Tips & Suggestions
Home Safety Considerations
The most frequent accidents involving older people are:
- Falls in the bathroom and on the stairs
- Burns and smoke inhalation from fires
- Scalds from hot water taps
- Electric shock
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following for Older Consumers:
To help prevent falls
- When using stairs, always grip the handrails. Keep stairs well lighted.
- Keep floors cleared and slip resistant. Remove loose carpets, cords, and other items you could trip over. Be sure all rugs, mats, and other surfaces are non-skid and/or held down with two sided carpet tape.
- Install grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces in your bathroom.
- Use only stable step stools with a top handrail. Don't climb alone. Have someone near by to help you.
- Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
- Be sure your telephones and emergency numbers are easily accessible - so you can get help if you need it.
To help prevent fire deaths and injuries
- Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor of the home.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm outside every sleeping area.
- Don't smoke in bed.
- Keep space heaters away from flammable materials. Hire a professional to check all fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, every year.
- Don't wear loose fitting clothing with long sleeves near ranges or ovens.
- Store combustibles away from these and all heat producing appliances.
- Practice an emergency fire escape plan.
Home Safety Considerations
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