Keep your home safe.  Use this checklist to help you look around your house to find situations that may put you at risk for a fall. 

In the kitchen:

• Use a sturdy stool for reaching high cupboards.
• Keep everyday dishes and kitchen supplies within easy reach.
• Ensure tile, linoleum, rugs are secured to the floor.
• Ensure the dials on the stove are clearly marked ON/OFF.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it.

In the bedroom:

• Keep a clear, well-lit path from the bedroom to the bathroom for night time travel.
• Have easy access to a phone from your bed.
• Have easy access to a lamp from your bed.

In the bathroom:

• Install grab bars in the tub and by the toilet.
• Have a non-skid bath mat beside your tub.
• Use a rubber bath mat in your tub.
• Keep medications stored out of this hot moist area.

In the basement:

• Keep stairways well-lit and free of clutter.
• Secure handrails on BOTH sides of the stairway.
• Know how to change a fuse or reset a circuit breaker.
• Set the hot water heater to no more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit or 54 degrees Celsius.
• Safely store paint, turpentine, gasoline and other hazardous materials.

Fire hazards:

• Keep extension cords in good condition and out of travel paths.
• Use only the recommended amount of plugs in an electrical outlet.
• Have one working smoke alarm for each level of your home and within sleeping areas.
• Have an emergency exit and escape plan, in case of fire.

For added security:

• Use programmable lights that come on in your house when you are away.
• Be able to see who is at exterior doors without having to unlock them.
• Be sure windows have operating locks.

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