Most accidents happen at home. If you think your house is "home, safe home," take a look around. At first glance it may look orderly, but certain trouble spots can lead to cuts, falls, burns, or other injuries. The following room-by-room checklist can alert you to accidents waiting to happen.
Kitchen
Cleaners and dangerous
chemicals should be stored out of children's reach.
Scissors, knives, ice picks, and other
sharp tools should be stored separately from other utensils and out of the reach of
children.
Towels, curtains, and other flammable
materials should hang a safe distance from heat sources like the stove.
Kitchen fans and stove ventilation exhausts
should be clean and in good working order.
Electrical cords should run a safe distance
from the sink or range.
Electrical outlets should not be
overloaded.
A sturdy step stool should be available to
help reach high cabinets.
Vinyl floors should be cleaned with nonskid
wax.
A nonskid floor mat should be in place in
front of the sink.
The kitchen should be well lit.
Bedroom
Electrical cords should be
in good working order and tucked away from foot traffic.
Electrical outlets should not be
overloaded.
Electric blankets should not be covered by
bedspreads or other blankets when in use.
Carpeting should be secured to the floor.
A night light should be put between the bed
and the bathroom or hallway.
The bedroom telephone should be easy to
reach, even from the floor, if necessary.
Ashtrays, irons, electric hair curlers, and
other potential fire hazards should be located away from bedding, curtains, or 
other flammable material.
Smoke detectors should be located near
entrances to rooms, and their batteries should be checked often and replaced when needed.
Bathroom
Floor mats should have
nonskid backing.
Rubber mats or adhesive-backed strips
should be in place in the bathtub or shower stall.
A support bar should be securely installed
in the bathtub or shower stall.
Hair dryers, electric shavers, or other
electric appliances should be kept away from water and unplugged when not in use.
A light switch should be located near the
bathroom entrance or entrances.
Halls and Stairs
Halls and stairs should be
well lit, with a light switch at each end of a stairway.
If a staircase is dimly lit, the top and
bottom steps should be marked with reflective tape.
Sturdy hand rails should be securely
installed on both sides of each stairway.
Floor covering on stairs and in halls
should be skid-proof or carpeted and not creased or frayed.
Stairways should be clear of shoes, books,
toys, tools, or other clutter.
When young children are in the house, gates
should block access to stairways.
Basement and Garage
To avoid confusion and
misuse, all chemicals and cleaners should be kept in their original containers and out of
children's reach.
Hazardous chemicals should be kept under
lock and key and out of children's reach.
Sharp or otherwise potentially hazardous
tools should be in good working order and kept off-limits to children.
Gasoline and other flammable materials
should be stored in airtight containers and away from heat sources (outside the home, if possible).
Buy a radon test kit from your state
department of health or department of environmental protection, or contact the Environmental Control Agency, 230 South Dearborn
Street, Chicago, IL 60604 for information on radon testing. (Radon is an invisible gas
that causes health problems if it builds up in homes and can't escape.) If your home has
high radon levels, hire a reliable radon expert to help you reduce levels of this gas in
your home.
Elsewhere Around the House
Outdoor porches and
walkways should be kept clear of ice in winter weather.
Window screens should be securely fastened,
especially if small children are around.
Do not have poisonous plants in your yard
or inside your house.
Do not leave children unattended near
swimming pools and playground equipment.
Plan escape routes in case of fire or other
emergencies. Talk about these with household members and practice using them.
Take steps to remedy unsafe situations as soon as possible.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/20/99