Home Safety Checker
Staying safe around the home and we will help you provide the list of the things you need to see to be safe.
Information and advice you need to help you love later life. We’re Age UK and our goal is to enable older people to love later life.
We are passionate about affirming that your later years can be fulfilling years. Whether you’re enjoying your later life or going through tough times, we’re here to help you make the best of your life.
This information guide has been prepared by The Leading Care Company and contains general advice only, it should not be relied on as a basis for any decision or action and cannot be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The Leading Care Company Neither nor any companies mentioned in this article accepts any liability arising from its use and it is the reader’s sole responsibility to ensure any information is up to date and accurate.
This article about Home Safety Checker cover the following
- What this guide is about
- Fire prevention
- Gas and solid fuel safety
- Electrical safety
- Preventing falls
- Lighting
- Safety when cooking
- Safety outside
- Home security
- In case of an emergency
- Your notes
- Useful organisations
What this article is about?
It’s important that we feel safe in our homes, yet more accidents happen at home than anywhere else. This guide looks at ways to help you identify and resolve any possible safety risks, and help prevent accidents. Although some of these points may seem obvious, they can often be overlooked – so it’s worth checking them.
As far as possible, the information given in this guide is applicable across the UK.
Fire prevention
Fires can start quickly and cause a lot of damage but there are some simple things you can do in your home to prevent them.
Get a smoke alarm and check that it works
It’s vital to have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home. Alarms should bear the British Standard number BS 5446 and the Kitemark. Test them monthly and keep them free from dust. Use a step ladder or get someone to help you when fitting, testing or cleaning your alarms, as standing on a chair is less stable and could cause you to fall.
Change the battery at least once a year or get a long-life alarm that can last between seven and ten years without needing a new battery.
There are specialist smoke alarms if you have hearing or vision difficulties.
Plan a fire escape route
Preparing and planning an escape route can save valuable time in a fire. Make sure exits, corridors and stairs are free from clutter. If you live in a flat, follow the building’s fire evacuation plan and avoid using lifts. If there’s an alternative escape route, check how to use it.
Plan a Home Fire Risk Check
Some fire and rescue services offer a Home Fire Risk Check where they can visit to help you install smoke alarms, plan escape routes and assess other hazards.
Use a fire guard and sweep the chimney
Fire guards let you safely enjoy an open fire. It’s important to keep your chimney and flues swept to prevent fire and the build-up of carbon monoxide which can lead to poisoning. Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more depending on the type of fuel you use. You can find an approved chimney sweep through HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme)
Take care when drying clothes
Drying clothes near a fire or electric heater can be a fire risk. Keep them away from direct sources of heat.
Be careful with candles, incense or oil burners
Don’t leave them unattended and make sure they are put out completely when you have finished with them.
Stub it out
If you smoke, use deep ashtrays and stub out each cigarette properly. Never smoke in bed.If you do have a fire
Don’t panic. Remember the fire service advice:Get out, stay out and call 999.
Don’t be tempted under any circumstances to re-enter a room or building that is on fire.
Gas and solid fuel safety
Gas and solid fuel problems can go unnoticed but some straightforward checks on your appliances will make your home safer and reduce the risks of any accidents.
Be aware of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is known as a ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, taste or smell it. Low exposure to carbon monoxide can cause long-term health problems, while high exposure can cause poisoning. Heaters or appliances that burn gas, coal, oil or wood can give off carbon monoxide if they are not working properly.
Signs that appliances may be faulty include yellow or brown staining, a lazy yellow or orange-coloured gas flame rather than a sharp blue flame, or too much moisture in the room.
Symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning can be similar to a cold, flu or food-poisoning and can include headaches, feeling sick, a sore throat and a dry cough. If you’re worried that you might have carbon-monoxide poisoning, call 999 straight away.
Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm bearing the Kitemark and European Standard number BS EN 50291. Test it monthly.
Allow air flow and ventilation
Make sure there’s enough ventilation for gas or solid fuel appliances to burn. Keep air vents and chimneys clear and unblocked.
