Here is a list of tips to keep not only you safe, but your home as well!

Carbon Monoxide:

  1. Never try to heat your home with your stove, oven, or grill since these can give off carbon monoxide—a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell.
  2. Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector near all bedrooms, and be sure to test and replace the battery twice a year.
  3. NEVER run a portable generator inside your home, garage, crawlspace, shed or similar area. Deadly levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has been shut off.

Medications:

  1. Keep all medications in their original containers so you don’t mix up medicines.
  2. Ask your pharmacist to put large-print labels on your medications to make them easier to read.
  3. Take your medications in a well-lit room, so you can see the labels.
  4. Bring all of your pill bottles with you to your healthcare provider’s appointments so he or she can look at them and make sure you are taking them correctly.
  5. Consider getting an automated pill dispenser from an elder services organization (AgeSpan, mystic valley elder services, greater lynn senior services, Senior Care) or bubble packs directly from your pharmacy.
  6. When prepping your house for the Open House, please remove all of your medications and keep them in a safe place to prevent tampering, as you do not know WHO will be going through your cabinets/ drawers.

Cleaning products:

  1. Never mix bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning liquids together when you are cleaning. When mixed, cleaning liquids can create deadly gases, such as Chloramine.
  2. When using cleaning products, make sure you have good ventilation in the area that you are using them in.

Protect against abuse:

  1. Keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
  2. Never let a stranger into your home when you are there alone.
  3. If contractors are working on your home with your permission while you aren’t there, never hand out loose keys, you should purchase a lockbox for them to access the property.
  4. Talk over offers made by telephone salespeople with a friend or family member.
  5. Do not share your personal information, such as social security number, credit card, bank information, or account passwords, with people you don’t know who contact you.
  6. Always ask for written information about any offers, prizes, or charities and wait to respond until you have reviewed the information thoroughly.
  7. Do not let yourself be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts, or making donations. It is never rude to wait and discuss the plans with a family member or friend.

*** Unfortunately there is a lot of fraud out there, especially during the holidays. If you do not feel safe, please contact your local police station!***

Bathroom Safety:

  1. Set the thermostat on the water heater no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding. **Your local Plumber is knowledgeable with how to do this**
  2. Have grab bars installed in the shower and near the toilet to make getting around easier and safer.
  3. Put rubber mats in the bathtub to prevent slipping. If you are having a hard time getting in and out of your tub, or on and off the toilet, ask your provider to help you get a special tub chair or bench or raised toilet seat.
  4. When using the tub/ shower ALWAYS turn on your bathroom fan to help remove the access moisture / condensation in the air. Overtime if the moisture is not removed, then it could lead to mold growth. If you do not have a bathroom fan, you can use natural ventilation, such as opening up a window in the room, or keep the doors open.

Protect Against Fire:

  1. If there is a fire in your home, don’t try to put it out. Leave and call 911. Know at least two ways to get out of your apartment or home.
  2. When you’re cooking, don’t wear loose clothes or clothes with long sleeves and Replace appliances that have fraying or damaged electrical cords.
  3. Don’t put too many electric cords into one socket or extension cord. NEVER have a space heater connected to an extension cord.
  4. Install a smoke detector and replace the battery twice a year.
  5. Never smoke in bed or leave candles burning, even for a short time, in an empty room.
  6. Make sure heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, or furniture. Turn off space heaters when you leave the room.

Other Safety:

  1. Make sure all hallways, stairs, and paths are well lit and clear of objects such as books or shoes.
  2. Use rails and banisters when going up and down the stairs. Never place scatter rugs at the bottom or top of stairs.
  3. Tape all area rugs to the floor or use carpet slip protectors so they do not move when you walk on them.

Fall Prevention:

  1. If you have difficulty with walking or balance, or have fallen in the past year, talk to your healthcare provider about having a special falls risk assessment.
  2. Ask your provider if you would benefit from an exercise program to prevent falls.
  3. If you have fallen before, or are scared of falling, think about buying a special alarm that you wear as a bracelet or necklace. Then, if you fall and can’t get to the phone, you can push a button on the alarm that will call emergency services for you.
  4. Don’t rush to answer the phone. Many people fall trying to answer the phone. Either carry a cordless or cell phone or let an answering machine pick up.
  5. When walking on smooth floors, wear non-slip footwear, such as slippers with rubber/no-slip bottoms or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well.
  6. If you have a cane or a walker, use it at all times instead of holding onto walls and furniture.

Emergency Numbers:

  1. Always keep a list of emergency numbers by each phone. Write this information in large enough print that you can read it easily if you are in a hurry or frightened. Be sure to list numbers for:
    a. 911
    b. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
    c. Family member or friend to call in case of emergency
    d. Healthcare provider’s office