Safety

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Safety in your home

Throughout your home ensure that:

  • Floors are not slippery.
  • Pathways are clear of extension cords and other objects.
  • Rugs have no ripples or tears.
  • Scatter mats are removed or taped to the floor.
  • Low tables are removed from the middle of the living room.
  • All furniture is sturdy.
  • Chairs have armrests and are the correct height.
  • All light fixtures have a minimum of 60 watt bulbs.
  • Entrance to every room has a light switch.
  • Stepladder or step stool is sturdy, and the step surface is not slippery.
  • Items used every day are stored within easy reach.

Entrance

  • Doors open easily.
  • There is a sturdy seat with arm rests.
  • Mail is within easy reach.
  • Exterior and interior lighting is good.
  • Outside pathways are free of lawn furniture, hoses and other objects.

Bedroom

  • A telephone is easily reached from the bed.
  • A lamp is easily reached from the bed.
  • The bed is the correct height.

Bathroom

  • Bath-tub plug is easy to reach, and to use.
  • A rubber mat is used for every bath or shower, or.
  • Anti-slip decals on the bottom of the bath-tub are no more than 2" apart.
  • There are at least two grab bars in the tub area
  • Portable grab bars (on the side of the tub) do not move when used for support.
  • Rug outside the bathtub has a rubber backing.

If you have problems getting into or out of the bath-tub, use:

  • a bath seat.
  • a hand held shower.

If you have problems sitting on or getting up from the toilet, use:

  • a raised toilet seat.
  • a grab bar conveniently located.

Stairs (inside and outside)

  • Stair edges are marked with contrasting colour.
  • All steps are the same height.
  • All steps are the same depth.
  • Stairs have a non-slip surface.
  • Handrails are present on both sides of stairs.
  • Handrail height feels comfortable when used for support.
  • Handrails extends 12 inches beyond the top and bottom steps.
  • Handrails are round.

Stairway safety checklist and recommendations

Here’s a form that will help you do a quick check. The more times you answer ”Done”, the better. Some “To do” answers will point to changes you can make to increase safety, such as adding non-slip paint or brighter lights; some may highlight dangers that may be more difficult and costly to fix (it’s hard to change the height or depth of a step). At least being aware of the hazard may help people take more care.

Safe Stairs

Questions Done To do
Are the steps no more than 18 cm (7 inches) high and consistent in height?
  • When thinking of renovations, ensure steps are of consistent height.
    
Are the steps at least 28 cm (11 inches) deep and consistent in depth?
  • When thinking of renovations, ensure steps are of consistent depth.
    
Are the stairs closed at the back so your foot can’t slip through?    
Are carpets or runners low-pile?
  • Avoid visually distracting patterns.
    
Are carpets or runners securely fastened?
  • Repair or replace tread surfaces.
  • Covering should be glued or firmly secured.
    
Do all doors open away from the steps, not over them?
  • Reverse the door hinges so that the door opens away from the steps.
    
Does the surface of all steps have a non-slip finish?
  • Apply paint or varnish that has grit mixed in by the manufacturer on all stairs.
  • DO NOT wax stairs.
    
Stairs are maintained with no deterioration?
  • Repair as needed.
    
Stairs are free of clutter or any objects at all times?
  • Mop up spills or water immediately.
    
Stairs and pathways into the building level are clear and free of ice and snow in winter?    

Visibility and Lighting

Questions Done To do
Are the edges of the stairs marked with a contrasting strip of colour (at a minimum on the top and bottom step)?
  • Use yellow or contrasting colour paint to ensure clear marking.
    
Are the stairs well lit, with at least two light switches?
  • Install a light switch at both the bottom and the top of the stairs.
    
Are the light bulbs the strongest wattage allowed in the fixtures?
  • Use at least 60 – 100 watt light bulbs.
    

Handrails

Questions Done To do
Is there a handrail? Are there (even safer) two handrails?
  • Handrails are firmly attached on both sides of the stairs.
    
Do the handrails extend uninterrupted the full length of the stairs?    
Is the circumference of the handrails 16 cm (6.25 inches) or smaller?
  • Make handrails round and small enough so two-thirds of hand wraps around.
    
Are the handrails securely fastened?
  • Repair loose or broken handrails.
    
Are the handrails free from decorations during festive celebrations?    
Adapted from Steps to Safer Stairs, Community Health Research Unit, University of Ottawa 2006

Personal habits

  • Move slowly after lying or sitting to prevent dizziness.
  • Always wear well fitted shoes or slippers with low heels and non-slip soles.
  • Do not wear long skirts, long house coats, or loose slacks.
  • Do not use bath oil.
  • Turn on a night light before going to bed.
  • Turn on a light when getting up at night.
  • Avoid using a ladder or step stool.

Safety

In the event of a medical emergency, fire or crime in progress, call 9-1-1. For information on how to prepare for an emergency call City Services at 3-1-1 or view our information on emergency preparedness for residents of Ottawa.

Ottawa Police Service

Ottawa Fire Services

  • Find out more about fire safety, prevention and education, including smoke alarms, evacuation plans, cooking safety tips and other fire prevention information, or call 613-580-2860. 

Ottawa Paramedic Service

  • Learn CPR - The Ottawa Paramedic Service offers free CPR courses for seniors at various locations throughout the City.
    Call 613-580-2424, ext. 32434 for more information.
  • Should you require paramedic services, please ensure the following:
    • The address on your house is visible, that paramedics can enter your home and that someone can take care of your pet in your absence.
    • Always keep a current list of medications and medical history available for paramedics.