assignment 2 home safety

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Home Safety for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Guide 2024

Key takeaways.

• NCOA  works to compile resources for older adults’ safety to ensure everyone has the support necessary to maintain their independence.
• 74% of adults over the age of 50 live in single-family homes.
• When assessing your home’s safety, consider going room-by-room with our comprehensive checklist to ensure you find all potential hazards.
• Some of the biggest home safety concerns older adults face include fires, falls, and medication use
• Mattresses and bedding are some of the primary causes of home fires and deaths , whereas falls happen due to clutter, obstacles like stairs, and even medication interactions
• Many safety modifications for your home are affordable and easy to do yourself.

As we age, our homes should continue to be a place where we feel safe, secure, and comfortable. But research shows the exact opposite is sometimes true. A 2014 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found 28.7% of adults over the age of 65 reported falling at least once in the last 12 months. 1 Another study by the Hospital for Special Surgery found 60% of falls happen in the home . 2 To help prevent falls and other accidents, you can make safety modifications to your environment and eliminate common hazards.

Our Reviews Team assembled this guide and checklist highlighting home safety tips and helpful devices to ensure your home, or your loved one’s home, continues to be a safe environment for aging in place.

Help in an emergency

Having tools and processes in place to get help in an emergency and minimize damage from falls, accidents, or other dangers is vital. The systems and processes below can help ensure you get the help you need when you need it—with no time wasted.

Home security system

The first emergency tool you can use is a general home security system. A special report released by the U.S. Department of Justice showed about 93% of all crime experienced by adults 65 and older was property crime, which includes general theft, burglary, and car theft. 3 Using even a small system that alerts you when certain home barriers are breached or if someone is near an entryway of the home can help you be more alert and reach out for help if it’s needed.

Choosing a system with a camera and speaker system can allow you to preview people at the door from wherever you are in the home, so you can speak to them if necessary. This can help you determine whether it’s even necessary to answer the door, as well as allow you to inform visitors it will take you a few minutes to get to the door. You can take your time instead, so you don’t increase your fall risk by rushing.

Medical alert system

Useful for getting help in an emergency, medical alert devices often include a wearable help button, which, in the event of a fall or another emergency, the wearer can push to connect with a 24/7 monitoring center. Research shows a medical alert device can help give users a stronger sense of security and independence and can bring peace of mind, even for people not at high risk of falling. 4

Emergency phone tree

You’ll want to establish a process for alerting family members and caregivers if there’s an accident or if help is needed. An emergency phone tree, which specifies which caregivers and family/friends to contact in an emergency and in what order, can help alert others of an emergency and get the help you need quickly.

With some medical alert systems, you can set friends and family as emergency contacts. For example, when you push the button you can customize the alert to summon the operator as well as your first emergency contact. This can streamline your emergency phone tree and ensure your caregivers are the first people aware of an emergency.

• Create an emergency phone tree
• Consider purchasing a medical alert system if you or someone you care for are concerned about falls risks
• Home security systems can help prevent theft and allow you to communicate better with visitors

Interior home safety

When assessing the safety of the inside of the home, it might be easiest to go through each room, taking notes as you go, to spot potential hazards and make changes as needed. Be sure to use the tips below and our printable checklist .

General considerations for home safety

First, we will discuss general safety considerations that should be applied throughout the home and then move through measures that are room-specific.

As a general rule, keep a list of emergency phone numbers in an accessible place, preferably near a phone or stored in your cellphone. Consider prioritizing contacts who live close to you, so if there’s an emergency, they can reach you promptly.

Increasing the lighting in your home doesn’t need to be an expensive fix requiring an electrician or rewiring your home.

First, consider replacing current bulbs with LED lightbulbs with higher brightness in areas or rooms that need more lighting. These bulbs will also last longer, so you won’t need to change them as often. If you’re easily bothered by bright lights, you may want to install dimmer light switches, so you can adjust the brightness according to your needs. “Dimmer switches are an excellent suggestion for folks that have cataracts, too,” noted Christopher Norman , a geriatric nurse practitioner in New York State. “While fluorescent lighting is often the worst for people with cataracts, bright LED lighting can sometimes create discomfort, too.”

