Time Change Reminder for Home Safety Tips

The recent time change is a good reminder to think about safety within the home.

Fire safety experts use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to test home smoke alarms and change their batteries, if necessary. Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on each level of a home.

Additional tips from the Ohio Department on Aging include:

-Mount smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall.
-Test smoke alarms monthly and vacuum dust and cobwebs off.
-Know the sound your smoke alarms make and ensure you can hear them at night.
-For alarms with removable batteries, change the battery at least once each year and immediately if the alarms start to “chirp.”
-Consider upgrading to newer smoke alarms with batteries that do not need replacement.
-Replace smoke alarms of any type once they reach 10 years old.

This is also a great time to look around your own or a loved one’s home to identify common falls hazards that can be easily removed:

-Look for ways to increase lighting including adding lamps and/or lamps on timers, auto-on/off night lights, brighter bulbs, and lighter window coverings.
-Clean up clutter and ensure clear walkways throughout the home.
-Remove loose throw rugs or secure them to the floor with tape or tacks.
-Check stair handrails and repair if loose or damaged.
-Use a non-slip mat or strips on the floor of bathtubs and shower stalls.
-Store food, dishes, and kitchen cooking equipment within lower, easy reach.

These are just some of the steps that can help toward preventing falls within the home. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more tips.