Older Consumers Safety Checklist
Posted by John Harris on Fri, Sep 01, 2006 @ 10:34 AM
Older Consumers Safety Checklist
Falls and fires are two leading causes of unintentional injuries and deaths among adults 65 and older. About two-thirds of all hospital emergency room visits by older people involve falls. Older adults have a higher death rate from fires than the general population. To help make your home safer, follow these tips.
To help prevent falls:
¦When using stairs, always grip the handrails. Keep stairs well lighted.
¦Keep floors cleared and slip resistant. Remove loose carpets. cords, and other items you could trip over. Be sure all rugs, mats, and other au-faces are non-skid.
¦Install grab bars mid slip-resistant surfaces in your bathroom.
¦Use only stable step stools with a top handrail. Don't climb alone - have someone help you.
¦Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
¦Be sure your telephones and emergency numbers are easily accessible - so you can get help if you fall.
To help prevent fire deaths and injuries:
¦Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor of your home.
¦Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm outside every sleeping area.
¦Don't smoke in bed.
¦Keep space heaters away from flammable materials. Hire a professional to check all fuel-burring appliances, including fireplaces, every year.
¦Don't wear loose-fitting clotting with long sleeves near ranges or ovens. Store combustibles away from these and all heat-producing appliances.
¦Practice an emergency fire escape plan.