Each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 1 million people over age 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with the products they live with and use everyday. The death rate from accidental injuries in the home is approximately three times greater for older people than for the younger population. Specifically, there are 60 deaths per 100,000 persons 65 and older, while there are 20 deaths per 100,000 persons under 65.
Slips and falls are the main cause of injury for older people in the home. The 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. The CPSC recommends that consumers turn down the temperature of their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalds. The 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.
Slips and falls are the main cause of injury for older people in the home. The 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. The CPSC recommends that consumers turn down the temperature of their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalds. The 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.
Home Safety Checklist for Older Consumers
The CPSC believes that many of injuries to elderly persons in their homes 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
CHECK ALL CORDS
QUESTION: Are lamp, extension and telephone cords placed outside the flow of traffic?
RECOMMENDATION: Cords stretched across walkways may cause someone to trip.
- 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.
QUESTION: Are cords pulled out from beneath furniture and rugs or carpeting?
RECOMMENDATION: Furniture resting on cords can damage them, creating fire and shock hazards. Electric cords which run under carpeting may cause a fire.
RECOMMENDATION: Furniture resting on cords can damage them, creating fire and shock hazards. Electric cords which run under carpeting may cause a fire.
- Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting.
- Replace damaged and frayed cords.
QUESTION: Are cords attached to the walls, baseboards, etc., with nails or staples?
Nails and staples can damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards.
Nails and staples can damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards.
- Remove nails, staples, etc.
- Check wiring for damage.
- Use tape to attach cords to walls or floors.
QUESTION: Are electrical cords in good condition, and not frayed or cracked?
RECOMMENDATION: Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire.
RECOMMENDATION: Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire.
- Replace frayed or cracked cords.
QUESTION: Do extension cords carry more than their proper load, as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord and the appliance?
RECOMMENDATION: Overloaded extension cords may cause fires. Standard 18-gauge extension cords can carry 1,250 watts.
RECOMMENDATION: Overloaded extension cords may cause fires. Standard 18-gauge extension cords can carry 1,250 watts.
- 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.
CHECK ALL RUGS, RUNNERS AND MATS
QUESTION: Are all small rugs and runners slip-resistant?
RECOMMENDATION: The CPSC estimates that in 1982, over 2,500 people 65 and over were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that resulted from tripping over rugs and runners. Falls are also the most common cause of fatal injury for older people.
- 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.
NOTE: Over time, adhesive on tape can wear away. Rugs with slip- resistant backing also become less effective as they are washed. Periodically, check rugs and mats to see if new tape or backing is needed.
QUESTION: Are emergency numbers posted on or near the telephone?
RECOMMENDATION: In case of emergency, telephone numbers for the police, fire department, and the local poison control center, along with a neighbor's number, should be readily available.
RECOMMENDATION: In case of emergency, telephone numbers for the police, fire department, and the local poison control center, along with a neighbor's number, should be readily available.
- Write the numbers in large print and tape them to the phone, or place them near the phone where they can be seen easily.
QUESTION: Do you have access to a telephone if you fall, or experience some other emergency which prevents you from standing and reaching a wall phone?
RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDATION:
- Have at least one telephone located where it would be accessible in the event of an accident which leaves you unable to stand.
CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS
QUESTION: Are smoke detectors properly located?
RECOMMENDATION: At least one smoke detector should be placed on every floor of your home.
- 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 to 12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.
- Locate smoke detectors away from air vents.
QUESTION: Do you have properly working smoke detectors?
RECOMMENDATION: Many fire injuries and deaths in homes are caused by smoke and toxic gases, rather than the fire itself. Smoke detectors provide an early warning and can wake you in the event of a fire.
RECOMMENDATION: Many fire injuries and deaths in homes are caused by smoke and toxic gases, rather than the fire itself. Smoke detectors provide an early warning and can wake you in the event of a fire.
- 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 periodically.
- Replace any smoke detectors which can not be repaired.
