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Kevin
Goff
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Serving Lansing, Michigan
and surrounding areas
517-699-7787 Inspections Performed 24/7 including Holidays |
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Links of Interest Home Safety Checklist Goff Home
Inspections has
inspected thousands of homes and found safety issues in just
about every one. Each year, many older Americans are injured
in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) estimates that in 1981, over 622,000 people over age 65
were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated
with products they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes
that many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy
to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards
and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might
be prevented. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems
which may be present in your home. Keep this checklist as a reminder
of safe practices, and use it periodically to re-check your home.
This checklist is organized by areas in the home. However, there
are some potential hazards that need to be checked in more than
just one area of your home.
ALL AREAS OF THE HOME
In all areas of your home, check all electrical
and telephone cords; rugs, runners and mats; telephone areas;
smoke detectors; electrical outlets and switches; light bulbs;
space heaters; wood burning stoves; and your emergency exit plan. CHECK
ALL CORDS
QUESTION: Are lamp, extension,
and telephone cords placed out of the flow of traffic?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Cords stretched
across walkways may cause someone to trip. Arrange furniture
so that outlets are available for lamps and appliances without
the use of extension cords. If you must use an extension cord,
place it on the floor against a wall where people can not trip
over it. Move the phone so that telephone cords will not lie
where people walk.
QUESTION: Are cords out from
beneath furniture and rugs or carpeting?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION: Furniture
resting on cords can damage them, creating fire and shock hazards.
Electric cords which run under carpeting may cause a fire. Remove
cords from under furniture or carpeting. Replace damaged or frayed
cords.
QUESTION: Are cords attached
to the walls, baseboards, etc., with nails or staples?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Nails or
staples can damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards.
Remove nails, staples, etc. Check wiring for damage. Use tape
to attach cords to walls or floors.
QUESTION: Are electrical
cords in good condition, not frayed or cracked?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Damaged cords
may cause a shock or fire. Replace frayed or cracked cords.
QUESTION: Do extension cords
carry more than their proper load, as indicated by the ratings
labeled on the cord and the appliance?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Overloaded
extension cords may cause fires. Standard 18 gauge extension
cords can carry 1250 watts. If the rating on the cord is exceeded
because of the power requirements of one or more appliances being
used on the cord, change the cord to a higher rated one or unplug
some appliances. If an extension cord is needed, use one having
a sufficient amp or wattage rating. CHECK ALL RUGS, RUNNERS AND
MATS
QUESTION: Are all small rugs
and runners slip-resistant?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION: CPSC estimates
that in 1982, over 2,500 people 65 and over were treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries that resulted from tripping over
rugs and runners. Falls are also the most common cause of fatal
injury for older people.
NOTE: Over time, adhesive
on tape can wear away. Rugs with slip- resistant backing also
become less effective as they are washed. Periodically, check
rugs and mats to see if new tape or backing is needed.
QUESTION: Are emergency numbers
posted on or near the telephone?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: In case of
emergency, telephone numbers for the Police, Fire Department,
and local Poison Control Center, along with a neighbor's number,
should be readily available. Write the numbers in large print
and tape them to the phone, or place them near the phone where
they can be seen easily.
QUESTION: Do you have access
to a telephone if you fall (or experience some other emergency
which prevents you from standing and reaching a wall phone)?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Have at least
one telephone located where it would be accessible in the event
of an accident which leaves you unable to stand. CHECK SMOKE
DETECTORS
QUESTION: Are smoke detectors
properly located?
YES ___ NO___
RECOMMENDATION: At least
one smoke detector should be placed on every floor of your home.
Read the instructions that come with the smoke detector for advice
on the best place to install it. Make sure detectors are placed
near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the
ceiling on the wall. Locate smoke detectors away from air vents.
QUESTION: Do you have properly
working smoke detectors?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Many home
fire injuries and deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases,
rather than the fire itself. Smoke detectors provide an early
warning and can wake you in the event of a fire.
NOTE: Some fire departments
or local governments will provide assistance in acquiring or
installing smoke detectors. CHECK ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES
QUESTION: Are any outlets
and switches unusually warm or hot to the touch?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Unusually
warm or hot outlets or switches may indicate that an unsafe wiring
condition exists. Unplug cords from outlets and do not use the
switches. Have an electrician check the wiring as soon as possible.
QUESTION: Do all outlets
and switches have cover plates, so that no wiring is exposed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Exposed wiring
presents a shock hazard. Add a cover plate.
