Be Safety Smart

Periodically checking our surroundings and making changes to assure safety can avoid many accidents. Use the following as a checklist to see how safe you are and to determine what you need to do for your own protection. Plan ahead and make your house injury-proof to compensate for changing needs.

Inside Tips

• Keep rooms free from clutter by discarding newspapers and magazines after you have read them. Rearrange furniture so that you can walk easily throughout your home without obstacles.

• Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery. Be sure area rugs have skid-proof backing, are taped to the floor, or remove them from high traffic areas.

• Shorten robes or pants that are too long. Wear low-heeled shoes that grip the floor rather than socks, stockings, or slippers.

• Replace low-watt bulbs with brighter lights. Use nightlights in bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, and other strategic places throughout the house. Have a touch lamp by your bed as well as a flashlight with fresh batteries. Be able to turn on room lights with a switch by the door so you do not have to walk into a dark room to find a lamp.

• Be sure electrical or extension cords are securely out of the traffic patterns. Use a cordless telephone or a phone with a retractable cord. Use a remote control for your TV.

• Install handrails by steps inside and outside the house as well as on walls beside showers, tubs, and toilets.

• Use rubber mats in the shower, tub, and laundry room. Use a plastic chair with a back and nonskid tips in the shower. Install a flexible shower nozzle.

• Avoid using space heaters. If they are necessary, keep them away from flammable materials and out of traffic areas.

• Install and keep fresh batteries in smoke and heat detectors throughout the house. Install fire extinguishers near the kitchen and workrooms. Have an escape route planned from all areas of the house in case of fire.

Outside Tips

• Wear shoes or boots with rubber soles for good traction. In nasty weather, use a cane for added stability.

• Walk on grass if sidewalks look slippery.

• In the winter, carry a small bag of rock salt or kitty litter in your pocket or car. Sprinkle it on walks or streets that are slippery.

• Look carefully at floor surfaces in public buildings. The floors may be wet or highly polished.

• Be aware of differences in floor levels and thresholds. Step firmly on mats and rugs so you don’t stumble or trip.

• Train your pet to walk several feet from you, preferably to the side or behind you. Teach him to not jump up on you and to obey simple commands.

Doctor’s Orders

Understand how your medications affect you. Some prescribed drugs make you dizzy, lightheaded, or sleepy.

After naps, sit on the side of the bed for a minute or two before standing. When rising from a chair, get up deliberately and slowly. If you are dizzy, stand still for a minute or sit back down.

With your doctor’s approval, be consistent with an exercise program. This helps you maintain muscle tone and balance.

Plan ahead

• Keep a complete first aid kit handy.

• Take first aid and CPR courses.

• Place emergency phone number near the phone. Program your phone to reach Emergency 911 instantly.

• If you live alone, have a friend or relative check in with you at regular intervals.

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