If you’re looking to add lighting in places not currently wired for traditional light bulbs, consider purchasing LED light strips to plug into existing outlets. They can easily illuminate walkways and give extra lighting under cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom. Our Reviews Team found LED light strips for as little as $15 from Home Depot .

You might also want to consider adding motion-detection lights. These lights are great for interior and exterior use and are perfect if you don’t want to worry about using switches or remotes to light up the room. Using motion-detection night lights in hallways can make trips to the bathroom easier at night, so you won’t stumble looking for the light switch. “Light-sensor nightlights that can plug into outlets are helpful, too—they come on automatically when light dims below a certain point, illuminating hallways better,” added Norman. We also found motion-detection lights at Home Depot starting at $14.

Removing trip hazards

One of the easiest ways to prevent a slip or fall is to wear nonslip footwear, like slippers, that are comfortable and easy to walk in. Look for footwear with a closed heel to prevent the shoe from coming off your foot, as well as a rubberized or textured sole to create traction when walking. Norman noted that having a hard sole is often helpful. “Slippers can still be comfy and have a hard sole. A hard sole contributes to more sensation being transmitted from the bottoms of the feet, which in turn provides a greater sense of stability and balance—thus falls prevention,” he said. This is especially important for people with diabetes, he added. “Excess sugar in the blood over a long period of time decreases nerve function and sensation. This is why some people talk about a tingly sensation in their hands and feet when diabetes is ‘uncontrolled.’”

When conducting your home assessment, pay special attention to the floor. Something as simple as a throw rug can bunch up under a walker, a cane, or your feet and easily turn into a fall hazard. Even traditional nonslip mats can become a hazard if the mat creates the slightest elevation rise between steps.

Consider removing all rugs, especially from high-traffic walkways, or at least replacing them with vinyl rugs. Vinyl rugs are low-profile, so they don’t create an elevation change, and are made of slip-resistant material that won’t bunch up under your feet or other walking aids. Any area rugs (larger rugs used in a sitting area) should be fixed to the floor to keep them from moving. “Another caveat to this is in bathrooms that have porcelain or tile floors: Having something nonskid that’s appropriately tacked down can be, not only aesthetically pleasing, but falling onto a carpet rather than directly onto a tile floor can sometimes make a difference in the extent of fall-related injuries,” added Norman.

Also, note any thresholds transitioning between flooring types and rooms. Ideally, they should be completely flat to make sure they aren’t a trip hazard. If a threshold presents a drastic change in elevation, and you can’t replace it with a flat one, you can install a small threshold ramp on either side of the threshold to make it less of a tripping hazard.

Replacing pulls

It can be difficult to grip certain handles or turn knobs, particularly if you have reduced dexterity or arthritis, so to keep day-to-day life more comfortable, consider replacing commonly used handles, doorknobs, and other pulls with more comfortable ones. “D” handles are known for being the easiest to use because you don’t need to grip them to open them. Rather, you can simply loop your hand around the handle and pull.

If it’s not in your budget to replace all handles throughout your home, prioritize replacing the ones getting daily use, like in the primary bathroom and on kitchen cabinets.

Accessibility of everyday items

As you’re walking through your home, ask questions and take notes about what items are used every day and where they’re stored. This includes large and small items. For example, if you or your loved one takes daily medication, consider using an easy-to-open pill container with clear labeling. Make sure larger items are in an accessible location, as well as in a location where you won’t have to perform any overhead lifting and bending. Of course, it’s impossible to put every item in a place that’s easy to access. Ask for assistance from family and friends when needing to reach items that are not within reach.

Reducing the risk of burns

As we age, our skin becomes more likely to be hurt by heat because of changes in skin composition, noted Norman. If you’ll be taking hot showers or using hot water in the kitchen, consider reducing the temperature setting on your hot water heater to prevent burns. Also, be mindful when boiling water, and when possible, use an electric kettle with an easy-pour spout rather than a pan over the stove.

Living area

The living area is a space in the home where the majority of your day is spent. Arrange the furniture to keep a clear walkway and pay close attention to coffee or other low-level tables, which can be tripping hazards. Consider removing coffee tables and replacing them with tables placed adjacent to the most frequently used couches and chairs. The most frequently used chairs should be high enough, so it’s easy to get in and out of. If you use a landline as your primary phone, consider putting it close to the sitting area to make answering calls easier. If you use a cordless phone or cellphone, make a charging station nearby to keep devices at full power.

