Draw a line through the ones you have already completed – and then work on what’s left:

 Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.  Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside all sleeping areas.  Install at least one Carbon Monoxide Alarm near each sleeping area.  Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.  Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home's central heating system and repair leaks or other problems.  Fireplaces and woodstoves should also be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as needed.  Maintain all exterior steps and walkways. Patch cracks, repair uneven surfaces on walkways and remove hoses and other trip hazards.  Mark the edges of steps with reflective tape or consider a ramp. Make sure handrails are available and secured properly.  Keep emergency numbers handy – 911 is easy to remember, but calling directly for an ambulance can save time and possibly a life.  All the rooms in your home should be simply arranged and clean with wide uncluttered walk spaces: o No piles of books or paper on the floor to slip on or trip over. o No loose throw rugs - they are a trip hazard especially on tile, vinyl or hardwood. o If you do have an area carpet it should be taped to the floor. o If you have wall to wall carpet make sure it has a low pile so as not to make it difficult to move your feet. o Keep all floors wax-free to avoid slipping. o Place electrical, phone, and computer cords along walls where they will not trip anyone. To avoid the risk of fire, do not run the wires under carpeting. o Protect sharp table corners with rounded pads. o Replace glass tables with solid furniture that has rounded edges (no sharp corners).

Good lighting is so very important to home safety. We recently replaced our front porch light with a one that contains a motion sensor. Now no one has to walk up to our front door in the dark. • Timed and motion-sensor lights outdoors can illuminate potentially dangerous pathways. • Inside, have bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. • Increase lighting by using the highest-watt bulbs possible for fixtures or lamps. New LED lighting is brighter and uses less energy. • Install night-lights in hallways between bedrooms and bathrooms. • Replace traditional light switches with easy-to-use, rocker-style switches.

Stairs can be the most dangerous place in your home:  Make sure the stairs are in good repair - fix all damaged or broken steps  Handrails should run the entire distance of the stairs  Handrails should be on both sides of the stairway and anchored to the wall framing. Set handrails 2 -3 inches from the wall to allow a good grip  Keep stairs clear of clutter, both the stair and the handrail  Make sure carpeting on stairs is well secured; loose carpet is a slip hazard.

Bathrooms:  Good lighting over the tub will make it safer: If you can clearly see what you’re doing, getting in and out of the bath is safer.  Install grab bars in the tub and shower as well as outside the tub and shower for getting in and out (There are lots of grab bars that don't look like a hospital). Seniors aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a bit of extra support during a slip. o Make certain grab bars are anchored to the wall framing  Use non-slip mats in the tub and shower.  Use long lever style handles on faucets for ease of use and better control.  If you use a bath mat be sure it is has a non-skid backing.  If bathing is done while sitting on a bath stool or bench install a hand shower.  Ensure all electric outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected.  Use plastic glasses, soap trays and other accessories that won’t shatter if they hit a hard floor or countertop.  Remove the lock from the bath door to allow full access in case of an emergency.  Consider installing a cordless telephone in the bathroom, as it is a great aid for seeking assistance in cases of emergency.

Kitchens:  Kitchens need especially good lighting for food preparation and clean up. And don’t forget the danger associated with using sharp knives.  Clean up spills immediately – wet floors are slippery when wet.  Ensure all electric outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected.  Make sure all wires, cords and plugs on your appliances are not frayed and that the plugs have 3-prong grounded connections. This would include coffee makers, toasters, blenders, microwaves, mixers, etc.  Don’t use extension cords in the kitchen or other wet areas.  Get rid of any appliance that is broken or damaged. New ones are very inexpensive these days. If you think a new one would bust your budget, ask yourself what cost is fair to insure family safety.  Don’t leave the kitchen with pots & pans cooking on the stove. Make sure to turn off burners as soon as you take the pot off.  Avoid wearing inappropriate clothing while cooking. That means loose sleeves, sweaters, bathrobes or tops with big sleeves that can catch on fire.  Keep dishtowels, potholders and oven mitts away from the stove. Potholders and oven mitts are available in silicone and won’t burn.  If using candles in the kitchen, don’t leave the room (or home) while they’re burning. Make sure they are in a safe place and are in flameproof containers. Better yet, invest in some flameless candles.  Check furniture, curtains, dishtowels, etc. to be sure they are not blocking heaters or vents.  Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, but not near the stove or the heater. Learn how to use it.  Be sure appliances are unplugged before reaching for a component with a sharp edge (blenders, can openers, mixers, etc.).  Make sure all drawers have stops on the guides – doing so will eliminate the chance of a drawer crushing a foot.

Fire Safety:  Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.  Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can, and keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.  Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials such as drapes or curtains.  Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Store them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.  Install smoke alarms on every floor of the home, including the basement, and particularly near rooms in which people sleep.  Use long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries and hush buttons, which allow persons to stop false alarms quickly. If long-life alarms are not available, use regular alarms, and replace the batteries annually.  Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they work properly. Use canned smoke or let a match smoke to make the test.  Devise a family fire escape plan and practice it every 6 months. In the plan, describe at least two different ways each family member can escape every room, and designate a safe place in front of the home for family members to meet after escaping a fire.  If possible, install or retrofit fire sprinklers into your home.

This can be a lot of work and may require your attention over a considerable period of time. Tape this article to your refrigerator and ask your family to help by encouraging you to make your home safe.