Simple tips to make sure your home is safe

Published 12:01 am Sunday, September 11, 2011

We have a dear friend who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

He is a carpenter of 32 years and has a terrific sense of humor about his ailment and life in general.

His situation reminds us that there are many people who would benefit by a column on home safety.

Moving around you

r home should not be a challenge. You can make a comfortable and safe home with a few easy changes:

• Set your water heater at 120 degrees to prevent burns.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside all sleeping areas.
• Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home’s central heating system and repair leaks or other problems.
• Fireplaces and woodstoves should be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Maintain all exterior steps and walkways.
• Keep emergency numbers handy.

Remove clutter

•No piles of books or paper on the floor in all rooms and halls to slip on or trip over.
• No throw rugs. They are a trip hazard especially on tile, vinyl or hardwood.
• If you do have an area carpet it should be taped to the floor.
• If you have wall-to-wall carpeting make sure it has a low pile so as not to make it difficult to move your feet.
• Keep all floors wax-free to avoid slipping.
• Place electrical, phone, and computer cords along walls where they will not trip anyone. To avoid the risk of fire, do not run the wires under carpeting.

Good lighting

•Timed and motion-sensor lights outdoors can illuminate potentially dangerous pathways. Inside, have bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings.
• Increase lighting by using the highest-watt bulbs possible for fixtures or lamps.
• Install nightlights in hallways between bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Replace traditional light switches with easy-to-use, rocker-style switches.

Stairs

•Make sure the stairs are in good repair. Fix all damaged or broken steps.
• Handrails should run the entire distance of the stairs.
• Handrails should be on both sides of the stairway and anchored to the wall framing. Set handrails 2- to 3 inches from the wall to allow a good grip.
• Keep stairs clear of clutter, both the stair and the handrail.

Bathrooms

•Good lighting in the bath will make it safer: If you can see what you are doing, getting in and out of the shower or bath is easier.
• Install grab bars in the tub and shower as well as outside the tub and shower for getting in and out.
• Make certain grab bars are anchored to the wall framing.
• Use nonslip mats in the tub and shower if the surface is slippery.
• Use long lever-style handles on faucets for ease of use.
• If you use a bath mat be sure it is has a nonskid backing.
• If bathing is done while sitting on a sturdy bath stool, install a hand shower.
• Ensure all electric outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected.
• Use plastic glasses, soap trays and other accessories that won’t shatter if they hit a hard floor or countertop.
• Consider installing a cordless telephone in the bathroom, as it is a great aid for seeking assistance in cases of emergency.

Kitchens

•Kitchens need especially good lighting for food prep and clean up.
• Clean up spills immediately. Wet floors are slippery.
• Ensure all electric outlets are GFCI protected.
• Make sure all wires, cords and plugs on your appliances are not frayed and that the plugs have 3-prong grounded connections.
• Don’t use extension cords. You can obtain a junction box that has built-in GFI. This will allow you extra plug-in space and the GFI will kick in if there is a power shortage. It helps to avoid water/electrical shock accidents.
• Get rid of any appliance that is broken or damaged.
• Don’t leave the kitchen with pots and pans cooking on the stove. Make sure to turn off burners as soon as you take the pot off.
• Avoid wearing inappropriate clothing while cooking. That means loose sleeves and sweaters.
• Keep dish towels, pot holders and oven mitts away from the stove.
• If using candles, don’t leave the room (or home) while they’re burning. Make sure they are in a safe place and are in flame-proof containers.
• Check furniture, curtains, dish towels and other items to be sure they are not blocking heaters or vents.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, but not near the stove or the heater.
• Be sure appliances are unplugged before touching sharp edges.
• Make sure all drawers have stops on the guides. This will eliminate the chance of a drawer falling on someone’s foot.

For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.