Home Safety Checklist

Safety Checklist

Each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly one million people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with the products they live with and use everyday.

CPSC recommends the use of grab-bars and non-slip mats in the bathtub, handrails on both sides of the stairs, and slip-resistant carpets and rugs. Burns occur from hot tap water and from open flame. CPSC recommends that consumers turn down the temperature of their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalds. CPSC also recommends the installation and maintenance of at least one smoke detector on every floor of the home. Older consumers should consider purchasing nightwear that is flame resistant and choose garments made of tightly woven fabrics such as 100% polyester, 100% nylon, or 100% wool.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (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.

ALL AREAS OF THE 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.

• 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.
  
  

• Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting.
• Replace damaged or frayed cords.
  
  

• Remove nails, staples, etc.
• Check wiring for damage.
• Use tape to attach cords to walls or floors.
  
  

• Replace frayed or cracked cords.

• 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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Write the numbers in large print and tape them to the phone, or place them near the phone where they can be seen easily.

• Have at least one telephone located where it would be accessible in the event of an accident which leaves you unable to stand.

• 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.

• 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.

• Unplug cords from outlets and do not use the switches.
• Have an electrician check the wiring as soon as possible.

• Add a cover plate.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.

KITCHEN
In the kitchen, check the range area, all electrical cords, lighting, the stool, all throw rugs and mats, and the telephone area.

• 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.

• Roll back long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins or elastic bands while you are cooking.

• Use ventilation systems or open windows to clear air of vapors and smoke.

• 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 ).

• 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.

• 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.

• Do not use the chimney until the blockage has been removed.
• Have the chimney checked and cleaned by a registered or licensed professional.

• Have the chimney checked and cleaned by a registered or licensed professional.

• 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.

• Rearrange furniture to open passageways and walkways.
• Remove boxes and clutter.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Rearrange furniture closer to switches or move lamps closer to beds.
• Install night lights.

• Remove sources of heat or flame from areas around beds.
• Don't smoke in bed.

• 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.

• Either install additional light, or avoid working with power tools in the area.

• Keep an operating flashlight handy.
• Have an electrician install switches at each entrance to a dark area.
  
  CHECK THE FUSE BOX OR CIRCUIT BREAKERS

• 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.)

• 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.

• Replace guards that have been removed from power tools.

• Check with your service person or an electrician if you are in doubt.

• Check containers periodically to make sure they are tightly closed.

• Remove these products from the areas near heat or flame such as heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances.

• 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.

• 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.

• Try to avoid wearing only socks or smooth-soled shoes or slippers when using stairs.
• Make certain the carpet is firmly attached to the steps all along the stairs.
• Consider refinishing or replacing worn treads, or replacing worn carpeting.
• Paint outside steps with paint that has a rough texture, or use abrasive strips.

• Mark any steps which are especially narrow or have risers that are higher or lower than the others. Be especially careful of these steps when using the stairs.

• Repair coverings.
• Remove coverings.
• Replace coverings.

• Paint edges of outdoor steps white to see them better at night.
• Add extra lighting.
• If you plan to carpet your stairs, avoid deep pile carpeting or patterned or dark colored carpeting that can make it difficult to see the edges of the steps clearly.

• Remove all objects from the stairway.