Also, consider pets, especially cats and dogs. According to a report released by the CDC , an estimated average of 86,629 fall injuries each year were associated with cats and dogs. 5 While they make great companions, our pets can also get underfoot. You can try putting a bell or other noise-making device on your pet’s collar so you’ll know where they are at all times. But you might not hear a bell if you’re experiencing hearing loss. Other ways to avoid tripping over pets include training them, knowing their habits so you’re not taken off guard, knowing your surroundings, and making sure they get enough attention and exercise.

• Be sure heavy furniture is safely secured to avoid tip-overs .
• Consider removing or moving low-level tables or furniture to prevent tripping
• Keep a charging station next to the sitting area for easy access to devices
• If using an area rug, make sure it’s fixed to the floor, and the edges won’t bunch up under your feet or walking aid
• Be aware of your pets

Walkways and stairways

When assessing hallways, look for potential trip hazards, like throw rugs and thresholds, and consider adding handrails along the walls. Even if you or your loved one are fully mobile, installing a handrail is good for fall prevention. Adding bright contrast tape to uneven parts of the floor can help you be more aware when walking. If electrical cords or other lines or cables are crossing the path, relocate the device to another plug more out of the way to reduce the possibility of tripping over the cables.

If you or your loved one uses a walking aid and has a multi-story home, you may want to invest in a stair lift for the stairway. This can reduce the time it takes to move up the steps and remove the risk of falling up or down the stairs. If a stair lift isn’t in your budget, adding nonslip treads or carpeting to steps with a smooth surface can also help reduce the risk of falling. Make sure there is adequate lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs and light switches in both places. If you are using the stairs at night, think about adding motion detection lights along the steps to keep the stairs illuminated. Adding a strip of reflective tape at the end of each step can also be helpful, noted Norman.

• Add nonslip tread covers to steps
• Use motion detection lighting to illuminate halls and stairwells
• Install handrailing throughout halls and up the stairs
• Consider installing a stair lift (if needed)
• Move cables that cross high-traffic areas to prevent tripping
• If there are thresholds or uneven flooring, use bright tape to mark the hazard

Bedroom Safety

The bedroom can harbor risks that disproportionately affect older adults, and awareness and proactive measures can help prevent potential accidents associated with bed and room falls, bedding hygiene, circulation issues, mattress safety, and fires.

Falling out of bed is a significant concern for older adults, as it can lead to severe injuries and a decline in overall quality of life. Bed falls may be caused by mobility issues resulting from reduced strength and balance, along with chronic health conditions. Medications, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, sleep aids, and antihistamines, are associated with dizziness or imbalance, increasing the risk of falls. And, if an older adult has impaired vision, wakes frequently throughout the night, or the room is poorly lit or cluttered, these individuals are also at an increased risk of bed falls. 

To lower the likelihood of a fall, we suggest making adjustments to the bed, such as placing it next to a wall, lowering the height, or switching to an adjustable base bed. Adding bed rails, keeping walkers close by, and adding foam bumpers as barriers are additional safety steps to prevent bed falls. Removing clutter and cords around the bed as well as using a bed alarm to alert caregivers when you are getting out of bed are added steps you can take to increase bed safety.

Mattress Safety

A softer mattress tends to contour to the body, allowing the sleeper to sink into the bed. While this can be comfortable for some, these beds are often difficult to rise from. Make sure the mattress is comfortable but firm, and avoid a soft or saggy mattress altogether. 

As we age, what we need from a mattress may change. If you find you are looking for a new mattress to meet those needs, take a look at mattresses for back pain or specific chronic pain conditions.

Circulation issues

Circulatory problems and heart disease go hand-in-hand since your heart is in charge of circulating your blood, and these circulation issues can lead to discomfort, numbness, and pain, making it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position. In some cases, older adults may find relief only in specific sleep positions or with their feet hanging off the end of the bed, which may pose a safety hazard for falls or other injuries. Improving circulation can alleviate these issues and contribute to a safer, more comfortable sleep environment.

