Comprehensive Older Person Assessment

Page 1 of 2

Home Safety Checklist

Bathroom

 Have a sturdy step stool with handrails, or a utility ladder to reach high cabinets or shelves

 Hazardous products (household cleaners, disinfectants and insecticides) are stored in their original labeled containers separate from food

 Knives are kept in a special rack or compartment  Oven mitts, pot holders and towels are stored away from the stove  Pot handles are always turned away from the front of the stove  The pressure gauge on a fire extinguisher is checked monthly – if the

needle is in green it is still good, if the needle is anywhere else, replace  Fire extinguisher is mounted on a bracket on the wall near an exit  Broiler, oven and ventilation ducts are free from grease

Kitchen

Use this checklist as you walk through each room in your home and check for hazards. You should check off each item in this list (when applicable to your home). If you are unable to check off an item, be sure to fix it within an appropriate time frame.

 Have a slip-resistant surface in the shower or tub  Grab bars are installed in bathrooms or shower stalls  Electrical appliances are unplugged when not in use  Slip-resistant rugs are in place on bathroom floors

Living Room  Have a safety screen in place in front of fireplace  Slip-resistant floor coverings and rugs on floor  Walkways are clear of obstacles (toys, papers, shoes)  Stairs, hallways and passageways are well lit  Sturdy handrails installed on all steps and stairways  Carpeting, stairway treads and risers are in good condition  Electrical cords are secured  TVs are properly secured to walls or in or on a sturdy cabinet

© 2014 National Safety Council

Page 2 of 2

Basement or utility room  Working smoke detector located in basement and every other floor  Gas and water lines are tagged (so you can turn them off in an

emergency)  Location of main electrical switch is known  It is known how to light the pilot on your gas furnace and water heater  Washer and dryer are electrically grounded  Tools are properly stored and out of reach of children  Have an emergency kit in case of hazardous weather

Garage and driveway  Power tools and hazardous chemicals are locked away in cabinets  Flammable materials (gasoline or oil-soaked rags) are stored in

appropriate safety containers  It is known to never turn on your vehicle or other gas-powered equipment

with the garage door closed  Garage and driveway are well maintained and free of slip and trip

hazards, such as cracks or uneven surfaces Outside the house

 Lighting in place around steps, walkways, patios and driveways  Children’s play equipment, (slides, swing set) are securely anchored  If you have a pool, it is covered or surrounded by a high fence  Trees and shrubs around your home are maintained by trimming

overhanging branches and removing leaves from gutters  Heavy snow is removed from the roof with a roof rake

Bedrooms  Phone and flashlight are located near beds  Lamp or light switch is within reach of bed  Bed frame is against wall without gaps  Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are outside of sleeping

area, with working battery  Walkway and all exit routes are clear of clutter

Smoke detectors Every month: Test them Every year: Change the batteries Every 10 years: Replace the entire unit

© 2014 National Safety Council