A room by room check list for a safer home

Playing it safe.. a room by room check list for a safer home

Kitchen

• Cleaners and dangerous chemicals should be stored out of children's reach.
• Scissors, knives, ice picks, and other sharp tools should be stored separately.
• From other utensils and out of the reach of children.
• Towels, curtains, and other flammable materials should hang a safe distance.
• From heat sources like the stove.
• Kitchen fans and stove ventilation exhausts should be clean and in good.
• Working order.
• Electrical cords should run a safe distance from the sink or range.
• Electrical outlets should not be overloaded.
• A sturdy step stool should be available to help reach high cabinets.
• Vinyl floors should be cleaned with nonskid wax.
• A nonskid floor mat should be in place in front of the sink.
• The kitchen should be well lit.

• Electrical cords should be in good working order and tucked away from foot traffic.
• Electrical outlets should not be overloaded.
• Electric blankets should not be covered by bedspreads or other blankets when in use.
• Carpeting should be secured to the floor.
• A night light should be put between the bed and the bathroom or hallway.
• The bedroom telephone should be easy to reach, even from the floor, if necessary.
• Ashtrays, irons, electric hair curlers, and other potential fire hazards should be located away from bedding, curtains, or other flammable material.

• Floors should be of non-skid tiling or mosaic, marble..
• Rubber mats or adhesive-backed strips should be in place in the bathtub or shower stall.
• A support bar should be securely installed in the bathtub or shower stall.
• Hair dryers, electric shavers, or other electric appliances should be kept away from water and unplugged when not in use.
• A light switch should be located near the bathroom entrance or entrances.

• Halls and stairs should be well lit, with a light switch at each end of a stairway.
• Sturdy hand rails should be securely installed on both sides of each stairway.
• Floor covering on stairs and in halls should be skid-proof or carpeted and not creased or frayed.
• Stairways should be clear of shoes, books, toys, tools, or other clutter.

• To avoid confusion and misuse, all chemicals and cleaners should be kept in their original containers and out of children's reach.
• Hazardous chemicals should be kept under lock and key and out of children's reach.
• Sharp or otherwise potentially hazardous tools should be in good working order and kept off-limits to children.
• Petrol and other inflammable materials should be stored in airtight containers and away from heat sources (outside the home, if possible).