Home Safety Guidelines

General Safety Guidelines

Stairways:

• Keep free of clutter (this includes hallways and exits) and well lit
• Surfaces should be non-slip
• Should have safe and sturdy railings or banisters

Floors:

• Throw rugs should have non-slip backing and be avoided in high traffic areas
• Avoid heavy wax or polish as this can be a slip hazard
• Wipe up spilled liquids, grease and food particles right away
• Wear shoes or slippers rather then going barefoot when walking (if shoes have laces, it is recommended that they be tied to prevent tripping)
• Avoid hurrying

Storage:

• Store all poisons, dangerous chemicals and cleaning agents away from food items and out of reach of small children
• Clearly label all chemicals

Miscellaneous:

• Place emergency numbers within easy reach of telephone
• Night-lights should be used in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
• Doorways and exits should be clear of furniture and clutter

Fire Safety Guidelines

Smoking:

• Lighted matches and cigarettes should be put out completely before throwing them away
• Do not use shallow ashtrays
• Avoid smoking in bed

Stoves:

• Stoves should not be by curtained windows
• Pot handles should be turned toward back of stove
• Be certain that long sleeves and loose clothing are away from flames or burners when cooking

Miscellaneous:

• Smoke detectors should be placed on each level of the home
• When space heaters are in use, be sure room is well ventilated
• Bright lights should never be covered with material to dim the light. Instead, use a smaller watt bulb or night-light

In Case of Electrical Fire:

• Get everyone out of the area.
• Report the fire.
• If the fire is small, such as a piece of equipment:

a. Pull the plug, turn off the switch, or trip the circuit breaker

b. Extinguish the fire with a “Class C” fire extinguisher (made specifically to put out electrical fires).

• If the fire is large or threatens flammable materials: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE FIRE YOURSELF.
• NEVER use water on an electrical fire.

Electricity Safety Guidelines

Outlets

• Plugs and sockets should fit firmly
• All unused outlets should have child-proof caps inserted
• Unplug any plugs from outlets that form a connection that is warm to the touch. Do not use them until replacement or repair has been performed.
• Grasp the plug to remove it from the outlet. Never pull on the cord.

Cords

• Avoid use of extension cords
• If extension cord is in use, avoid overloading them
• Check cords for fraying, hard wires or other defects (especially at point which cord attaches to equipment)
• Keep cords away from oil or grease and avoid use in high traffic areas

Electrical Appliances / Equipment

• All electrical devices should be properly grounded.
• NOTE: “cheater plugs” (which convert 3-prong plugs into 2-prong plugs) must be properly installed if used.
• Never touch an electrical appliance and plumbing at the same time
• Disconnect equipment that sparks, stalls, blows a fuse, or gives the slightest shock
• Report equipment malfunctions to your home medical equipment supplier

Circuits

• Make sure circuits are not overloaded
• Repairs to wiring and circuits should be done by a qualified electrician only

Oxygen

• Oxygen increases the flammability of other material
• Take precaution to prevent sparks in oxygen therapy areas

In Case of Electrical Shock

• DO NOT TOUCH the person shocked. If you touch the victim with your hands, you could be shocked too.
• Turn off the power or pull the plug to the machine, appliance, or equipment.
• If you are unable to cut off the power, call your electric company.
• Call your local emergency services to treat the victim.

Bathroom Safety Guidelines

Bathtub / Shower

• Do not use electrical appliance in or near tub or shower
• Rubber mats or non-slip strips on tub or shower floor are recommended
• Avoid use of oil as this will make the tub slippery
• Soap holder handles or towel racks should not be used as support bars when getting in or out of tub
• Be sure feet are dry before stepping onto tile floors

Medicine Cabinet

• Medicines should be clearly labeled
• Prescription medicines should be thrown away when date on container is old