Home Safety Tips

The StairSteady team has done some research and come up with a long list of hints and tips to keep you and your property safe:

* Don’t walk around in socks or stockings on non carpeted floors. Try to wear rubber soled, low-heeled shoes when ever possible

* Get rid of small rugs as they are easy to trip up over.

* Make sure all of your carpets are properly fitted and all the edges are properly secured.

* Keep you home well lit using long life energy saving bulbs. Pay particular attention to stairs and walkways.

* Talk to your council, Social Services or local Independent Living Centre about having grab rails installed by steps, stairs, toilets and baths and showers.

* Get an anti slip mat for the bath and shower and replace it when it starts to loose its adherance.

* Avoid having any trailing wires. Try to group appliances next to power sockets if possible or consider having more sockets installed.

* Consider using a cordless phone or mobile to avoid having long telephone wires.

* Be tidy! Pick up anything that falls as soon as possible and think about putting small objects such as magazine racks and bins out of the way or beside large pieces of furniture.

* Wipe up any spills as soon as possible

* Never store heavy items or things you use often in high or hard to reach cupboards.

* Never keep anything on the stairs, keep stairs and walkways clear at all times.

* Take your time when getting up to answer the phone or door. Once you stand up take a second to make sure you don’t feel dizzy.

* Consider using nightlights for your bedroom and route to the bathroom or make sure you always switch the lights on before you walk across a room.

* If you need spectacles make sure you wear them at all times and get your eyes checked regularly.

* If you need a walking aid use it at all times and make sure you have one upstairs and downstairs so you don’t have to carry one on the stairs.

* Write out a plan if you fall so you know what to do as it is often difficult to think after the shock of a fall. You could also consider having a personal alarm system so you can get help if you need it.

* Install smoke detectors/fire alarms in your home. Some fire and rescue services in England offer free home fire risk checks. This involves firefighters visiting your home and offering fire safety advice for you and your household. They may be able to install your smoke alarm for free.

* Ensure your doors have adequate locks. Fit deadlocks to all outside doors and fit a security chain to the front door.

* Close and lock your doors and windows – even if you are only going out for a short time.

* Don’t leave valuables (handbags, keys, mobile phones, etc) in sight thought windows where burglars can see them.

* Remove keys from their locks and ensure they are put away, even if you are at home.

* Ensure that all ground and basement windows are fitted with locks.

* Never leave door keys under a doormat or plant pot outside.

* Use a security marker pen to mark your postcode on your property – this will enable the police to return any stolen property to you. Make an inventory and keep the list in a safe place.

* Light up inside your home – ensure that you have appropriate lighting and set some internal lights on timer switches, it gives the impression that a home is occupied.

* Secure important documents and valuable items in a safe place within your home or deposit them in a bank.

* Check all callers I.D. cards – all official callers from gas, electric, council, repair men etc all have I.D. cards with photographs and with a telephone number on and they should be happy for you to verify their identity.

Stay safe!