There are many strategies aimed at reducing circulation problems , including using pillows or an adjustable base to elevate the feet, getting regular exercise, and taking a warm bath before bed. Compression stockings, a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water are additional steps that can be taken to improve problems with circulation.

Bedding hygiene

Maintaining good bedding hygiene is crucial for both comfort and health. Unclean bedding can breed bacteria, which can lead to a host of issues like skin irritations and infections. Regularly washing sheets in hot water kills bacteria and germs. Wash at least once a week, more often if incontinence is an issue, and use a mattress protector to prevent moisture from seeping into the mattress. 

Scented laundry detergents can irritate the skin, so we suggest opting for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free options to minimize reactions. Additionally, by practicing good skin hygiene, changing sleep positions often, and checking for pressure sores, you can help prevent skin issues that could result in an infection.

The first step of kitchen safety is making sure your appliances, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. Check appliances for frayed cords or malfunction when completing your kitchen safety assessment. Smoke and gas detectors should be installed according to National Fire Protection Association guidelines and should be tested at least once per month, and batteries should be replaced at least once per year. 6 If you don’t want the hassle of replacing batteries regularly, you may prefer smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries, which last up to 10 years, and will alert you with a chirp when the battery is low.

According to the American Burn Association , adults 65 and older are at much higher risk of injury and death from a kitchen fire due to physical, visual, hearing, or mental impairments, which may slow the quick action necessary in a fire emergency. 7 If you have a hard time hearing, choose a detector that will alert you by sound and strobe lights. If you ever have a fire emergency or a detector goes off, call 911 immediately. You should not try to put out the fire yourself. Another helpful fire safety tip is to be aware of the flame height on burners when cooking with a gas stove and avoid wearing long sleeves that could easily catch fire.

If using knives, purchase pierce-resistant safety gloves to protect from cuts, and use a rubberized cutting board to prevent the knife from slipping while chopping. Vegetable choppers are a safe alternative to using knives to cut or dice foods.

• Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per the manufacturer’s instructions
• Check appliances for frayed cords and ensure they’re in working order
• Keep the phone number for poison control accessible
• Wear appropriate clothing when cooking (short sleeves and fire-resistant material)
• Purchase cut-resistant protective gloves and rubberized cutting boards

A study published in the Injury Epidemiology Journal reported that falls occurring in the bathroom are more than twice as likely to result in an injury compared to falls occurring in the living room. 8 This makes bathroom safety one of the top concerns for older adults who choose to age in place. Investing in a walk-in tub can be an effective way to prevent falls while getting into and out of the shower or tub. If a walk-in-tub renovation isn’t in your budget, there are other more affordable options to provide additional safety and comfort.

This includes adding nonslip gripping material to the shower or tub floor and installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub to help you remain stable. Rugs are great for catching water around the bathing area, but make sure you’re using nonslip mats, so they won’t bunch up when you walk on them.

• Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub area
• Add gripping to the bottom of the tub or shower
• Insert a shower chair or bench
• Replace low toilets with higher ones, or add a raised toilet seat
• Secure nonslip bath mats or rugs to the floor
• Install durable and easy-to-use faucets (consider using a single-handle faucet)

Exterior home safety

Depending on how often you or your loved one leaves the home, making appropriate exterior modifications may be a good idea to keep your environment safe and comfortable. This starts with keeping entryways accessible by installing handrails and ramps, if needed, to get in and out of the home. Also make sure that lighting is working and is adequate by fully lighting up the space when it is dark.

Using bright solar lights or motion detection lights around steps and walkways will help you see where you’re going and prevent falls, and since they aren’t constantly on, they will need to be replaced less frequently than traditional overhead lights.

Seasonal and material considerations

During the winter months, take extra precautions when using steps or walking on icy concrete. If you’re unable to do it yourself, see whether a neighbor or family member can help salt your steps and walkways to reduce ice build-up, and always use assistance (handrailing or another person) when using steps. If it’s in the budget, there are snow removal services you can hire to keep your driveway and walkways clear.

Also, consider the impact of the elements on steps and walkways, which can degrade over time, causing these areas to break down and become uneven. Maintaining these high-traffic spaces is important for keeping your home free of fall hazards. If you start to notice bricks crumbling or the walkway becoming uneven, consult a concrete repair specialist.

