Home Safety Improvements

Stay Safe in Your Own Space

Healthcare is expensive, so do your best to stay out of the ER. Even if you have insurance, the co-pay for some visits can be more than a not-so-dependable used car. The best way to stay out of the hospital waiting room is to accident-proof your home.

Since home improvements can be pricey, play the odds. Focus on things that are more likely to happen. Falls are the most common cause of ER-worthy accidents that occur at home, followed by burns, poisonings and choking (usually on food). Spend wisely -- start cheap and work your way up.

First, Change Your Behavior -- It's Free!

Spin those pot and pan handles around when you're cooking at the stove. Pointing them in rather than out keeps the kids or Grandpa (Grandma knows better) from catching on them and risking a nasty burn.

Make safety a priority around the house. Not only will keeping the house from burning down be good for your health, it's cheaper than rebuilding. Besides turning handles in, there are plenty of other free things you can do to crank up the safety around your living space:

• Adjust your water heater to 120 degrees (cuts down on burns and saves energy, too)
• Clean greasy stoves, ovens and exhaust hoods to prevent grease fires
• Clean lint-filled dryer vents
• Take smaller bites and chew your food
• Keep cleaning agents and chemicals locked up and away from kids
• Use caution with medications
• Don't mix bleach and ammonia
• Use ladders wisely
• Learn to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do for cuts and burns
• Make a evacuation plan for the house, and have regular fire drills

Make Change with Loose Change

These safety fixes won't take much cash. Shake a few pennies out of the piggy bank and make the house safe for young and old.

• Replace old smoke alarms
• Put fire ladders in upstairs bedrooms
• Test your smoke alarms and change the batteries
• Install safety locks on cabinets to keep kids out
• Put outlet covers on all electrical outlets
• Use child gates, doorknob covers and door locks to keep toddlers where you want them
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs; you're less likely to trip and fall if you can see where you're going
• Install carbon monoxide detectors
• Have gas appliances -- stoves, furnaces and dryers -- inspected for leaks
• Tape down area rugs and use carpet edges
• Tear out poisonous plants

Major Safety Means More Money

Once you've changed your behavior and fixed the little things, it's time to make major adjustments to the house. These are going to cost the most, and you'll have to weigh the potential benefits against the cost.

In some cases, changes to accommodate a disability may be covered by insurance, so check with your insurance carrier. Some fixes to consider:

• Smooth walkways, decks, sidewalks and driveways; cracks should be filled or ground down to avoid tripping
• Install handrails on both sides of staircases
• Install ramps outside to get rid of those pesky steps
• Add lighting to light your way

Stay Healthy to Stay Safe

With most insurance plans and HMOs, a visit to the doctor is cheaper than a trip to the ER, so go for those yearly check-ups. Be sure that includes an eye examination, too, as a new pair of glasses may be the best way to avoid falling at home. Staying healthy also helps you stay active, which builds muscle and helps everyone -- especially seniors -- avoid tumbles.

• Get yearly physicals
• Exercise
• Eat a balanced diet
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
• Keep your mind sharp by taking a class
• Have a little fun, which may include ignoring one or two of these once in a while (hey, we're all human)