Living Room & Family Room

Can you turn on a light without having to walk into a dark room?
Are lamp, extension or phone cords out of the flow of foot traffic?
Are passageways in these rooms free from objects and clutter (papers, furniture)?
Are curtains and furniture at least 36 inches from baseboard heaters or portable heaters?
Do your carpets lie flat?
Do your small rugs and runners stay put (don't slide or roll up) when you push them with your foot?

Kitchen

Are your stove controls easy to see and use?
Do you keep loose fitting clothing, towels, and curtains that may catch fire away from the burners and oven?
Can you get to regularly used items without climbing to reach them?
Do you have a step stool that is sturdy and in good repair?

Bedrooms

Do you have working smoke detectors on the ceiling outside of bedroom doors?
Can you turn on a light without having to walk into a dark room?
Do you have a lamp or light switch within easy reach of your bed?
Is a phone within easy reach of your bed?
Is a light left on at night between your bed and the toilet?
Are the curtains and furniture at least 36 inches from your baseboard heater or portable heater?

Bathroom

Does your shower or tub have a non-skid surface, such as a mat, decals, or abrasive strips?
Does the tub/shower have a sturdy grab bar (not just a towel rack)?
Is your hot water temperature set to 120 or lower?
Does your floor have a non-slip surface or does the rug have a non-skid backing?
Are you able to get on and off the toilet easily?

Stairways

Is there a light switch at both the top and bottom of inside stairs?
With the light on, can you clearly see the outline of each step as you go down the stairs?
Do all stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides?
Do handrails run the full length of the stairs, slightly beyond the steps?
Are all steps in good repair: not loose, broken, missing or worn in places?
Are stair coverings (rugs, treads) in good repair, without holes and not loose, torn, or worn?

Hallways and Passageways

Do all small rugs or runners stay put (don't slide or roll up) when you push them with your foot?
Do your carpets lie flat?
Are all lamp, extension and phone cords out of the flow of foot traffic?

Front and Back Entrances

Do all entrances to your home have outdoor lights?
Are walkways to your entry free from cracks, offsets and holes?

Throughout Your House

Do you have an emergency exit plan in case of fire?
Do you have emergency phone numbers listed by your phone?
Are there other hazards or unsafe areas in your home that are not mentioned in this checklist that you are concerned about?

If so what?
What home safety changes to you want to make?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________


Adapted from:
"Home Safety Checklist Summary"

Developed by:
Community and Home Injury Prevention Project for Seniors(CHIPPS)

Sponsored by:
Community Health Education Section, San Francisco Department of Public Health