Seasonal Home-Safety Checklist

Keeping a home safe throughout the year requires seasonal maintenance, especially for older adults or individuals with mobility challenges. Use this checklist each season to reduce fall risks, prevent accidents, and maintain a comfortable, hazard-free environment.

SPRING HOME-SAFETY CHECKLIST

General Safety

• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries

• Test all alarms and check expiration dates

• Inspect fire extinguishers

• Check for loose floorboards, uneven tiles, or lifted edges on carpets

Indoor Areas

•  Deep-clean hallways and remove clutter

•  Make sure all lighting is bright and functioning

•  Clean or replace HVAC filters

• Inspect electrical cords for fraying or damage

Bathroom Safety

•  Test grab bars for stability

• Replace non-slip mats if worn out

•  Ensure water heater is set below 120°F to prevent burns

Bedroom Safety

•  Verify that pathways to the bed are clear

• Ensure bed height is safe and easy to access

•  Consider adding support devices like the Step2Bed for safe nighttime mobility

Outdoor Safety

•  Remove pollen buildup, leaves, and debris from entrances

•  Repair cracked walkways

•  Servicing of gardening tools

SUMMER HOME-SAFETY CHECKLIST

General Safety

•  Check for mold growth in humid areas

•  Ensure fans and air-conditioning units are working correctly

•  Keep emergency contacts updated and visible

Indoor Areas

•  Inspect for pests or insects

•  Clean refrigerator coils and check for spoiled food

•  Reduce fall risks by ensuring floors stay dry during humid weather

Bathroom Safety

•  Confirm ventilation fans are working to reduce moisture

•  Replace worn shower mats

•  Keep nightlights in hallways for safe nighttime bathroom trips

Bedroom Safety

•  Switch to lighter bedding to prevent overheating

•  Make sure hydration items (water bottle, meds) are bedside

Outdoor Safety

•  Check handrails on steps for stability

•  Trim overgrown bushes that may obstruct pathways

•  Secure outdoor rugs or remove them

FALL HOME-SAFETY CHECKLIST

General Safety

•  Replace or test smoke and CO detectors before heating season

•  Schedule furnace or heater maintenance

•  Stock up on emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, blankets)

Indoor Areas

•  Ensure rugs have non-slip backing

•  Clean dryer vents to prevent fire hazards

•  Remove clutter from hallways as holiday decorations come out

Bathroom Safety

•  Add extra grab bars before winter weather increases fall risk

•  Confirm water temperature consistency

Bedroom Safety

•  Use warm but lightweight blankets to prevent tripping hazards

•  Keep the path from bed to bathroom well lit

•  If balance becomes more challenging, consider a support step like Step2Bed Mini for safer bed access

Outdoor Safety

•  Clean gutters to prevent water buildup

•  Check outdoor lighting as days get darker earlier

•  Repair loose or cracked steps

WINTER HOME-SAFETY CHECKLIST

General Safety

•  Insulate pipes to prevent freezing

•  Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items

•  Make sure emergency blankets and backup power options are accessible

Indoor Areas

• Add extra lighting in dim areas

•  Ensure walkways inside stay dry from snow or rain tracked in

•  Move frequently used items to lower shelves to avoid dangerous reaching

Bathroom Safety

• Replace old bathmats with non-slip versions

•  Ensure shower and tub grab bars are tightly installed

•  Warm bathroom surfaces to reduce slip risk

Bedroom Safety

•  Keep slippers with non-slip soles by the bed

•  Check that the bed is at a safe, easy-to-reach height

•  Consider bedside safety rails or a lift-assist device

Outdoor Safety

•  Treat walkways with salt or sand to prevent slips

•  Ensure snow and ice removal tools are in good condition

•  Add motion-sensor lighting near entryways