Home Safety Checklist

More than 20,000 Americans die each year due to home and yard accidents. In addition, 3,000,000 + are permanently disabled due to injury.

Making your home and yard safety proof reduces stress, increases your peace of mind, and allows you to be in control. It also brings peace of mind to YOU and YOUR family.

Use the following assessment to see how safe your home and yard are. Circle "yes" or "no" for each item as you check your home and yard. For every "YES" answer, congratulate yourself! For every "NO" answer, take steps immediately to correct the problem. Then, use the worksheet to determine how safe those you love are in their own homes! The following links will take you to specific rooms in your home, garage, and yard:

Check out your home in general:
Check out your kitchen:
Check out your bedroom:
Check out your bathroom:
Check out your medicines:
Check out your hallways, stairways, and closets:
Check out your yard:
Check out your own personal safety:

Safety Item:	YES	NO
Your home in general: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Are electrical extension cords in good condition, and do you check electrical outlets regularly for "overloading"?	YES	NO
Do you keep from stretching electrical extension cords across the floors?	YES	NO
Do you resist grabbing a kitchen chair and using it for a step stool?	YES	NO
Do you know how and where to turn off gas and electricity in case of an emergency? Do you know where the tools you will need to do this are?	YES	NO
Are proper size fuses used for replacement rather than pennies or other substitutes?	YES	NO
Are floor surfaces (carpet, tile, or linoleum) non-skid?	YES	NO
Are all floor coverings fastened down? Throw rugs? Scatter Rugs? Runners? Doormats? Plastic carpet protectors? Carpeting anchored?	YES	NO
Are fireplaces screened and protected? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Are open flames such as candles kept away from walls and curtains?	YES	NO
Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and do they have fresh batteries?	YES	NO
Is an approved fire extinguisher kept on each floor?	YES	NO
Do you have easy access to fresh light bulbs, and do you replace them promptly when they burn out?	YES	NO
Do you take care of tools as soon as you have finished using them? Hammers, screw drivers, nails, glue gun, drill; are they where they belong?	YES	NO
If you have a balcony or porch, is it in good repair? Are there loose planks, railings, banisters, poles? Is it "break in" proof to deter thievery or home break ins? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do pets nap wherever they want? Even in high traffic areas of your home?	YES	NO
Do you use non-skid wax (or no wax at all) on uncarpeted areas?	YES	NO
Do you have an emergency family plan for you and your family in case of fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster? Do you have a family plan of where to meet if a disaster occurs?	YES	NO
Do you know the Poison Control Number? Is it posted near your phones in EVERY room in the house? Are there emergency phone numbers posted on your phones as well?	YES	NO
Do you clear the table and put food away promptly? (All food should be refrigerated within 2 hours of preparation to avoid food poisoning).	YES	NO
Do you thaw frozen meat in the microwave or refrigerator?	YES	NO
When lifting a heavy package, do you bend your knees rather than bend over at the waist to pick it up? (Let the large muscles in your legs support your back and carry the weight.) \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
If you have pets, have you made sure all fences, gateposts, leashes, and tie outs are in good repair to avoid pets getting loose and biting people?	YES	NO
Do you make sure all windows and doors are latched and locked before retiring each night?	YES	NO
Do you carry small loads of laundry or other items around your home? Do you make extra trips rather than overloading your arms? Do you avoid carrying laundry in a basket which can block your vision?	YES	NO
Since people are less watchful on well traveled paths, do you take extra care to keep obstructions, clutter, and debris away from exits and pathways?	YES	NO
Do you have an outside porch light and turn it on before you leave when you know it will be dark when you return home?	YES	NO
Do you have ornamental pots, plants, or yard decorations on your porch? Can they been seen at night even if all your lights are off? Could someone trip over them and fall? Are they near the entrance to your home?	YES	NO
Check out your Kitchen: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Are window curtains kept away from the stove?	YES	NO
Do you keep electric appliances (mixer, blender, etc.) unplugged when not in use? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you have a working light over your stove and sink?	YES	NO
Do your gas furnaces and appliances have flue ventilation and regular inspections?	YES	NO
Do you keep all drawers and cupboards closed when not in use?	YES	NO
Do you always keep handles pointed away from the edge of the stove and other burners not only when you are cooking, but all the time they are the stove, even when not in use?	YES	NO
Do you keep knives in a rack or in a compartmentalized tray? Are the knife points pointed toward the back of the drawer?	YES	NO
Do you wipe up grease, water, and other liquids immediately? (Keep a bag of kitty litter or sawdust handy to pour on top of an oily spill. It will help absorb the substance. Then you can sweep it up quickly.)	YES	NO
Do you keep baking soda on hand and within easy reach for pan fires?	YES	NO
