It’s so important to make sure your home is a safe environment and free from potential hazards. Preventing falls and accidents and feeling safe is essential to enjoying day to day life at home.
The following are some simple things you can do to increase your safety at home.
- Fix and/or remove trip hazards — everything from small floor rugs to torn carpet or lino, missing or broken tiles, and uneven floorboards.
- Install handrails on staircases. If possible, also install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Install rails in the bathroom, around the toilet, and the bath.
- Make sure there is adequate lighting, especially at night. Upgrade existing light bulbs to brighter and more energy efficient light bulbs.
- Place non-slip matting on the shower floor and bath.
- Use an analog or digital timer with lighting, the radio or TV so you can set them to turn on when you’re not at home.
- Make sure working smoke detectors are installed and if they aren’t hard wired, check the batteries regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- If you want to hide door keys outside, use a key safe rather than placing the key under a pot plant or doormat. Alternatively, leave a key with a neighbour you trust.
- Keep pathways clean and in good repair.
- Mark the edge of steps so they are easy to see. Using non-slip tape can also help prevent falls.
- Have deadbolts installed on your doors.
- Lock all doors, especially the front door when you’re working in the backyard.
- Never open the door to a stranger. If it is a repairman or a salesman, call the company they say they work for and verify.
- Keep emergency numbers handy – Emergency Call Service – 000