• Entryway lighting (motion detector or always-on lighting)
• Ramps when necessary
• Railings around all steps
• Keep mats to a minimum (to prevent trips and falls)
• Clear walkways leading to the point of entry
• Make sure the front door (and storm door) is easy to open, lock, and unlock

Other home safety considerations

Fire safety .

Fire prevention and preparedness is of utmost importance in your bedroom as in other rooms of your home. Certain renovations, such as installing a sprinkler system, and keeping items like fire blankets or extinguishers easily accessible can help you if an emergency situation should arise. It’s also a good idea to plan your fire evacuation by ensuring your fire alarm is working properly and practicing fire drills every so often.

Electrical safety

Since electrical fires most commonly start in the bedroom, take care and avoid trapping electrical cords under bedding or against walls where heat can build up. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains, and other combustible items away from space heaters, and only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. 

Check cords regularly to make sure they are not frayed, and make sure the fuse box in your home is properly labeled for clear and safe use.

Medication safety

It is important to take all medications exactly as they are prescribed by your healthcare provider, educating yourself on potential side effects that could pose safety risks.

Adopting a few simple habits can go a long way when it comes to medication safety, including checking expiration dates regularly and keeping a list of medications up-to-date to show your healthcare provider if they’re considering prescribing a new medication. Lastly, store medications in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing them to extreme heat or moisture.

Products to help older adults age in place

Properly fitting nonslip footwear, easy-to-open pill dispensers, and appropriate eyewear are just a few everyday items you can purchase to make independent living safer and more comfortable. Additionally, there are certain devices and products specifically created to help older adults age in place.

Medical alert systems

A medical alert system is a device that allows you to connect with a 24/7 monitoring center at the push of a button. With some medical alert systems, like HandsFree Health, you can customize it, so your caregiver receives your emergency alerts when you push the button for help. Other systems can give you the benefit of automatic fall detection , so if you fall, the system will automatically contact a monitoring center staff member who can call for help. A variety of systems are available for in-home or on-the-go lifestyles, so you can find one to fit your needs.

GPS trackers

GPS trackers are small devices that can help track someone’s location. These work using a Global Position System (GPS), so a connection to the internet or other wireless service isn’t required. You can purchase GPS trackers separately, like as a watch, or many medical alert systems come with GPS already installed and a corresponding caregiver app, which allows you to track someone when they’re on the move. The Alzheimer’s Association reported six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once. 10 A GPS can help locate a lost person and reduce their exposure to danger. These devices are generally discreet and can easily be tucked away in a bag.

Hearing aids

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when living independently. If you or someone in your care has been having trouble hearing, consider taking an online hearing test or seeing an audiologist for a more in-depth hearing test to discuss hearing aids .

If you don’t already own a cellphone and regularly leave the home, consider getting a cellphone, so you can easily reach someone in the event of an emergency. Some mobile phones, like Jitterbug , also double as a medical alert system and come with access to a monitoring system, so all you need to do is press a button to summon help if you fall or are in an accident.

Walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs offer a safe, comfortable, and convenient way to bathe, especially if you experience mobility issues. The door on a walk-in tub swings either out or in and has a low threshold, making it easier to step over. Plus, walk-in tubs often come with jet features, which can help ease sore joints. Walk-in tubs come in many models, with some including a shower combination. The cost to install a walk-in tub ranges from $5,000–$20,000, depending on the size, features, and renovation required to install.

In-home consultations

If you want extra guidance when making a home safer, consider using a home safety specialist. These professionals will perform an in-home consultation, make suggestions about how to make the environment safer, and will even install equipment or make modifications based on their suggestions. This can help take the pressure off of you to find all potential hazards and leave it to a person who specializes in home safety. These professionals include occupational and physical therapists and certified aging in place specialists .

Home safety for aging adults checklist

Use our room-by-room checklist below as you walk through your home and note potential safety hazards and modifications you should make.

Click here for the PDF printable checklist.

