Staying safe around the home

Most of us feel safe in our homes, yet more accidents happen at home than anywhere else. The questions below will help you to do a safety check of your home.

General

Are your floors clear of trailing flexes?
Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you cannot trip over them. Try to organise things so your appliances are close to a socket.

Are you careful not to overload sockets?
Overloaded sockets can be a fire hazard. If you don't have enough sockets, use a bar adaptor on a lead rather than a block adaptor. For appliances that use a lot of power, such as heaters, irons and kettles, never fit more than one plug in each socket.

Can you walk through your rooms without having to walk around furniture?
Rearranging your furniture can help you move around your home more easily.

Do you have rucked-up or fraying carpets that you might trip over?
Replacing them or using double-sided carpet tape will help prevent them slipping.

Do you have a way to call for help if you fall or feel unsafe?
A community alarm lets you contact a 24-hour response centre at the touch of a button. Many councils run community alarm schemes as do AgeUK.

Do you have a list of emergency phone numbers near the phone?
List details of your gas, electricity, water and telephone suppliers, doctor, local police, local council, carer, close friends and relatives and anyone else you think may be useful. This can save valuable time in an emergency.

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?
Heaters that burn gas, coal, oil or wood can give off poisonous carbon monoxide if they are not working properly. Look for a detector bearing the Kitemark and European Standard number BS EN 50291.

Do you have a letterbox cage?
This can save you having to stoop to pick up your post. Cages also stop papers spreading across the floor, which could make you slip.

Do your slippers fit properly?
Worn-out or badly fitting slippers can increase your risk of falling. Be careful when wearing any long, loose-fitting clothing like a dressing gown as it's easy to catch your foot and fall.

When opening the door to a caller, do you lock, stop, chain and check?
Make sure you lock any other external doors before going to the front door. Put the chain on and look through the window or spy-hole. Check who the caller is and ask for ID. If in doubt, keep them out!

Bedroom

Do you have sheets and bed covers trailing on the floor?
Tuck them out of the way when you first get out of bed; it is easy to trip up when moving around.

Do you have a bedside lamp or torch?
This can help if you need to get up in the night, or if there is a power failure.

Do you have an electric blanket?
Make sure you get it serviced regularly and check for danger signs such as frayed fabric, a worn flex and scorch marks. Unplug it when you go to bed, unless you are sure it is the type that can be left on overnight. If it gets wet, don't use it until it has completely dried.

Kitchen

Is there a clear space near the cooker?
This will allow you to put hot pans down safely.

Are the things you use every day within easy reach?
Rearrange your shelves and cupboards so the things you use most often can be reached easily. Use long-handled 'grabbers' to avoid stretching for small, lightweight items.

Are the pan handles turned away from the front of the cooker?
This will stop the pans getting knocked over. Make sure the handles aren't over another ring either, as this will make them too hot to lift.

Do you use a timer to remind yourself when food is ready?
If you have to leave the kitchen when cooking something on the hob, always set a timer so you don't forget about it. Never leave hot oil unattended.

Is there a risk you could slip on wet flooring?
Try to clean up any spills straight away. Non-slip matting near the sink and washing machine may reduce the risk of slipping.

Are things that burn kept away from the hob?
Make sure tea-towels, kitchen roll, oven gloves and paper bags are kept away from the cooker.

Do you keep your kitchen equipment as clean as possible?
A build-up of crumbs or grease, for instance, could be a fire risk.

Do you know what to do if a pan catches fire?
Don't move the pan or throw water on it. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Leave the kitchen, close the door and shout to everyone else in the house to leave. Call 999.

If you have a gas boiler, do you regularly check that the pilot light is burning?
If you find it has gone out, there should be instructions on the boiler for how to relight it. If you can't relight it yourself, call a heating engineer out.

Stairs
 

Are your stairs free from clutter?
Avoiding storing things on the stairs, even temporarily. Always check them as you walk up and down.

Do you have good lighting?
Good lighting is particularly important on the stairs, where it can help you avoid tripping.

Do you have solid handrails, preferably on both sides?
Handrails are important even on small flights of stairs.

Do you have a two-way light switch (a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs)?
You may wish to get an electrician to fit one if you don't have one.

Can you easily see the edges of each step?
Marking the edge of each step with paint or a strip of non-slip masking tape will make them more visible. If you use tape, make sure it sticks properly and doesn't become a trip hazard.

Do you have plug-in night lights?
These turn on automatically at night-time and provide a low light that can help you see your way around.

Do you have emergency power-failure lights?

These lights plug into power sockets and remain lit if there is a power failure. This means that if the mains power fails after dark, you will still be able to find your way around.

Bathroom

Do you have a hand rail, non-slip bath mat and bath seat?
These can help you keep your balance when getting in and out of the bath. Make sure your bath mat doesn't slide on the floor when you walk on it as it could slip from under you.

Are your medicines stored in the bottle they came in, out of reach of children and pets, and locked away?
Keep them under lock and key if possible.

Are any mains-powered electrical appliances kept out of the bathroom?
Appliances such as hairdryers, heaters and electric radios should never be used in the bathroom. 

Garden

Are your paths clear of leaves and overgrowing plants?
Keeping your garden tidy and free of obstacles will make it a lot safer.

Are your paving stones free from moss and algae?
Moss and algae become very slippery when wet so prune any overhanging branches to improve the light and air circulation. You can buy products that remove algae, or ask someone to remove it with a pressure washer.

Do you take extra care if you have to go out in icy weather?
Spread salt or salty sand on your steps if you need to go outside.

If you are using a ladder, is it at a safe angle and anchored at its base?
Never use a ladder when you are on your own; it is far safer to have someone with you who can hold the ladder steady.

Do you lock tools away once you have finished using them?
Always use tools carefully and place them in a safe position when you put them down.

Do you use a power point fitted with a residual current device (RCD) when using power tools and electric mowers?
An RCD will shut off the power if an electrical fault develops or if you accidentally cut through the flex. 

Fire

Do you smoke?
If so, use deep ashtrays and stub each cigarette out properly. Never smoke in bed.

Do you have a smoke alarm on each floor?
Make sure yours has the British Standard number BS5446 and the Kitemark. Test it regularly, keep it free from dust and change the battery at least once a year. There are special smoke alarms for people with hearing difficulties.

Have you planned a fire escape route?
Preparing and planning an escape route can save valuable time in a fire. Contact your local fire brigade for further advice on fire safety in your home.

If you have an open fire, do you use a fire guard?
Fire guards let you safely enjoy the benefits of a fire.

Are you careful never to dry clothes over or near a fire?
Drying clothes near a fire or other heater can be a fire risk.

Useful contacts

Age UK Stockport
Address: Commonweal, 56 Wellington Street, Stockport SK1 3AQ
Phone: 0161 480 1211
Fax: 0161 480 3735
Web: www.ageukstockport.org.uk
Email: admin@ageukstockport.org.uk