Kitchen Safety

Kitchen Safety

Turn pot and pan handles away from other burners and the edge of the stove.

Avoid wearing loose garments when cooking.

Keep pot holders (mitt style) nearby, but away from burners.

Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed.

Use a reacher for light over-head reaching; don't use a reacher for any item that you wouldn't mind falling on your head.

Avoid having to climb and reach for items on shelves. Place heavy, frequently used items on low shelves and light, infrequently used items up higher.

If you must climb to reach an item, use a step ladder or sturdy chair.

Don't place your hand on the stove, even if the burner is off.

Wipe up spills at once.

Keep one hand on a stable surface when reaching or transporting items in the kitchen.

Source: American Red Cross

Resurrection Medical Center Library

Rush-Presbyterian Safety Outline

AARP - The Do-Able Renewable Home

Gerodesign, Geriatrics vol 49, no 11, Nov. 1994

North Shore University HealthSystem

Rehab Services

Department of Occupational Therapy

Your Home - Keep Yourself Safe

Staying Safe At Home

The goal is to prevent falls by eliminating hazards at home

General Information:

Ensure even lighting throughout your home - especially in hallways. Visual changes associated with normal aging result in an increased need for brighter lighting. Use 60-100 watt bulbs or the highest wattage allowed for your fixture.

Turn on a lamp when you get out of bed in the middle of the night; a night-light may not be enough.

Install light switches at born ends of hallways and stairs.

Appliances, lamps, and cords should be in good condition - no frayed wires.

Tuck cords behind furniture - never drape the floor.

Do not overload outlets; use circuit protectors.

The thermostat of your water heater should be set at 110 degrees F or lower to prevent accidental scalding. Most water heaters are set at 140-160 degrees Farenheit. It takes only three seconds of contact with this temperature of water to sustain a third degree burn.

Keep hallways, stairs, and areas of ambulation free of clutter.

Tack down carpet and stair treads.

Install handrails on both sides of stairs.

Emergency phone numbers need to be posted by your phone and on the refrigerator. Have medications listed near your phone list, in case you are unable to speak to the paramedics.

Install smoke detectors in stairwells and living room.

Have a cordless telephone or other emergency access device near you at all times.

Source NorthShore University HealthSystem

Rehab Services Department of Occupational Therapy

Sources

American Red Cross

Resurrection Medical Center Library

Rush-Presbyterian Safety Outline

AARP The DoAble Renewable Home

Gerodesign Geriatrics vol 49, no 11, Nov. 1994