• Motion detection lighting for use at night
• Overhead lighting to illuminate the entryway
• Security system to prevent home intrusion
• Ramp installation (if needed)
• Handrails along all steps
• Clear walkway from the parking area to home entry
• Front door and storm door is lightweight and easy to open
• Mats should be low-profile and not create a fall risk
• Doorknob is easy to turn
• Motion detection lights to illuminate the hall
• Handrailing throughout walkways (if needed)
• No throw rugs that create fall hazards (replace with vinyl rugs if needed)
• No wiring or cords crossing high-traffic areas
• Stair lift (if needed)
• Nonslip stair treads
• Motion detection lights on steps
• Handrailing
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work and are present in kitchen (and throughout the home)
• Appliances are working correctly (no frayed wires or error codes)
• The phone number for poison control is accessible
• Appropriate clothing is worn when cooking (short sleeves and fire-resistant material)
• Cut-resistant protective gloves and rubberized cutting boards
• Walkways are clear
• No low-level tables or furniture that can cause tripping
• Landline or cellphone charging station is next to the sitting area
• Bed is easy to get into and out of (keep a step stool nearby for bed access)
• The room is clutter-free for more restful sleep
• Charging station for devices near bed
• Mount grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub area
• Install walk-in-tub/shower (if needed)
• Add a nonslip mat on the tub or shower floor
• Use nonslip mats around the bathing area
• Replace faucet handles with ones that are easy to use
• Replace low toilets or toilet seats with higher ones to make it easier to get on and off
• Plan and practice a fire evacuation route
• Replace heating blankets with frayed cords and remove cords from near walls or under blankets.
• Keep an updated list of medications 
• Store medications in dry, cool place and regularly check expiration dates

How to pay for home safety modifications

If you need financial assistance for home safety modifications, there are several options available, including home improvement grants, long-term material loans, and certain Medicare plans.

Home improvement grants are generally offered on a one-time basis for a single specific home modification project. They do not need to be repaid.

Some organizations offer long-term loans for certain kinds of home modification materials, such as portable wheelchair ramps. These may be borrowed until they are no longer needed.

While original Medicare usually does not cover the cost of home modifications, there are several exceptions. Medicare might pay for assistive technology devices, which can be part of a home modification project, if they’re considered medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. Medicare may also offer assistance in determining which home modifications can be considered a medical requirement. Medicare Part B will cover the costs of a home evaluation from an occupational therapist to determine necessary changes. In certain instances, Medicare will also pay for bathroom modifications, including walk-in tubs, although this is rare. Generally, Medicare assistance is limited to any hardware associated with a home modification but not for construction costs.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have more coverage for home modifications. These plans tend to offer additional benefits, which may include home modifications that are considered medically necessary. Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans vary from one state to another, so you should check the supplemental benefits offered where you live.

Printable home safety checklist

Unable to display PDF file. Download instead. 

Bottom line

Home safety should be at the top of the list when choosing to age in place. If you want to assess the overall safety of your home, print out our Reviews Team’s home safety checklist and walk through each room of your house and take notes. This will make you more aware of potential hazards and how they can be removed or modified.

Frequently asked questions

You can make your home safer by using our safety checklist to complete a room-by-room walk-through of your home. Take notes of all potential hazards and review our suggestions for minimizing risks and enacting prevention protocols.

If you want to receive alerts of potential health or safety concerns, there are several monitoring systems you can invest in. Medical alert systems can help you keep tabs on someone when they’re on the move, as well as medication use, eating habits, and sleep patterns.

A large majority of injury-causing accidents occur in the bathroom, making it one of the most hazardous rooms in the house. Some of the easiest modifications you can make to your home are adding grab bars and gripping mats to the bottom of your tub or shower. Adding a walk-in tub can help minimize the risk of a fall, though this is a pricy investment.

First, perform a safety walk-through of the home yourself or hire a professional service. “These can often be covered by insurance when ordered (‘getting a script’) by a health care provider. Nurses and occupational therapists are trained to do these kinds of assessments, for example,” noted Norman. Also occupational therapist home assessments are covered by Medicare .

Second, make suggested modifications based on the results of the home safety assessment. Third, invest in devices that will alert you or a medical term if an accident occurs. Fourth, if the home is not your own, make frequent visits to ensure no hazards have developed in your absence. Fifth, make sure you or your loved one regularly attends screenings and appointments with a health care provider to stay on top of your health.

Have questions about this review? Email us at  [email protected] .