Organise a yearly gas appliances check
An annual check can ensure that your appliances are working safely. Unsafe gas appliances may not show any warning signs. Make sure that the check and any repairs are done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never try to repair or service a gas appliance yourself, or let a friend or relative try.
If you own your home and are in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, you may be entitled to a free annual gas safety check from your energy supplier. You should ask them about this and any other priority services you might be eligible for. Make sure you shop around if you’re not eligible for a free check, as costs can vary.
If you’re a tenant, your landlord is legally required to arrange a safety check at least once a year for the gas appliances they have provided. The engineer must be registered with Gas Safe. The landlord must give you a copy of the inspection record within 28 days of the check and fix any problems reported by the engineer.
Service any solid fuel appliances
Solid-fuel appliances – for example, heaters or cookers that burn wood or coal – also need to be serviced regularly. For more information contact HETAS, the official organisation for approving solid-fuel appliances. They have a directory of registered installers and servicers that you can search online.
Check the pilot light on your boiler
If you have a gas boiler with a pilot light, check regularly that the pilot light is burning. If it has gone out, there should be instructions on the boiler on how to relight it. If you can’t do it yourself, call out a heating engineer. Make sure your engineer is Gas Safe registered.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak
Open all doors and windows, turn off the gas supply and call the 24-hour National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Do not use a phone near the gas leak, as this could cause a spark that might ignite the gas. Use a mobile phone outside your property, or a neighbour’s phone. Don’t turn any electrical switches or appliances on or off.
Electrical safety
Try some simple checks to avoid electrical safety problems.
Don’t overload sockets
Overloaded sockets can be a fire hazard. If you don’t have enough sockets, use a bar adapter on a lead rather than a block adapter. But for appliances that use a lot of power, such as a fridge or washing machine, put only one plug in each socket.
Check the condition of your electrics
Check your plugs, sockets, cables and appliances for any damage, such as fraying and exposed or loose wires. Damaged electrical appliances are a fire hazard. Don’t ignore warning signs such as burning smells, buzzing or crackling sounds, or fuses blowing.
Keep appliances out of the bathroom
Appliances such as hairdryers, heaters (unless fitted with a cord pull) and mains-powered radios should never be used in the bathroom.
Test your electric blanket
Get your electric blanket tested by an expert at least every three years and replace it every 10 years. The shop where you bought the blanket or your local Trading Standards office may be able to test it. Your local Age UK may also have a handy person scheme that can help. Check for danger signs, such as frayed fabric or scorch marks. Check whether you have the type of blanket that can be left on overnight – if not, always unplug it when you go to bed. Never switch it on if it’s damp or wet, and never use it with a hot-water bottle.
Be careful with portable heaters
Avoid leaving your heater unattended and don’t use it while you’re sleeping. Keep your heater away from paper, furniture, clothing and curtains.
Sign up for priority services
Energy suppliers and distribution network operators have Priority Services Registers for people who need extra help. This could be because you’re over pension age or living with a long-term health condition or disability. You might need support temporarily following an injury or illness. If you sign up for priority services you could get extra support if there’s a power cut, such as regular updates.
Your distribution network operator is the company in charge of the electricity supply to your area. Contact the Energy Networks Association to find out who your network operator is.
To make sure you get as many of these services as possible you should join both your supplier’s register and your distribution network operator’s register, as they may offer different things.
If you have a power cut
Call 105 free of charge. You will be put through to your local electricity network operator who can give you help and advice.
Preventing falls
There are lots of simple things you can do in your home to reduce your risk of falling.
Look out for trip hazards in each room
- To avoid tripping over cords or wires, coil them up or tape them close to the wall. If you can, organise your appliances so that they are close to a plug socket.
- Arrange your furniture to help you move around your home more easily.
- Clear away clutter. Items lying around the home or on the stairs can be a trip hazard. Fire can also spread more quickly if you have lots of newspapers and magazines lying around.
