Home safety Check list
Are there steps at the entrance to your home?
• If there are steps to enter your home then installation of railings or an ADA
compliant ramp is recommended for safer access in and out of your home.
• Even one or two steps needs railings or a ramp for general stability as well
anti-slip protection on ice and snow
• If there are no steps then a threshold ramp might be needed for individuals
entering their home using a wheelchair or power chair.
Do your doors function well?
• Lever style door handles are designed to make it easier to open your door.
• Make sure that door locks are functioning
• The installation of a knox box, or a number entry pad allow rescue response to
enter the home in case of emergency.
• For people entering their home in a wheel chair, power chair, or someone using
a walking aid the width and swing of the door needs to be taken into consideration
for easier access.
Does the main entrance have proper lighting?
• Motion sensitive lighting is recommended for exterior areas where other outside
lights may not be bright enough. These lights also serve as safety devices from
intruders.
• Exterior wall mounted lighting should be operational by the front door, patio
area, and the garage area to ensure safe entrance and exit from your home.
Is the inside of your home adequately lit?
• Inside your entry door should be well lit to ensure safety when coming and going
from your home.
• The main areas of the house should have proper lighting. For example: stair
cases to the second floor, mid levels, and basements, bathrooms, the kitchen, the
garage, etc.
• Night lights are recommended for bedsides, hallways, and bathrooms.
• Working flashlights should be readily available in case of power outages
Are throw rugs used on hardwood, tile, or laminate floors?
• Throw rugs are a tripping hazard to individuals with mobility issues; they should
be removed or replaced with rugs with non-slip backing.
• Individuals using a walking aid around the house should be aware of texture or
level changes in the floor.
Are areas in the house carpeted?
• Carpet that is thicker than 5/8” is not recommended for stair cases and other
high use areas.
• Check for any loose areas of carpet or any carpet that is peeling up. It is recommended
to repair or replace any carpet areas that could be hazardous.
In your home do you have a staircase that lead to main areas like the bedroom,
kitchen, living room, etc.?
• Individuals with limited mobility may have issues scaling the stairs.
• When installing a handrail in a stairwell it is recommended to put them on both
sides of the stairs, making sure to hit a stud with the anchors, to allow for stability
going up and down.
• When your stairs become too difficult climb it is recommended to install an
Acorn Stairlift. The Acorn Stairlift reliable, safe and easy to use.
Do you have a bath tub that is hard to get in and out of?
• The installation of grab bars is recommended for support when entering, existing,
raising, and lowering in the tub.
• Towel racks are not grab bars. They are not properly attached to the wall and will
not support you.
• The use of shower benches along with hand held shower units can prevent falls
in the tub and shower area for individuals with balance, immobility, and eyesight
concerns.
• Another solution is to have a bath tub to walk-in or roll-in shower conversion.
• Toilet safety rails along with an elevated toilet help people with mobility issues.
Do you have a shower with glass doors?
• Many tub mounted shower doors actually impede the safe entry and exit into
the bathtub. The towel racks mounted to the glass doors are often used as grab
bars actually causing falls when they break off the door.
• Instead of glass doors it is recommended to install a shower curtain with a solid
curtain rod and rolling hooks.
Do you have a need for wheelchair access to the bathroom?
• If the door to the bathroom is less than 34 inches wide it is recommended to
have the door widened.
• A wall mounted sink allows for individuals in wheelchairs to use the sink comfortably.
• Roll-in showers with grab bars, hand held shower units, and the use of a transport
chair allows for access and easier bathing. There are several different soluƟons
to accommodate the bathroom configurations.
Is your kitchen safe to work in?
• A step stool with handrails can help when reaching the upper cabinets and the
top of the pantry.
• Make sure the top of the cabinets are clear of any objects that could fall.
• Knobs and handles on the kitchen cabinets should be easy to pull.
• There are several solutions to allow for wheelchair access in the kitchen. Each
kitchen configuration is unique. Lowering the counter top height with the use of
an accessible sink and slide out cabinets are some basic modifications.
General home safety
Make sure the home address is clearly visible from the street.
Post emergency numbers clearly by all telephones.
Install smoke detectors on all levels of the house and check regularly for
proper function.
Fire extinguishers should be easy to get too especially in the kitchen.
Set the water heater to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
Electrical outlets near water sources need to be GFI protected.
Lower closet rails for those who have trouble reaching for things.
Grab bars are great for a balance check and are not exclusive to bathrooms.
Shoes that are worn around the house should fit well with a non-slip sole.
Individuals with ailments, disabilities or diseases may infer special safety issues.
Specialized products and home modifications are sometimes available for these
circumstances.
Residential Safety Services, Inc.
100 Northwoods Blvd, Suite B
(614) 352-5760
www.4safehomes.com
Disclaimer: This home checklist is provided free of charge. No warranty as to its
accuracy or completeness is implied or given. Residential Safety Services Inc.
assumes no liability for use of this checklist. This checklist is not intended to substitute for prudent actions on behalf of the resident, landlords, or homeowners. This
document may be reproduced in unaltered form as desired.
Residential Safety Services, Inc.
