Home Safety

Home safety is an extremely important issue; this checklist is helpful to ensure the safety of your home. All of the items can be dealt with by our handyman services.

STAIRS

  • Maintenance: Keep your stairs in good repair.
  • Non-Skid Surface: Add a non-skid surface to the steps of your stairs.
  • Lighting: Ensure that your stairways are well lit, with light switches conveniently located at the top and bottom of the stairs.
  • Handrails: Install solid handrails on both sides of the stairway.

OUTSIDE

  • Outdoor Light: To improve home safety install outdoor lighting at all entrances.
  • Address Visibility: a clearly visible house number, well-lit at night.
  • Railings:  for outdoor stairs, pathways, and decks 
  • Doorway Safety: Low sills or thresholds at doorways to balconies or decks make access easier.
  • Traction: for outdoor stairs, pathways, and decks, textured surfaces improve traction.

FIRE 

  • Smoke Detectors: Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home.
  • Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and have your wiring, circuit breaker, electrical cords, and appliances inspected for safety.
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector: Install a carbon monoxide detector.

BATHROOM

  • Safety Features: Make sure that grab bars in the bathtub or shower are properly placed and anchored to provide support.
  • Toilet Safety: Consider using a raised toilet seat and a well-anchored grab bar.

In addition to focusing on home safety, a major concern is home maintenance and improvement.  Homes are no different than our bodies, automobiles, major appliances etc.  They all require regular maintenance.  Failure to do regular maintenance can be both costly and dangerous.   It is more cost effective to have regular oil changes for your vehicle compared to installing a new engine. Regular checks and maintenance of your brakes prevent major accidents.  And home improvements can improve safety and comfort. Building ramps for wheelchair access is one example.

More resources for home safety:

  • Home Safety Checklist, Government of British Columbia, November 29, 2017.   Click Here
  • Home Safety Checklist, American College of Emergency Physicians.  Click Here
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