QUESTION: Are light bulbs
the appropriate size and type for the lamp or fixture?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: A
bulb of too high wattage or the wrong type may lead to fire
through overheating. Ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, and "hooded" lamps
will trap heat. Replace with a bulb of the correct type and
wattage. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb
no larger than 60 watts.) CHECK SPACE HEATERS
QUESTION: Are heaters which
come with a 3-prong plug being used in a 3-hole outlet or with
a properly attached adapter?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: The grounding
feature provided by a 3-hole receptacle or an adapter for a 2-hole
receptacle is a safety feature designed to lessen the risk of
shock. Never defeat the grounding feature. If you do not have
a 3-hole outlet, use an adapter to connect the heater's 3-prong
plug. Make sure the adapter ground wire or tab is attached to
the outlet.
QUESTION: Are
small stoves and heaters placed where they can not be knocked
over, and away from furnishings and flammable materials, such
as curtains or rugs?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Heaters can
cause fires or serious burns if they cause you to trip or if
they are knocked over. Relocate heaters away from passageways
and flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, furniture, etc.
QUESTION: If
your home has space heating equipment, such as a kerosene heater,
a gas heater or an LP gas heater, do you understand the installation
and operating instructions thoroughly?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Un-vented
heaters should be used with room doors open or window slightly
open to provide ventilation. The correct fuel, as recommended
by the manufacturer, should always be used. Vented heaters should
have proper venting, and the venting system should be checked
frequently. Improper venting is the most frequent cause of carbon
monoxide poisoning, and older consumers are at special risk. Review
the installation and operating instructions. Call your local
fire department if you have additional questions. CHECK
WOOD BURNING HEATING EQUIPMENT
QUESTION: Is wood burning
equipment installed properly?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Wood burning
stoves should be installed by a qualified person according to
local building codes. Local building code officials or fire marshals
can provide requirements and recommendations for installation. NOTE: Some
insurance companies will not cover fire losses if wood stoves
are not installed according to local codes. CHECK THE
EMERGENCY EXIT PLAN
QUESTION: Do you have an
emergency exit plan and an alternate emergency exit plan in case
of a fire?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Once a fire
starts, it spreads rapidly. Since you may not have much time
to get out and there may be a lot of confusion, it is important
that everyone knows what to do.
KITCHEN
In the kitchen, check the range area, all
electrical cords, lighting, the stool, all throw rugs and mats,
and the telephone area.
CHECK THE RANGE AREA
QUESTION: Are towels, curtains,
and other things that might catch fire located away from the
range?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Placing or
storing non-cooking equipment like potholders, dish towels, or
plastic utensils on or near the range man result in fires or
burns.
QUESTION: Do you wear clothing
with short or close-fitting sleeves while you are cooking?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: CPSC estimates
that 70% of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65
years of age. Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire than
are short sleeves. Long sleeves are also more apt to catch on
pot handles, overturning pots and pans and causing scalds. Roll
back long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins or elastic
bands while you are cooking.
QUESTION: Are kitchen ventilation systems
or range exhausts functioning properly and are they in use while
you are cooking?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Indoor air
pollutants may accumulate to unhealthful levels in a kitchen
where gas or kerosene-fire appliances are in use. Use ventilation
systems or open windows to clear air of vapors and smoke.
QUESTION: Are all extension
cords and appliance cords located away from the sink or range
areas?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Electrical
appliances and power cords can cause shock or electrocution if
they come in contact with water. Cords can also be damaged by
excess heat.
For more information on cords, refer to the
beginning of the checklist (pages 1 and 2).
QUESTION: Does good, even
lighting exist over the stove, sink, and countertop work areas,
especially where food is sliced or cut?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Low lighting
and glare can contribute to burns or cuts. Improve lighting by:
QUESTION: Do you have a step
stool which is stable and in good repair?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Standing
on chairs, boxes, or other makeshift items to reach high shelves
can result in falls. CPSC estimates that in 1982, 1500 people
over 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms when they fell
from chairs on which they were standing.
Remember: Check all of the
product areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM
In the living room/family room, check all
rugs and runners, electrical and telephone cords, lighting, the
fireplace and chimney, the telephone area, and all passageways.
QUESTION: Are chimneys clear
from accumulations of leaves, and other debris that can clog
them?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: A clogged
chimney can cause a poorly-burning fire to result in poisonous
fumes and smoke coming back into the house. Do not use the chimney
until the blockage has been removed. Have the chimney checked
and cleaned by a registered or licensed professional.
