Safety Product Checklist for the Senior Home

Seasonal changes are a good reminder to take stock of home safety. Like with cleaning out the house in spring, the beginning of fall can be an opportunity for homeowners to check on their safety products. Revisiting these items once each year is a wonderful way to stay on top of your home security. If you notice the temperature getting chillier, it’s time to take stock of the safety measures you have in your home – whether that means investing in a medical alert system, re-upping your home security contract, or replacing the batteries in your smoke detector.

However, knowing what to check on can be difficult, especially because the process happens annually. To help you get started, we’ve curated a safety product checklist for the senior home. We’ve also included explanations for why each item is important. If you see a product here that you don’t have, it may be time to finally make the purchase.

• Smoke Detectors – These alarms are your first defense against fires. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement, to ensure maximum coverage.

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors detect poisonous gas, which can be caused by faulty furnaces, fireplaces, generators, heating systems, and gas ranges. Place at least one detector on each floor of your home.

• Electrical Outlets – While not a safety item on their own, it’s important to check all electrical outlets with some frequency. Check the temperature of each outlet by touching the plastic covering. If they’re warm, call your electrician.

• Fire Extinguishers – At the very least, you should have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. For added protection, make sure there is an extinguisher on every floor of the home.

• Home Security Systems – Whether you already have a security system or need to re-visit your contract, this is a great time of year to reflect on your home security needs. Check to make sure all of the devices are still functional. You should also check in on your contract to see when it expires. If you’re interested in using a home security system, we have a guide to choosing the best option for your senior residence.

• Aging in Place Measures – Autumn is a good opportunity to re-assess your mobility and independence. Has anything about your health changed in the past year that you need to address? Do you still feel comfortable living independently? Should you install guard rails in the bathtub just in case? Take stock of your confidence and independence, then invest in the products you need to feel safe in your home. We have a guide with tips for making your senior home accessible. 

While the above safety products and measures are essential to home security, a medical alert system is the best safeguard against emergencies. Whether a fire, an electrical problem, or a fall threatens your safety, a medical alert system is a great strategy for receiving the help you need. Emergency services can be summoned with the push of a button. The medical alert systems Alert1 offers take senior lifestyles into consideration, too, so you can customize your device. Whether you need a mobile pendant or a home system, we have what you need. Our prices are also below typical Life Alert costs, which means you’ll have some extra money in the bank to spend on other security measures.