Thomasville Medical Center 
Home Safety Tips
| Prevention is the first step in home safety. |
It is easier to prevent an accident than to fix the damage. Your nurse will explain and document safety measures you should take with equipment, such as locking your wheelchair before standing up, not smoking if you are using oxygen and using bedside rails if a patient is confused, agitated or unconscious.
If a natural disaster, such as hurricane, tornado, major flood or severe winter weather, interrupts the normal operations of Advanced Home Care, patient visits are prioritized by an individual's current care needs. If you are unable to reach us during a natural disaster, please contact your nearest American Red Cross office.
Following these general safety tips can help make your home a safer place.
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Fires and Burns
- Set hot water temperature below 120 degrees
- Check water temperature before use
- Turn pot handles inward when using the front stove burner
- Have baking soda handy in the kitchen to throw onto fires
- Install and regularly check smoke detectors on all levels of your home
- Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
- Have an emergency exit plan
- Don't wear loose clothing while cooking
- Don't plug more than one electrical plug into an outlet
- Don't smoke in bed or when you are sleepy
- Don't refuel gas heaters while they are hot
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Electrical Shocks
- Ground all plugs and wall outlets (call your local City/County Governments Housing Services office or an electrician if you are unsure)
- Turn appliances off before you unplug them
- Unplug appliances after use
- Discard or repair appliances with frayed cords
- Don't place electrical cords under rugs or across walkways
- Don't use electrical appliances when hands or surrounding area is wet
- Don't unplug appliances by pulling cord
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Falls and Other Injuries
- Remove all scatter rugs
- Wear low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles
- Sit up and stand up slowly
- Push up from arms of chair instead of pulling on edges
- Equip your bathroom with safety devices (non-slip mats, flexible shower hose, handrails, raised toilet seat)
- Make your bedroom safe (night lights, clear floor)
- Don't sit in low, soft chairs
- Don't clutter walkways with furniture or objects
- Don't leave edges of area rugs unsecured
- Don't pull on unsecured bars or cabinets
- Don't extend phone cords across walkways
