Safety at Home
Outlets and switches that are unusually warm or hot to the touch can mean faulty wiring
Outlets with smudge marks around the socket can mean an electrical short, which can lead to a fire
Cords from lamps, phones and other devices that are in their walking path, they can cause tripping hazards
Cracked cords and overloaded outlets can also lead to fire
Rugs and runners without a slip-resistant backing can cause falls
Telephones without emergency numbers nearby
Telephones that are not within easy reach – they should be in the next to the bed and on low table tops so they are easily accessible in case of a fall
The absence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, they should be on every floor and have the batteries replaced according to the instructions
Space heaters that are improperly plugged in or are left near flammable materials
Keeping flammable materials like cloths, towels or plastics near the stove top
Improper ventilation in the kitchen
Poor lighting throughout the house, make sure to use the proper bulbs in lamps and lighting fixtures
Poorly lit stairways or slick staircase surfaces
Exits that are blocked or cluttered can make it hard for an emergency exit
Bathtubs or showers without non-skid mats
No grab bars in the bathroom and shower
Ash trays, smoking materials, or other heat sources near the bed