Do you have hot dish holders near the stove?	YES	NO
Do you keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid having to climb for them? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you discard chipped, cracked, or broken dishes and glassware?	YES	NO
Do you keep chemicals in cabinets away from the reach of children?	YES	NO
Do you keep ALL plastic bags, even those you plan to discard, away from the reach of children?	YES	NO
Do you keep pets food and water dishes in a less traveled area of your kitchen?	YES	NO
Do you recycle paper, plastics, and other recyclable items?	YES	NO
Check out your bedroom: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Do you have a light within easy reach of the bed to avoid groping in the dark? Do you keep a flashlight with working batteries within easy reach of the bed? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Are all space heaters turned off before retiring?	YES	NO
Do you keep electric blankets in good working condition? Are the switches safe? Do they have an automatic shut-off?	YES	NO
Is there proper ventilation near propane or gas heaters?	YES	NO
Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the bedroom? Do they have fresh batteries? (Change them every time you set your clocks an hour ahead in the spring and an hour behind in the fall.)	YES	NO
Do you have a working telephone within easy reach of the bed?	YES	NO
Do you refrain from keeping candles in the bedrooms, and even worse, near the beds? (Candles in bedrooms are dangerous because bed linens and most curtains are highly flammable.)	YES	NO
Do the lamps in your bedrooms have the right size bulb in them? (Oversize bulbs burn the lamp shade, and are a fire hazard.)	YES	NO
Do you absolutely forbid smoking in bed?	YES	NO
Do you make sure bookshelves are not overloaded with books? Are they properly put away on the shelves?	YES	NO
Is there easy access to the bathroom? Is the pathway clean and clear of rubble or other tripping hazards? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you keep dresser drawers closed at all times to avoid bumping into them?	YES	NO
Are curtains away from space heaters, gas appliances, or anything else that could catch fire?	YES	NO
If your pets sleep with you do you keep them on the opposite side of the bed you use most often to get up and lie down?	YES	NO
Check out your bathroom: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Do you have non-skid mats in bathtubs and showers?	YES	NO
Are there grab bars and rails installed alongside the shower, tub, and toilet?	YES	NO
Do you keep (and use) all electrical appliances (hair dryer, shaver, etc.) in an area away from your tub or shower?	YES	NO
Are your bathroom rugs non-skid?	YES	NO
Do your curling irons and other electrical items have automatic shut off mechanisms? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you store hair spray, perfume, shaving cream, etc. on a high shelf away from the reach of children? (Many of these items have toxic chemicals; some children are allergic to perfume.)	YES	NO
If you (or someone else) drops clips, barrettes, and other items on the floor, do you pick them up immediately to avoid injury to bare feet from stepping on them?	YES	NO
In the shower do you keep shampoo, soap, etc. at eye level and within easy reach (not on the floor) to avoid bending over and slipping?	YES	NO
Have you made sure there are no electrical outlets near the tub or shower? If so, have you covered them so they can't be used?	YES	NO
Do you keep a key to your bathroom door INSIDE and OUTSIDE the bathroom in case someone locks themselves in? (Children love to lock doors & panic when they can't get out.) Does every member of your family know where the key is?	YES	NO
Do you use bath or skin oils, lotions, gels, or shaving cream in the bathtub or shower? Do you understand how slippery they make tub and shower surfaces? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
If you use these lotions or oils when bathing, do you take the time to thoroughly clean the tub or shower with soap after using them?	YES	NO
Do you keep your bathroom cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet or in some other room instead of your bathroom?	YES	NO
Does EVERYONE in your family wash their hands with soap every time they use the toilet? Do you?	YES	NO
Do you keep plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, and/or moist towelets handy for everyone to use for personal cleanliness?	YES	NO
Do you often take inventory of your bathroom medicine cabinet? Could you tell if items were missing? If you keep narcotic pain killers in your medicine chest, do you count them? Could you tell if some were missing? Are you familiar with the illegal drug of choice in Utah? Could you tell if someone was storing items to make meth in your bathroom? Do you flush unnecessary or outdated medicines down the toilet?	YES	NO
Check out your medicines: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Do you keep all medicines locked or safely put away from the reach of children?	YES	NO
Do you make sure all medicines labeled "External Use Only" are clearly marked as such and kept AWAY from the other medicines?	YES	NO
Do you discard all outdated prescriptions and flush the contents down the toilet? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you refuse to share your medicines with other people?	YES	NO
Do you understand the dangers of drinking alcohol when the medicine you are currently taking is in your system?	YES	NO
Do you understand the side effects of the medicines you take?	YES	NO
