe Landscaping
Keep vegetation, trees, firewood, and leaf piles a safe distance from your home. All of these can catch fire quickly and spread to your house. Make sure that tree limbs don't come too close to chimneys or clog the roof or gutters (this can cause water and roof damage.) Don't let vegetation that could cause someone to trip grow over outdoor walkways or stairs. Also remember loose limbs and other items can cause damage in windstorms. Removed or tie down any loose items around your house if heavy storms are forecasted.
Sturdy Handrails
Install sturdy handrails near stairs and in bathrooms. If you have stairs in your home, make sure they have handrails that are firmly bolted to the floor or wall and at a convenient height for family members. Install handrails or grab bars in bathtubs and showers to help people get in and out and prevent slipping.
Clutter-Free Exits
Keep stairs and exits free of clutter and make sure each room and each floor of the house has clear and easy-to-use exits. Avoid stacking things on stairs or storing things near doorways, which can make it difficult for people to exit quickly. In general, keeping your home organized and free of clutter will reduce the risk of injury (from tripping or falling), make it easier to find things in case of an emergency, and make it easier to exit, if you need to get out of the home quickly.
Slip-Resistant Features
Make sure your bathtub or shower has a slip-resistant bottom or non-skid decals. Check to see if the floors in your home or patio are slippery (especially when wet.) If so, consider purchasing rugs or mats (with non-slip rug pads) to prevent falls.
Safety Glazing
If you have glass doors on your home, in your shower, or on your patio, make sure that the glass is made out of safety glass. Also make sure that the glass is clearly marked at eye-level (either with decals, stickers, or even an adhesive picture) so that people don't mistakenly walk through it.
Sufficient Lighting
Proper lighting can prevent a number of accidents as well as warn off intruders. Make sure that the entrance to your home (be it a garage, walkway, or hallway) has enough light for you to see the doorway and surroundings clearly at night. Also make sure that hallways, stairwells, basements, and garages have proper lighting to help prevent slips and falls.
Clear of Electrical Cords
Don't run electrical cords, cable, or phone cords across rooms where they can trip people. If possible, install the appliances as close as possible to the outlet. If you must run cords around the room, be sure you use proper extension cords that are in good shape, and run them along the wall (and not under the rug where they can wear down and cause fires.)
Non-Flammable Décor
There are a number of ways to fire-proof your home (for more information, see our course on Fire Safety) but one of the easiest is to avoid decorations that can become fire hazards, such as curtains near open fires such as fireplaces and candles or rugs, pillows, and throws near heat sources like radiators or electric heaters.
Next: Gas Leaks, Carbon Monoxide and Radon
