Older Consumers Safety Checklist

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Older Consumers Safety Checklist

Posted on Aug 17, 2005

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.