Do you understand the cautions regarding the medicines you are taking? (Driving, operating equipment, etc.)	YES	NO
Are you aware you can get "easy open lids" from your pharmacist?	YES	NO
Did you know humidity from hot showers or bathtubs can dilute the potency of some drugs? (Keep these locked in a cabinet in your bedroom.)	YES	NO
Do you refuse to give children under the age of 5 aspirin for fever or flu like conditions because it can induce a fatal disease known as Reye Syndrome?	YES	NO
If you see a new doctor or specialist, do you always tell him/her what medications you are currently taking?	YES	NO
Do you know the chemical (generic) names of common remedies (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, for example)? Some remedies may also have unwanted or unnecessary ingredients, such as alcohol, decongestants, aspirin, or caffeine. \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Ibuprofen (Example: Motrin), Acetaminophen (Example: Tylenol), Naproxen Sodium (Example: Aleve), and Aspirin (Example: Bayer), are all designed to treat different types of pain. Do you know the difference between these drugs and what type or types of pain each of them relieve?	YES	NO
Did you know prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs can be addictive and abused as seriously as cocaine, heroin, morphine, and meth amphetamine (meth)?	YES	NO
Check out your Stairs, Hallways, and Closets: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| \| Back to Injury \|
Do you keep your stairways and hallways free of clutter and debris? Are items put away promptly?	YES	NO
Do all your stairways have strong sturdy railings or banisters running from the top to the bottom of the stairs?	YES	NO
Do your handrails curve up or down, towards the wall & end with a "knot" or something similiar to indicate by feeling them, that you are either on the top or bottom step?	YES	NO
Are all the steps on your stairs the same size, width, and depth?	YES	NO
Do you keep the threads, carpeting, etc. on your stairs in good repair?	YES	NO
Are your stairwells well lighted? do they have a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?	YES	NO
Do you make sure toys are not left in these areas?	YES	NO
Do you insist children not be allowed to play on the stairs?	YES	NO
Do you keep your outdoor stairs free of dirt, debris, ice, and snow?	YES	NO
Do you remove spider webs, cobwebs, etc. from cellar and outdoor steps regularly to keep insects and varmints away? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you keep your outdoor steps free of overgrown weeds and grass?	YES	NO
Do your closets have lights, and are they easy to reach, even for small children?	YES	NO
Are your closets neat and orderly?	YES	NO
Do your closets all have sturdy shelves?	YES	NO
Are the bars you hang your clothes on at eye level? Even in your children's closet?	YES	NO
Are shoes put away neatly on shelves or racks?	YES	NO
Are all "like" items (glue guns, craft items, tools, etc.) all stored together on the same shelf? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
If you keep moth balls in your closets, are they placed high up on the shelves away from pets and children?	YES	NO
Check out your yard \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Do you keep your steps, sidewalks, etc. free of snow, ice, debris, and clutter?	YES	NO
Do you keep your yard free of all glass, nails, yard tools, toys, and items with jagged edges?	YES	NO
Do you make sure all garden sprays are non-poisonous?	YES	NO
Do you keep all garden tools, toys, buckets, pails, etc. turned upside down so they can't collect water? Do you remove all "standing water" from your yard? Do you fill all the holes dug in your yard with dirt? Do you have tires stored in your yard? If so, can they collect and hold water? Do you change the water at least once a week in all ponds, pools, and tanks? Do you purchase mosquitofish for outside pools? Do you know about West Nile Virus (WNV) and how to protect your family from it?	YES	NO
Can you recognize a black widow spider? Do you know what a brown recluse spider looks like? Does your family? Does your family know what to do if they see these spiders?	YES	NO
Do you use charcoal lighter fluid - never gasoline - to start your barbecue? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Are your sheds and outer buildings always kept locked?	YES	NO
Do you wear sunscreen every time you work or play in your yard - even for short periods of time, or on overcast days?	YES	NO
Do you keep doors, especially the front door, locked when you are working out of doors?	YES	NO
If your pets use the bathroom outside, do you clean up their messes immediately so others won't step or slide in it?	YES	NO
Do you keep hoses, sprinklers, etc. coiled and out of the way?	YES	NO
Do you keep firewood stored away from the house? (Firewood attracts and harbors spiders, rodents, and varmits.)	YES	NO
Do you fix broken steps immediately and keep handrails in good repair?	YES	NO
Do you keep trees and shrubs well trimmed?	YES	NO
Are clotheslines strung AWAY from high traffic areas and walkways?	YES	NO
Is your yard fenced? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you turn on the lights early in the evening to help everyone see clearly?	YES	NO
Do you keep your household ladder in good repair? Loose hinges? Rungs?	YES	NO
Do you lock the spreader base on your household ladder after using it, and do you put it away rather than leaning it against a wall someplace?	YES	NO
Have you filled all holes in your yard which have been dug by humans, animals, or rodents?	YES	NO