QUESTION: Has the chimney
been cleaned within the past year?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Burning wood
can cause a build up of a tarry substance (creosote) inside the
chimney. This material can ignite and result in a serious chimney
fire. Have the chimney checked and cleaned by a registered or
licensed professional. CHECK THE TELEPHONE AREA
For information on the telephone area, refer
to the beginning of the checklist. CHECK PASSAGEWAYS
QUESTION: Are hallways, passageways
between rooms, and other heavy traffic areas well lit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Shadowed
or dark areas can hide tripping hazards.
QUESTION: Are exits and passageways
kept clear?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Furniture,
boxes, or other items could be an obstruction or tripping hazard,
especially in the event of an emergency or fire. Rearrange furniture
to open passageways and walkways. Remove boxes and clutter.
Remember: Check all of the
product areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
BATHROOM
In the bathroom, check bathtub and shower
areas, water temperature, rugs and mats, lighting, small electrical
appliances, and storage areas for medications.
CHECK BATHTUB AND SHOWER AREAS
QUESTION: Are bathtubs and
showers equipped with non-skid mats, abrasive strips, or surfaces
that are not slippery?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Wet
soapy tile or porcelain surfaces are especially slippery and
may contribute to falls. Apply textured strips or appliqués'
on the floors of tubs and showers. Use non-skid mats in the
tub and shower, and on the bathroom floor.
QUESTION: Do bathtubs and
showers have at least one (preferably two) grab bars?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Grab bars
can help you get into and out of your tub or shower, and can
help prevent falls. Check existing bars for strength and stability,
and repair if necessary. Attach grab bars, through the tile,
to structural supports in the wall, or install bars specifically
designed to attach to the sides of the bathtub. If you are not
sure how it is done, get someone who is qualified to assist you.
QUESTION: What should the
water temperature be set at?
Answer ___
RECOMMENDATION: Water
temperature above 120 degrees can cause tap water scalds. Lower
the setting on your hot water heater to "Low" or 120 degrees.
If you are unfamiliar with the controls of your water heater,
ask a qualified person to adjust it for you. If your hot water
system is controlled by the landlord, ask the landlord to consider
lowering the setting. NOTE: If
the water heater does not have a temperature setting, you can
use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water at the
tap. Always check water temperature by hand before entering bath
or shower. Taking baths, rather than showers, reduces the risk
of a scald from suddenly changing water temperatures. CHECK
LIGHTING
QUESTION: Is a light switch
located near the entrance to the bathroom?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATIONS: A
light switch near the door will prevent you from walking through
a dark area. Install a night light. Inexpensive lights that
plug into outlets are available. Consider replacing the existing
switch with a "glow switch" that can be seen in the dark. CHECK
SMALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
QUESTION: Are small electrical
appliances such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons, etc.,
unplugged when not in use?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Even an appliance
that is not turned on, such as a hairdryer, can be potentially
hazardous if it is left plugged in. If it falls into water in
a sink or bathtub while plugged in, it could cause a lethal shock.
CHECK MEDICATIONS
QUESTION: Are all medicines
stored in the containers that they came in and are they clearly
marked?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION: Medications
that are not clearly and accurately labeled can be easily mixed
up. Taking he wrong medicine or missing a dosage of medicine
you need can be dangerous.
NOTE: Many poisonings occur
when children visiting grandparents go through the medicine cabinet
or grandmother's purse. In homes where grandchildren or other
youngsters are frequent visitors, medicines should be purchased
in containers with child-resistant caps, and the caps properly
closed after each use. Store medicines beyond the reach of children.
Remember: Check all of the
product areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
BEDROOMS
In the bedroom, check all rugs and runners,
electrical and telephone cords, and areas around beds.
CHECK AREAS AROUND BEDS
QUESTION: Are lamps or light
switches within reach of each bed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Lamps or
switches located close to each bed will enable people getting
up at night to see where they are going. Rearrange furniture
closer to switches or move lamps closer to beds. Install night
lights.
QUESTION: Are ash trays,
smoking materials, or other fire sources (heaters, hot plates,
teapots, etc.) located away from beds or bedding?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Burns are
a leading cause of accidental death among seniors. Smoking in
bed is a major contributor to this problem. Among mattress and
bedding fire related deaths in a recent year, 42% were to persons
65 or older. Remove sources of heat or flame from areas around
beds. Don't smoke in bed.
QUESTION: Is anything covering
your electric blanket when in use?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: "Tucking
in" electric blankets, or placing additional coverings on top
of them can cause excessive heat buildup which can start a fire.
