Keep it Safe

How Safety Issues in Your Home Can Affect Your Health

Accidental injuries can result in hospitalization, surgeries, and/or long-term disabilities. They are among the leading cause of death in the home.

You might have some safety issues in your home if you have:

Clutter – such as clothing, shoes, papers, and toys – which creates dangers for slips, trips, and falls.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each device for each floor of the home) that either are not present or not working.
Poor or no lighting in stairways, doorways, and walkways.
Hot water from the faucet that is very hot.
Dangerous items – such as medicines and vitamins, household cleaning products, matches and lighters, and sharp tools – stored where children can reach them.
Damaged electrical cords.

Clear away things like clutter, loose electrical cords, slippery throw rugs, and spilled food that might make you slip, trip, or fall.
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor. Put in fresh batteries every autumn and spring, and check that the devices are working properly.
Put fire extinguishers in key places, such as the kitchen, bedroom, and basement. Replace or recharge them when needed.
Add or fix lighting in stairways, doorways, and walkways.
Replace damaged electrical cords.
Set hot water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent burns.
Post the phone number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) next to every phone, and program cell phones with that number.
If children live in or visit your home, supervise them at all times, and childproof your home:
- Store all dangerous items out of reach of children.
- Always use safety devices, such as baby gates, child-proof containers, and safety latches on doors, windows and cabinets.
Do a thorough home safety check regularly.