Most accidents occurring within the home are preventable. The following home safety guidelines are designed to assist you in maintaining safety within your home:

• Assure adequate lighting within your home. Consider the use of lampshades or frosted bulbs to assist in the reduction of glare that may impair vision.
• Avoid the use of throw rugs. They may slip and cause you to lose your footing, and if not anchored well (such as with double sided tape), they may bunch and become an obstacle that may cause a fall. This risk increases if walking assistance devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers, are in use. This type of danger is also present if carpeting is loose or torn or if electrical cords or other obstacles are placed in walkways or across doorways.
• Install handrails and lights within staircases, and keep stairwells free of obstacles.
• Use non-slip mats or appliqués in the bathtub or shower, and install grab bars on the shower wall or near the toilet.
• Never smoke in bed or around oxygen or oxygen delivery equipment.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent slips or falls.
• Keep a fire extinguisher within your home, preferably in the kitchen, and be sure you know how to use it properly, including which types of fire on which it may be used.