Health library

Many serious but preventable accidents occur in the home. Use this safety checklist to help spot hazards in your house.

You can help make sure your home is safe by using this checklist of safety tips from the National Safety Council, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Institute on Aging.

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test each smoke detector every month. Change 9-volt batteries at least once a year. Replace 9-volt-battery and hardwired smoke detectors every 10 years. Replace lithium-battery smoke detectors according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Set space heaters at least 3 feet from anything combustible.
• Keep a flashlight by your bed. Make sure it always has working batteries.
• Keep your phone near your bed so you can answer it without stumbling around in the dark.
• Use no-slip mats in your bathtub or shower and no-slip rugs on bathroom or kitchen floors.
• Install handrails on each side of every staircase.
• Put grab bars in the bathtub, shower and by the toilet. This is important if you have an older or physically disabled person living in your home.
• Use a one-step stool, not a chair, to help you reach shelves or change lightbulbs.
• Have a first aid kit available for treating minor injuries.
• Place nightlights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.

Reviewed 4/30/2025