Accident Prevention and You...

Did you know June is National Safety Month? Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998 over 922,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday.

Here is a safety checklist for Older Consumers to prevent accidents in the home:

• Are all lamp, extension, and telephone cords out of the flow of traffic to prevent a person from slipping?

• Are all electrical cords in good condition and not frayed or cracked? Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire.

• Are smoke detectors properly located and in working order? Timely exit in case of a fire is very important.

• Are emergency phone numbers such as Police, Fire, and local Poison Control as well as neighbor's number posted by the telephone?

• Do you have access to a telephone if an emergency prevents you from standing? Place at least one close to the floor in case you are unable to stand.

• Are light bulbs the right size and type for the lamp or fixture to prevent fire?

• Do you have "poison" labels on deadly liquids?

by Carol Glasscock, MS,PT