QUESTION: Do
you avoid "tucking
in" the sides or ends of your electric blanket?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Use electric
blankets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Don't allow anything on top of the blanket
while it is in use. (This includes other blankets or comforters,
even pets sleeping on top of the blanket.) Don't set electric
blankets so high that they could burn someone who falls asleep
while they are on.
QUESTION: Do you ever go
to sleep with a heating pad which is turned on?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Never go
to sleep with a heating pad if it is turned on because it can
cause serious burns even at relatively low settings.
QUESTION: Is there a telephone
close to your bed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: In case of
an emergency, it is important to be able to reach the telephone
without getting out of bed. Remember: Check all of the product
areas mentioned at the beginning of the checklist.
BASEMENT/GARAGE/WORKSHOP/STORAGE AREAS
In the basement, garage, workshop, and storage
areas, check lighting, fuse boxes or circuit breakers, appliances
and power tools, electrical cords, and flammable liquids.
CHECK LIGHTING
QUESTION: Are work areas,
especially areas where power tools are used, well lit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Power tools
were involved in over 5,200 injuries treated in hospital emergency
rooms to people 65 and over in 1982. Three fourths of these were
finger injuries. Good lighting can reduce the chance that you
will accidentally cut your finger. Either install additional
light, or avoid working with power tools in the area.
QUESTION: Can you turn on
the lights without first having to walk through a dark area?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Basement,
garages, and storage areas can contain many tripping hazards
and sharp or pointed tools that can make a fall even more hazardous.
Keep an operating flashlight handy. Have an electrician install
switches at each entrance to a dark area.
CHECK THE FUSE BOX OR CIRCUIT BREAKERS
QUESTION: If fuses are used,
are they the correct size for the circuit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Replacing
a correct size fuse with a larger size fuse can present a serious
fire hazard. If the fuse in the box is rater higher than that
intended for the circuit, excessive current will be allowed to
flow and possibly overload the outlet and house wiring to the
point that a fire can begin. Be certain that correct-size fuses
are used. (If you do not know the correct sizes, consider
having an electrician identify and label the sizes to be used.)
NOTE: If all, or nearly all,
fuses used are 30-amp fuses, there is a chance that some of the
fuses are rated too high for the circuit.
CHECK APPLIANCES AND POWER TOOLS
QUESTION: Are power tools
equipped with a 3-prong plug or marked to show that they are
double insulated?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: These safety
features reduce the risk of an electric shock. Use a properly
connected 3-prong adapter for connecting a 3- prong plug to a
2-hole receptacle. Consider replacing old tools that have neither
a 3-prong plug nor are double insulated.
QUESTION: Are power tools
guards in place?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Power tools
used with guards removed pose a serious risk of injury from sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace guards that have been removed
from power tools.
QUESTION: Has the grounding
feature on any 3-prong plug been defeated by removal of the grounding
pin or by improperly using an adapter?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Improperly
grounded appliances can lead to electric shock. Check with your
service person or an electrician if you are in doubt. CHECK FLAMMABLE
AND VOLATILE LIQUIDS
QUESTION: Are containers
of volatile liquids tightly capped?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: If not tightly
closed, vapors may escape that may be toxic when inhaled.
NOTE: CPSC has reports of
several cases in which gasoline, stored as much as 10 feet from
a gas water heater, exploded. Many people are unaware that gas
fumes can travel that far.
QUESTION: Are gasoline, paints,
solvents, or other products that give off vapors or fumes stored
away from ignition sources?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Gasoline,
kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored out of
living areas in properly labeled, non- glass safety containers.
Remove these products from the areas near heat or flame such
as heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances.
STAIRS
For all stairways, check lighting, handrails,
and the condition of the steps and coverings.
CHECK LIGHTING
QUESTION: Are stairs well
lighted?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION: Stairs should
be lighted so that each step, particularly the step edges, can
be clearly seen while going up and down stairs. The lighting
should not produce glare or shadows along the stairway.
QUESTION: Are light switches
located at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
RECOMMENDATION: Even if you
are very familiar with the stairs, lighting is an important factor
in preventing falls. You should be able to turn on the lights
before you use the stairway from either end. If no other light
is available, keep an operating flashlight in a convenient location
at the top and bottom of the stairs. Install night lights at
nearby outlets. Consider installing switches at the top and bottom
of the stairs.
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© 2008 Goff Home Inspections, LLC
Contact Me Now for an estimate or to Request an Inspection
517-699-7787Goff Home Inspections, LLC
Serving Lansing, Michigan and surrounding areas