NOTE: Some fire departments or local governments will provide assistance in acquiring or installing smoke detectors.
CHECK ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES
QUESTION: Are any outlets or switches unusually warm or hot to the touch?
RECOMMENDATION: Unusually warm or hot outlets or switches may indicate that an unsafe wiring condition exists.
- Unplug cords from outlets and do not use the switches.
- Have an electrician check the wiring as soon as possible.
QUESTION: Do all outlets and switches have cover plates, so that no wiring is exposed?
RECOMMENDATION: Exposed wiring presents a shock hazard.
- Add a cover plate.
QUESTION: Are light bulbs the appropriate size and type for the lamp or fixture?
RECOMMENDATION: A bulb of too high a 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 three-prong plug being used in a three-hole outlet or with a properly attached adapter?
RECOMMENDATION: The grounding feature provided by a three-hole receptacle or an adapter for a two-hole receptacle is a safety feature designed to lessen the risk of shock.
- Never defeat the grounding feature.
- If you do not have a three-hole outlet, use an adapter to connect the heater's three-prong plug. Make sure the adapter, ground wire or tab is attached to the outlet.
RECOMMENDATION: Heaters can cause fires or serious burns if they cause you to trip or if they are knocked over.
- 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?
RECOMMENDATION: Unvented heaters should be used with the room door open or a 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 particular risk.
- Review the installation and operating instructions.
- Call your local fire department if you have additional questions.
KITCHEN
In the kitchen, check the range area, all electrical cords, lighting, the stool, all throw rugs and mats, and the telephone area.
CHECK THE RANGE AREA
QUESTION: Are towels, curtains, and other things that might catch fire located away from the range?
RECOMMENDATION: Placing or storing non-cooking equipment, such as potholders, dish towels, and plastic utensils on or near the range may result in fires or burns.
- Store flammable and combustible items away from the 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.
QUESTION: Do you wear clothing with short or close-fitting sleeves while you are cooking?
RECOMMENDATION: The CPSC estimates that 70% of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65 years of age. Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire than are short sleeves. Long sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and causing scalds.
RECOMMENDATION: The CPSC estimates that 70% of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65 years of age. Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire than are short sleeves. Long sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and causing scalds.
- Roll back long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins or elastic bands while you are cooking.
QUESTION: Are kitchen ventilation systems or range exhausts functioning properly, and are they in use while you are cooking?
RECOMMENDATION: Indoor air pollutants may accumulate to unhealthful levels in a kitchen where gas or kerosene-fire appliances are in use.
RECOMMENDATION: Indoor air pollutants may accumulate to unhealthful levels in a kitchen where gas or kerosene-fire appliances are in use.
- Use ventilation systems or open windows to clear air of vapors and smoke.
QUESTION: Are all extension cords and appliance cords located away from the sink and range areas?
RECOMMENDATION: Electrical appliances and power cords can cause shock or electrocution if they come in contact with water. Cords can also be damaged by excess heat.
RECOMMENDATION: Electrical appliances and power cords can cause shock or electrocution if they come in contact with water. Cords can also be damaged by excess heat.
- 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.
For more information on cords, refer to the beginning of the checklist.
QUESTION: Does adequate lighting exist over the stove, sink and countertop work areas, especially where food is sliced?
RECOMMENDATION: Low lighting and glare can contribute to burns and cuts. Improve lighting by:
RECOMMENDATION: Low lighting and glare can contribute to burns and cuts. Improve lighting by:
- opening curtains and blinds (unless this causes too 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 and globes on light fixtures, and partially closing the blinds or curtains.
- installing additional light fixtures under cabinets and over the countertop.
Make sure that the bulbs you use are the right type and wattage for the light fixture.
CHECK SMALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
QUESTION: Are small electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons, etc., unplugged when not in use?
RECOMMENDATION: Even an appliance that is not turned on, such as a hair dryer, can be potentially hazardous if it is left plugged in. If it falls into water in a sink or bathtub while plugged in, it could cause a lethal shock.
- 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.
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