Health and Home Safety

Hand Washing

The most important step to prevent the spread of germs and infections is hand washing. Wash your hands often.

Be sure to wash your hands each time you:

• Touch any blood or bodily fluids.
• Touch bedpans, dressings, or other soiled items.
• Use the bathroom.
• If you are coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, clean your hands often.
• Before you eat.

Here is how you should wash your hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands and wrists with warm water.
• Use soap. Work up a good lather and rub hard for 15 seconds or longer.
• Rinse your hands well.
• Dry your hands well.
• Use a clean paper towel to turn off the water. Throw the paper towel away.

Here is how you should clean your hands with hand sanitizers (waterless hand cleansers):

• For gel products, use one application.
• For foam products, use golf-ball sized amount.
• Apply product to the palm of your hand.
• Rub your hands together. Cover all surfaces of your hands and fingers until they are dry.

Medication Safety

If children and/or pets are in the home, store medications and poisons in childproof containers and out of reach. All medication should be labeled clearly and left in original containers. Do not give or take medication that was prescribed for other people.

Mobility Tips

When using mobility items to get around, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or crutches, you should use extra care to prevent slips and falls. Always put wheelchairs or seated walkers in lock position when standing up or before sitting down.

Lifting Tips

If it is too big, too heavy, or too awkward to move alone, get help. To prevent lower back pain or injury, make sure to stand close to the load with your feet apart for good balance. Keep your back as straight as possible when you lift and carry the load, and avoid twisting your body when carrying.

Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are the most common and often the most serious accidents in the home. To prevent these accidents, arrange your furniture to avoid an obstacle course. Make sure to install handrails on all stairs, showers, bathtubs, and toilets, and keep stairs clean and well lit. Place rubber mats or grids in showers and bathtubs, and use bath benches or shower chairs if you have muscle weakness, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Keep drawers and cabinets closed. Also, install good lighting to avoid groping in the dark.

Electrical Safety

Watch for early warning signs of electrical accidents, such as overheating, a burning smell, or sparks. To prevent accidents, keep cords and electrical appliance away from water. Do not plug cords under rugs, through doorways, or near heaters. Check cords for damage before use.

Gas Safety

If you smell gas or rotten eggs, open windows and doors. Make sure not to use matches or light candles, and do not turn on electrical switches. Do not use your telephone near the leak, as dialing may create electrical sparks. Instead, leave your house and call for help outside or from a neighbor’s house.

Fire Safety

It is important to pre-plan and practice your fire escape. Look for and plan at least two ways out of your home. If your fire exit is through a window, make sure it opens easily. If you are in an apartment, know where the exit stairs are located. Do not use the elevator in a fire emergency. You may notify the fire department ahead of time if you have a disability or special needs.

Steps to prevent fires:

• Install smoke detectors. They are your best early warning. Test frequently and change the battery every year.
• If there is oxygen in use, place a “No Smoking” sign in plain view of all persons entering the home.
• Throw away old newspapers, magazines, and boxes.
• Do not throw away ashtrays or toss matches into wastebaskets unless you know they are out; wet them down first or dump into toilet.
• Have your chimney or fireplace checked frequently. Look for and repair cracks and loose mortar. Keep paper, wood, and rugs away from area where sparks could hit them.
• Be careful when using space heaters.
• Check your furnace and pipes regularly. If nearby walls or ceilings feel hot, add insulation.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it.

If you have a fire or suspect a fire:

• Take immediate action per your plan. Escaping is your top priority.
• Get help on the way with no delay. Call 9-1-1.
• If your fire escape is cut off, close the door and seal the cracks to hold back smoke. Signal help from a window.