Home Safety Checklist

Walk through each room in your home using this checklist to find out what you can do to make your house safer.

Stairways and Walkways

• Stairs are well-lit and free of clutter.
• Sturdy handrails are on both sides of your stairs.
• Sidewalks are level and clear of any debris, including leaves, ice, and snow.
• Wooden steps have a nonslip finish.

Bathroom

• Night light is in your bathroom.
• Non-slip mats are in bathtub and shower.
• Sturdy grab bars are next to your bathtub and toilet.
• Toilet seat is at least 24 inches high. (If not, install a raised toilet seat.)
• A seat is in your bathtub or shower to make bathing and showering easier.
• Bathroom floor has a nonslip finish.

Bedroom

• Night lights are in your bedroom and hallways.
• Telephone is near your bed.
• Flashlight is within easy reach.
• You have an exit route planned in case of fire.

Living Spaces

• Clutter, such as stacks of magazines and newspapers, is out of the way.
• Furniture is arranged so you can move easily through the room.
• Floor coverings are nonslip and nonskid mats are under throw rugs.
• Carpets lie flat on the floor.
• Carpets with thick, shag-type pile have been removed.
• Telephone and electrical cords are out of the way.
• Your address and phone number are written down near the phone.
• If you have a fireplace, there is a spark screen in front of it.
• Water heater is set between 120° and 125° F to prevent burns.
• Smoke detectors are installed on every floor of your home.
• The battery in your smoke detector is changed every year and checked once a month.

Kitchen

• Cabinets are arranged so that common items are within easy reach.
• Thin rubber mats are placed in front of the sink and stove.
• A sturdy step stool is handy so that you can reach items in your cabinets.
• Knives and other sharp tools are stored in protective racks.
• Counter space around the stove is clear so you can put hot items down quickly.
• Kitchen timer is near the stove as a reminder to turn off the oven and burners.