- Replace worn-out or fraying carpets, or use double-sided carpet tape to help prevent them slipping. Loose rugs and mats can cause falls and should be removed or secured
- Look out for loose sheets and bed covers trailing on the floor. Tuck them out of the way so they don’t trip you up when you’re moving around.
Use properly fitted footwear
Worn-out or badly fitting slippers can increase your risk of falling. Be careful when wearing long, loose-fitting clothing in case you trip, particularly when on the stairs.
Avoid slips and trips
Try to clean up any spills or dropped food straight away. Non-slip matting can help reduce the risk of slipping.
Use step ladders carefully
Step ladders offer stability and safety when you’re changing a light bulb or reaching for something high up. Use a step ladder rather than standing on chairs or other furniture. Never use a ladder when you’re on your own.
Get help for small repairs
Some local Age UKs offer a handyperson scheme for older people who meet certain criteria, to assist with small repairs and identify home hazards. Alternatively, there may be a Home Improvement Agency (HIA) in your area offering similar help. Contact Foundations, the national body for HIAs, or your local council.
Consider a personal alarm
If you fall, a personal alarm lets you contact a 24-hour response centre at the touch of a button. Many councils run personal alarm schemes. Contact your local council to find out more or search www.gov.uk/apply-for-communityalarm. PPP Taking Care Limited, a subsidiary of AXA PPP healthcare Group Limited, also provides Age UK branded personal alarms, including within Northern Ireland.* For more information about the service and the likely costs, call 0800 011 3846.
Install bathroom aids
You may want to consider a handrail, non-slip bathmat or a bath seat. These can help you to keep your balance when getting in and out of the bath. Make sure your bath mat is secure and doesn’t slide – get a non-slip rubber mat or use self-stick strips. If you’re having new flooring fitted, make sure it’s non-slip. If you find it difficult getting in and out of the bath safely, contact the occupational therapy department of your local social services for an assessment.
Check the stairs
You should have handrails on all staircases, ideally on both sides, even on small flights. If you live in rented accommodation, contact the landlord if the banisters are loose or broken. Marking the edge of each step with paint or non-slip masking tape will make them more visible. Make sure that the tape doesn’t become a trip hazard.
Get a letterbox cage
This can save you having to stoop to pick up your post. It can also stop papers being spread across the floor, which could cause you to slip.
Check pets
Dogs and cats like to stay close, often curling up at your feet. Check where your pet is before you take a step.
Lighting
Good lighting becomes even more important as we get older because our eyes need more light to see well. Try these simple suggestions to keep your home well lit and safe.
Use bright bulbs
Good lighting is particularly important on the stairs. The brightness of a light bulb is now measured in lumens, which is indicated on the box. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb (e.g. 1,500 lumens is equal to about 100 watts). Remember that low-energy lightbulbs can fade over time, so change them when that happens.
Keep a lamp or torch beside your bed
This can help if you need to get up in the night. A touchsensitive bedside lamp avoids you having to search for light switches in the dark, and a torch can be helpful.
Try night lights
These turn on automatically at night time and provide a low light that can help you see your way to the bathroom or on the stairs if you get up at night.
Be prepared for power cuts
Consider emergency power-failure lights that plug in to power sockets and remain lit if there’s a power failure. This means that if the mains power fails after dark, you’ll still be able to find your way around. Keep a torch on hand to use during a power cut, too.
Two-way light switches may be useful
This is a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs that controls the same light. You should contact an electrician to fit one, or a local Home Improvement Agency (HIA) may be able to help.
Safety when cooking
Safety is especially important in the kitchen so that you can prepare and enjoy your food safely. Here are some simple tips to make your kitchen as safe as possible.
Clear counter space near the cooker
This will allow you to put hot pots and pans down safely.
Put the things you use every day within easy reach
Rearrange your shelves and cupboards so that the things you use most often can be reached easily, or use a longhandled ‘grabber’ to avoid stretching or reaching up high.
Try a cordless kettle
These reduce the risk of accidentally scalding yourself by catching the cord. Look for a low-capacity kettle which will be lighter to lift when full.
