Home Repair, Maintenance and Safety
Home Repair, Maintenance and Safety
Make Your Home Safe Getting older brings with it various lifestyle changes. Our sight, hearing, muscle and bone strength, coordination and reflexes aren’t what they once were. Any of these things can make a fall more likely, so we need to take extra care. Here are some things you can do to make your home safer to prevent falls. Please note: For financial assistance with home repairs see pages 64 and 65.
In Stairways and Hallways:
4 Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. 4 Keep areas where you walk tidy. 4 Have handrails on both sides of all stairs and be sure they're tightly fastened. If you must carry something while on the steps, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other.
In Bathrooms:
4 Mount grab bars near toilets and on the inside and outside of your tub and shower. 4 Place non-skid mats or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet. 4 Keep night lights on.
In the Bedroom:
4 Put night lights and light switches close to your bed. 4 Keep the telephone near your bed.
Home Safety Tips Furnaces:
Your furnace should be checked regularly by a professional. The flame should burn a bright, steady blue and should never come outside of the furnace. If you hear or smell natural gas leaking from your furnace lines, evacuate the house immediately and use a phone outside the house to call 911.
Fireplaces:
Fireplace chimneys regularly build up creosote that can ignite. Chimneys need to be cleaned out frequently and inspected for cracks and obstructions. Use a fireplace screen that is both big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks and heavy enough to stop rolling logs.
Wood Stoves:
Inspect and clean your stovepipe and chimney on a regular basis and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects away from the stove. Be sure to check with your local fire department and check local codes before having your stove installed.
Space Heaters:
Only use heaters with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety listing. The heater should be placed on the floor, away from combustible materials, and out of high-traffic areas. Never put anything on top of your space heater. Use only crystal clear K-1 kerosene in your kerosene heater.
Throughout your Home:
4 Arrange your furniture and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk. 4 Make sure your sofas and chairs are a good height for you to get into and out of easily. 4 Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths. 4 Tack down all carpets and area rugs firmly to the floor. 4 Don't let your home get too hot or cold. Keep cool in the summer with an electric fan; in the winter, keep the nighttime temperature at 65 degrees or warmer. 4 Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that support your feet instead of only wearing socks or shoes with smooth soles. 4 Stay away from freshly washed floors. Don't stand on a chair or table to reach something high; use a "reach stick"—a special grabbing tool that can be purchased at most hardware stores. 4 Consider using a home monitoring system, in which you wear a button on a chain around your neck. If you need emergency help, just push the button to alert emergency staff to come to your home.
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2013 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide
Carbon Monoxide:
Along with fire, another potential danger of home heating is carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have any appliances or equipment that burn fuel such as propane or natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene, wood, coal or pellets. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Smoke Detectors:
Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
Fire Extinguishers:
Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Use the gauge or test button to check proper pressure. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, have it professionally serviced. Source: www.turnsealsave.org