The following checklist provides a safety assessment for your home.

Emergency Procedures:

• Do you know how to summon for emergency assistance?
• Have you considered a personal medical alert system (e.g. Lifeline)?

Fire Response:

• Do you have a home fire safety/drill plan?
• Are exits available from all locations in the house?
• Do the following areas have smoke detectors?
• Hallways  Kitchen  Bedrooms  Attic  Basement
• Is there a carbon monoxide detector?
• Does the fireplace have a smoke screen?
• Is maintenance for the fireplace / wood stove completed regularly?
• Are curtains and other flammable items kept away from open flames?
• Do you refrain from smoking, especially in bed?

Electric Outlets and Devices:

• Are outlets used properly, avoiding "octopus" plugs and extension cords?
• Are appliances disconnected when not in use?
• Are electric cords free from fraying or cracking?
• Do electric plugs fit snugly into their sockets?
• Do electric cords run along walls and not across rooms?
• Do you know proper use of heating pads and space heaters?
• Does the electrical system meet the power requirement for special medical equipment such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators?

Floors:

• Is nonskid wax used on floors?
• Are scatter rugs secured at the edges?
• Are pathways and hallways clear of excess furniture and debris?

Stairwells:

• Are there nonskid treads on stairs?
• Are different colors used to mark changes in levels?
• Are handrails present and securely fastened?

Lighting:

• Is lighting adequate throughout the house?
• Are burnt-out light bulbs replaced?
• Are nightlights used along routes/areas traveled after dark?
• Are light switches easily visible and within reach?

Bathroom:

• Are there handgrips by the tub/shower?
• Are there handgrips by the toilet?
• Is there a nonskid mat in the tub/shower?
• Is there a secure seat in the tub/shower?
• Is there a seat by the sink?
• Is the bathroom conveniently located in the home?

Bedroom:

• Is a bedside commode available, if necessary?
• Is there a telephone within easy reach?
• Is there a need for a hospital bed or trapeze?

Kitchen:

• Is the kitchen free of clutter?
• Are expired foods thrown away?
• Are cabinets easily and safely accessible?
• Are adaptive devices required (e.g. extended graspers or eating devices)?
• Are sharp objects kept in secure area out of reach of confused adults?

Miscellaneous:

• Are the following items out of reach of confused adults? medications dangerous tools / equipment cleaning substances poisons (bug/weed killer)
• Is snow and ice removal adequate and efficient?
• Are sidewalks, curbs and outside stairs maintained?
• Is there a ramp for wheel chair accessibility (if needed)?
• Is the water heater temperature kept below 110 degrees Fahrenheit?

Medical Equipment Management:

• Do you know the proper operation of your equipment?
• Do you understand the mechanical safety requirements?
• Do you know the proper storage and cleaning of the equipment?
• Do you understand the hazards of the equipment and how to avoid them?
• Do you know who to contact if the equipment malfunctions?

Oxygen Safety:

• Are you aware of the dangers of smoking in the presence of oxygen equipment?
• Is a "No Smoking" sign posted?
• Do you know the appropriate storage of oxygen cylinders?
• Do you know the appropriate placement of oxygen concentrators?