| Home Safety |
| Creating a safe living space is essential for people with disabilities. You may find that some modifications to your home are necessary to meet the needs of your daily routine. Using the following checklist, assess the changes that may be necessary to improve the general safety of your home. |
• Steps and Walkways
Install handrails on both sides of a stairway.Check that handrails are properly attached to walls.
Carefully inspect stairs for loose boards or uneven surfaces.Make sure the width of your steps can support your entire foot. |
• Driveway & Garage
Make sure you have plenty of lighting in parking areas. Add ramps to all entrances to your home.. |
•Windows & Doors
Check the width of doorways to see if they are wide enough for a walker or wheelchair to pass through. Windows and doors should open and close with ease. Make sure locks operate smoothly. |
• Bathroom
Add a hand-held showerhead. Regulate hot water heater to prevent scalding. Install grab bars to help you balance while getting in and out of thetub or shower.Add a bath seat to prevent falls while bathing. |
• Kitchen
Have a safe sitting place to use while working in your kitchen. Make sure you can easily turn your faucets off and on. Put appliances where you can use them safely. Oven controls and doors should be easy to use. |
•Floor Surfaces
Area rugs and doormats should be fastened to the floor or removed. Prevent falls by clearing your floor surface of clutter. Make sure your floor surface is not slippery |
•Lighting & Ventilation
Make sure you have extra lighting in your stairways and at your front door.Your home should have proper ventilation. Be sure you have flashlights throughout the house and that they haveworking batteries. |
•Electrical Outlets
Install a doorbell that can be heard throughout the home.Check batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and be sure there is one in every room.Place telephones throughout the house, so that you can always access one in case of an emergency. Install a medical alert system with remote activators to notify medicalpersonnel if needed.Be sure you can reach your electric switches and that you can easily turn them on and off. |
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