Do you know the "4 to 1" rule when using a ladder? (Set the ladder 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of ladder height.)	YES	NO
Check out your own personal safety: \| Back to Top \| Next Room \| Back to Injury \|
Do you keep an extra set of house and car keys on hand to prevent stress overload when you can't find your keys?	YES	NO
Do you make sure all insurance premiums (home, auto, etc.) are paid on time? Do they have a high priority on your bill paying list?	YES	NO
Do you always park under a streetlight when you go shopping? (Even if it's light when you enter a store it may well be dark when you leave.) Don't give anyone the advantage of having your vehicle parked in a dark spot. \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Are your immunizations, and those of your family, up to date?	YES	NO
If you are female, do you do a breast self exam every month? If you are male, do you do a testicle self exam every month? Do you know that Testicular Cancer is the #1 killer of teenagers and young men between the ages of 14 - 24? Did you know that 1 in every 8 females will get breast cancer sometime in her life?	YES	NO
Do you always lock your vehicle, even in your own driveway?	YES	NO
Do you avoid walking alone at night?	YES	NO
Do you wear low heeled, comfortable shoes most of the time? Do your shoes have good traction?	YES	NO
Are the hems of your clothing (including pants) short enough to prevent tripping?	YES	NO
If you use a babysitter, do you make sure they are driven home by a trusted adult driver? Does your babysitter understand they are NEVER to be driven home by someone who appears to be drunk or drugged? Even if this person is you? Have you empowered your babysitter to have the courage to stand up to anyone in your household who appears to be impaired by alcohol or other drugs? (NEVER EVER allow your sitter to walk home alone. If you can't take your sitter home, instruct them to call their parent or caregiver, even if they only live a block away.) \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you absolutely refuse to ride in a vehicle driven by someone who has been drinking or using drugs?	YES	NO
Do you ever run a quick errand by yourself at night? Do you tell yourself "I'll be safe, it's only a block, and I have been there hundreds of times."	YES	NO
Do you absoutely refuse to use an ATM machine when it's dark and you are alone? Have you set this as a rule for your family?	YES	NO
Do you know what sexual harassment is? Do you understand the laws regarding it for both victim and perpetrator?	YES	NO
Check out your garage: \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|
Are the wood beams or frames free of cracks or chips?	YES	NO
Are all the oil or grease spills wiped up?	YES	NO
Have you replaced any broken or cracked windows?	YES	NO
Have you re-cycled all tires so they aren't lying around your garage?	YES	NO
Have you removed all oily rags from the floor, counter, or shelves?	YES	NO
Have you cleaned up all broken bottles?	YES	NO
Have you removed all spider or cobwebs?	YES	NO
Is there adequate lighting to prevent children from feeling nervous or afraid when in the garage? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Is your water heater properly ventilated? Have you repaired any chipped or broken valves? Have you removed any cans, brushes, or paints from the area surrounding your water heater? Is the flue clear of dust?	YES	NO
Is your furnace in good repair? Have you changed the filters? Have you removed all debris near your furnace?	YES	NO
Have you made sure all hoses are coiled up and out of the way?	YES	NO
Is your fire extinguisher in good working order? Have you taught your family how to use it?	YES	NO
Have you swept your garage clean?	YES	NO
Do you keep your garage free of mice and rodents? Do you have traps available if you see rodent droppings? Do you clean up droppings and nesting areas in an appropriate manner to prevent disease? Are you educated about Hantavirus and how to keep your family safe from this virus?	YES	NO
Is there plenty of room to pull your vehicles all the way in before you close the garage door?	YES	NO
Is your garage door safety proof? Have you purchased the type that will not close if something is in the way? Are you sure your children can't be caught under it and be harmed?	YES	NO
Do you have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your garage? Have you made sure they have fresh batteries?	YES	NO
Do you have at least one paper towel dispenser installed in your garage, and do you keep it full of paper towels all the time? \| Back to Top \| Back to Injury \|	YES	NO
Do you keep your barbecue covered when not in use?	YES	NO
Do you have gasoline, kerosene, or propane in sealed tamper proof containers? Are they away from fire or flame?	YES	NO
Is your garage child injury proof?	YES	NO
If your pets sleep in your garage, are their beds clean? Are they free of rodents or mice? Do you make sure they have fresh food and water daily? Are their food and water dishes kept out of traffic areas?	YES	NO
Is your garage door locked at all times? Do you keep the back door locked whenever the family is outside or away from home? Do you understand some predators watch for families to be playing in the backyard and choose this time to break in the front door or a window?	YES	NO

If you have any suggestions about items which could be added to this worksheet, please email the Web Master. All feedback is welcome!

Tooele County Health Department Division of Community Services
151 North Main Street • Tooele Utah • 84074
(435) 277 - 2440 • Fax (435) 277-2444