Home Safety Checklist

Home Safety Checklist RESOURCE scaled

Do all entrances to your home have outdoor lights? Are exterior walkways free from cracks and holes? Are all exterior stairs and ramps slip-resistant?

Front and Back Entrances:

  • Do all entrances to your home have outdoor lights?
  • Are exterior walkways free from cracks and holes?
  • Are all exterior stairs and ramps slip-resistant?
  • Are handrails easy to reach?
  • Is your house number visible to see from the street for first responders?
  • Is the peephole at a proper height for all residents?
  • Is the doorbell in an accessible location?
  • Is there a surface on which to place packages while opening the front or back door?
  • Do all exterior doors have secure easy-to-use locks, bolts and knobs?

 

Throughout the Home:

  • Are light switches located near each entrance to each hallway and room (including closets)?
  • Are lamp, extension or phone cords out of the flow of foot traffic?
  • Are hallways free from objects and clutter (paper, furniture)?
  • Are curtains and furniture at least 36 inches from baseboard heaters or portable heaters?
  • Do the carpets lie flat (no bumps under the carpet)?
  • Do the small rugs and runners stay put (don’t slide or roll up) when you push them with your foot?
  • Are there working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the entrance of every bedroom, on each floor level, the top of the stairs, and the garage?
  • Are thermostats easy to locate and read?
  • Are windows and safety locks easy to operate?
  • Do all interior doors have easy-to-use knobs?

 

Bedrooms:

  • Is a light left on at night between the bedroom and the toilet?
  • Is there a phone within easy reach of the bed ordo you carry a cell phone with you?

 

Bathroom:

  • Does the shower or tub have a non-skid surface, such as a mat, decals, or abrasive strips?
  • Are wall grab-bars of appropriate height and located in tub/shower/toilet areas (not just a towel rack)?
  • Does the floor have a non-slip-non-glare surface or do your rugs have a non-skid backing?
  • Are you able to get on and off the toilet easily?

 

Kitchen and Laundry:

  • Are the dishwasher, microwave, stove/oven, washer, and dryer controls easy to see and use?
  • Are towels and curtains kept away from the burners and oven?
  • Are appliances, cabinets, drawers, and regularly used items easy to reach without climbing a step stool or bending over?
  • Are knobs/pulls easy to use to open and close appliances, cabinets, and drawers?
  • Is there enough space to maneuver around the counters and island (30 inch by 48 inch of clear space)?
  • Are countertops free of clutter?

 

Stairways:

  • Is there a light switch at both the top and bottom of the stairs?
  • With the light on, can you clearly see the outline of each step as you go up and down the stairs?
  • Do all stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides?
  • Do handrails run the full length of the stairs or 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?

 

Miscellaneous:

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

 

Download the printable checklist below.

RESOURCE LINKS

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact us at Info@TheSeniorSource.org or call (214) 823-5700.

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RESOURCE LINKS

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

Contact Kimberly Knight, MSSW, Caregiver Support Program Director at 214-525-6155.

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