Suffolk County Home Inspections, Inc.

631-926-7939

Home Safety Tips For Older Consumers

Each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly one million people over age 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with the products they live with and use everyday. The death rate from unintentional injuries in the home is approximately three times greater for older people than for the younger population. Specifically, there are 60 deaths per 100,000 persons 65 and older, while there are 20 deaths per 100,000 persons under 65

Slips and falls are the main source of injury for older people in the home. CPSC recommends the use of grab-bars and non-slip mats in the bathtub, handrails on both sides of the stairs, and slip-resistant carpets and rugs. Burns occur from hot tap water and from open flame. CPSC recommends that consumers turn down the temperature of their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalds. CPSC also recommends the installation and maintenance of at least one smoke detector on every floor of the home. Older consumers should consider purchasing nightwear that is flame resistant and choose garments made of tightly woven fabrics such as 100% polyester, 100% nylon, or 100% wool.

Safety For Older Consumers Home Safety Checklist

Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1981, over 622,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes that many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might be prevented. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your home. Keep this checklist as a reminder of safe practices, and use it periodically to re-check your home. This checklist is organized by areas in the home. However, there are some potential hazards that need to be checked in more than just one area of your home.

ALL AREAS OF THE HOME

In all areas of your home, check all electrical and telephone cords; rugs, runners and mats; telephone areas; smoke detectors; electrical outlets and switches; light bulbs; space heaters; wood burning stoves; and your emergency exit plan.

Cords stretched across walkways may cause someone to trip.

Arrange furniture so that outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords.

 

If you must use an extension cord, place it on the floor against a wall where people can not trip over it.

Move the phone so that telephone cords will not lie where people walk.

 

Furniture resting on cords can damage them, creating fire and shock hazards. Electric cords which run under carpeting may cause a fire.

Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting.

Replace damaged or frayed cords.

Nails or staples can damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards.
Remove nails, staples, etc.

Check wiring for damage.

Use tape to attach cords to walls or floors.

Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire.
Replace frayed or cracked cords.

Overloaded extension cords may cause fires. Standard 18 gauge extension cords can carry 1250 watts.
If the rating on the cord is exceeded because of the power requirements of one or more appliances being used on the cord, change the cord to a higher rated one or unplug some appliances.

If an extension cord is needed, use one having a sufficient amp or wattage rating.

 

                                             CHECK ALL CORDS

CHECK ALL RUGS, RUNNERS AND MATS

 

CPSC estimates that in 1982, over 2,500 people 65 and over were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that resulted from tripping over rugs and runners. Falls are also the most common cause of fatal injury for older people.

Remove rugs and runners that tend to slide.

Apply double-faced adhesive carpet tape or rubber matting to the backs of rugs and runners.

Purchase rugs with slip-resistant backing.

Check rugs and mats periodically to see if backing needs to be replaced.

Place rubber matting under rugs. (Rubber matting that can be cut to size is available.)

Purchase new rugs with slip-resistant backing.

NOTE: Over time, adhesive on tape can wear away. Rugs with slip- resistant backing also become less effective as they are washed. Periodically, check rugs and mats to see if new tape or backing is needed.

In case of emergency, telephone numbers for the Police, Fire Department, and local Poison Control Center, along with a neighbor's number, should be readily available.

Write the numbers in large print and tape them to the phone, or place them near the phone where they can be seen easily.

Have at least one telephone located where it would be accessible in the event of an accident which leaves you unable to stand.

                                               SMOKE DETECTORS

 At least one smoke detector should be placed on every floor of your home.

Read the instructions that come with the smoke detector for advice on the best place to install it.

Make sure detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.

Locate smoke detectors away from air vents

.

Many home fire injuries and deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases, rather than the fire itself. Smoke detectors provide an early warning and can wake you in the event of a fire.

Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one.

Check and replace batteries and bulbs according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Vacuum the grillwork of your smoke detector.

Replace any smoke detectors which can not be repaired.

 

NOTE: Some fire departments or local governments will provide assistance in acquiring or installing smoke detectors.

       CHECK ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES

Unusually warm or hot outlets or switches may indicate that an unsafe wiring condition exists.

Unplug cords from outlets and do not use the switches.

 

Have an electrician check the wiring as soon as possible. 

 

 

CHECK WOODBURNING HEATING EQUIPMENT

Wood burning stoves should be installed by a qualified person according to local building codes.

Local building code officials or fire marshals can provide requirements and recommendations for installation. NOTE: Some insurance companies will not cover fire losses if wood stoves are not installed according to local codes.

 Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly. Since you may not have much time to get out and there may be a lot of confusion, it is important that everyone knows what to do.

      Develop an emergency exit plan.

· Choose a meeting place outside your home so you can be sure that everyone is capable of escape quickly and safely.

· Practice the plan from time to time to make sure everyone is capable of escape quickly and safely.

      Remember periodically to re-check your home.

CHECK THE EMERGENCY EXIT PLAN

                                                    CHECK LIGHTING

 Stairs should be lighted so that each step, particularly the step edges, can be clearly seen while going up and down stairs. The lighting should not produce glare or shadows along the stairway.

Use the maximum wattage bulb allowed by the light fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb no larger than 60 watts.)

· Reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or partially closing blinds and curtains.

Have a qualified person add additional light fixtures. Make sure that the bulbs you use are the right type and wattage for the light fixture.

Even if you are very familiar with the stairs, lighting is an important factor in preventing falls. You should be able to turn on the lights before you use the stairway from either end.

· If no other light is available, keep an operating flashlight in a convenient location at the top and bottom of the stairs.

· Install night lights at nearby outlets.

Consider installing switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.

REMEMBER PERIODICALLY TO RE-CHECK YOUR HOME.

Ph: 631-926-7939   Fx: 631-760-2003

andy@suffolkhomeinspections.com