Turn pan handles away from the front of the cooker
Turn pan handles towards the sides of your cooker to help you avoid catching them or accidentally knocking them over, but be sure to keep them away from the other heat rings.
Use a timer to remind yourself when food is ready
Never leave food unattended while cooking. Always set a timer so you don’t forget about your cooking. Ovens and microwaves may have built-in timers that you can use, or you can buy a kitchen timer.
Microwave safety
Microwaves are convenient but there are some materials that you shouldn’t put in them. Never put metal items, tin foil, plastic tubs that are meant to be disposable (such as yoghurt pots), or Styrofoam products in a microwave.
Keep flammable items away from the hob
Make sure that tea towels, kitchen roll, oven gloves and paper bags are kept away from the cooker. Never leave hot oil unattended, as it’s a fire risk.
Keep your kitchen equipment as clean as possible
A build-up of crumbs or grease, for instance, could be a fire risk.
Take care when carrying food
Use a tray or trolley when carrying hot food and drinks to avoid the risk of burns and scalds.
If a pan catches fire
Don’t move the pan and never throw water on it as this can create a fireball. Turn off the heat, if it’s safe to do so. Do not try to move the pan or put the fire out yourself using a wet tea towel, as you risk injuring yourself. Leave the kitchen, close the door and shout to anyone else in the house to leave. Call 999.
Safety outside and around the home
Getting outside in the fresh air is good for you. Here are some simple things to check to make outdoor areas near your home safer.
Clear garden paths
Keep your garden tidy and free from obstacles and check for cracked or loose paving stones.
Check paving stones for moss and algae
Moss and algae become very slippery when wet. You can prevent them growing by pruning overhanging branches to improve the air circulation and light. You can also clear them using a power washer or a chemical product. Keep your gutters clear and clean because leaking gutters can cause moss and algae to form on paths, and lead to icy surfaces during the winter.
Take care in icy weather
Spread salt or sand on your steps if you need to go outside when it’s very cold. Some councils offer a free bag of gritting salt or sand to every household each winter but you may need to collect it. Shoes and boots with good grip will also help you to walk confidently in icy conditions. Consider buying ice grippers to wear over your footwear.
Use step ladders carefully
Use a step ladder at a safe angle and make sure it’s anchored at its base. Never use a ladder when you’re on your own; it’s safer to have someone with you who can hold the ladder steady.
Lock tools away
Always use tools carefully and place them in a safe position when you put them down. Locking them away in a small shed where they’re out of sight and out of reach is ideal.
Use residual current devices (RCDs)
An RCD will prevent you from getting a potentially fatal electric shock by shutting off the power if an electrical fault develops or if you accidentally cut through the flex when using power tools or electric motors.
Safe chemical storage is important
Prevent accidental poisoning by carefully following the instructions when using weed killers and household cleaners. Never transfer them into a different bottle as this could cause confusion. Always lock harmful substances away safely.
Home security
Taking a few simple precautions to make your home more secure can give you peace of mind.
Be careful when opening the door to a stranger. Remember: Not sure? Don’t open the door. Don’t be embarrassed to tell a stranger to go away.
If you’re suspicious about a doorstep caller, dial 999 and ask for the police.
If you have a door chain, only use it when you’re planning to open it to check on a caller. Keeping a chain on all the time may prevent carers or the emergency services from entering if they are needed.
In case of an emergency
It’s a good idea to have an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers beside each phone. List details of important contacts, close friends, relatives and anyone else you think may be useful. It’s useful to have a phone by your bed as well in case you need to call someone from your bedroom.
Key contacts list:
In case of emergency, please contact (e.g. contact details of family, relatives or neighbours):
- ……………………………………………………………………
- ……………………………………………………………………
- ……………………………………………………………………
Emergency services (fire, ambulance, police): 999
Gas emergency services: 0800 111 999
Power cut service: 105
Insurance claims: …………………………………………………….
Insurance home emergency helpline: …………………………………………………….
Your Notes
Use this space to write down any steps you need to take to prevent hazards in or around your home.
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