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls and Fall Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years. Sept. 23, 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6537a2.htm
• Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Addressing Falls Prevention Among Older Adults, Part I: Understanding Why Falls Happen. March 29, 2011. Found on the internet at https://www.hss.edu/conditions_addressing-falls-prevention-older-adults-understanding.asp
• U.S. Department of Justice. Special Report. Crimes Against the Elderly, 2003–2013. November 2014. Found on the internet at https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/cae0313.pdf
• Stokke, R. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. July 14, 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965612/
• Department of Justice. Elder abuse statistics. Found on the internet at https://www.justice.gov/file/1098056/download
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nonfatal Fall-Related Injuries Associated with Dogs and Cats — United States, 2001–2006. March 27, 2009. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5811a1.htm
• National Fire Protection Association. Installing and maintaining smoke alarms. Found on the internet at https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarms/installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms
• American Burn Association. Cooking Safety for Older Adults. Found on the internet at https://ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cobranded_aba119_burnprevention-cookingolderadults_113018-1.pdf
• Injury Epidemiology. Circumstances and outcomes of falls among high risk community-dwelling older adults. March 20, 2014. Found on the internet at https://injepijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2197-1714-1-5
• ADA National Network. Accessible Lodging. February 2017. Found on the internet at https://adata.org/factsheet/accessible-lodging
• Alzheimer’s Association. Wandering. Retrieved June 7, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

A Guide to Home Safety: Identifying and Preventing Hazards

Written By: Derek Prall | Updated August 9, 2024

For most, being at home conjures feelings of safety, warmth, and security . After spending heaps of time, money, and effort buying or renting a home, people are often too exhausted to even begin thinking about how to prevent hazards or accidents.

The truth is, most mishaps at home can be easily prevented, which is why it's so important to take the necessary — and often fairly simple — measures to do so. This is especially the case for families with young children or seniors . The last thing you want is to be confronted with a dangerous situation and find that it is too late to do something about it.

Like many things, home safety begins with awareness. This guide is designed to help homeowners identify and reduce hazard risks in their residences. Specifically, we will go over top home hazards, methods for cultivating a safer home, household toxins, and the dangers that kids and older adults face.

Awareness alone is not enough to keep your family safe, but it will get you started. Once you are familiar with the various home hazards and how to prevent them, you can invest time and elbow grease to bring home safety to life.

Insight from Industry Experts

Before delving into the specifics on how to identify and prevent home hazards, let's see what industry experts have to say:

Shocking Statistics on Home Hazards

Preventable home hazards cause many injuries and deaths. In case you were wondering…

Most Common Home Hazards and How to Prevent Them

There are countless home hazards that exist. Below are the leading causes of accidents and unintentional home injuries, and some tips on how to make your home safer .

Falls are especially detrimental to young children and seniors aged 60 and up . Common household products often associated with severe falls include baby walkers, windows, trampolines, and other playground equipment.

Prevent household members from falling by implementing the following measures:

Fires & Burns

Cooking fires are the top cause of home fires and home injuries , according to the National Fire Protection Association. Meanwhile, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Electricity, smoking, and candles pose their share of fire hazards, too. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to reduce the risks:

The stats on drowning are grim. For example, the CDC points out that drowning is the number-two cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. The majority of these drownings occur in home swimming pools.

Meanwhile, Stanford Children’s Health explains that most drownings of children under age 1 year occur in bathtubs . Toilets and buckets are other common sites of household drownings. Take the following precautions to significantly reduce the chances of a drowning at home:

Choking & Suffocating

Obstructed airways can be fatal and are divided into three main types: suffocation, choking, and strangulation.

SUFFOCATION

The suffocation death rate for infants has climbed as more parents share a bed with their babies. In fact, researchers say the rate has increased from 12.4 per 1,000 U.S. infants in 1999 to 28.3 per 1,000 in 2015. Take these steps to prevent suffocation:

Choking involves something obstructing the airway internally, like a part of a toy or a piece of food stuck in a person's throat. Prevent choking issues at home by considering these precautions:

STRANGULATION

Window cords are responsible for one child death a month on average, due to strangulation – any type of external compression around the airway. Keep these tips in mind to prevent strangulations in your home :

Poisoning affects people of all ages. Younger children are susceptible because they get into cleaning supplies and other toxic household products. They overdose on vitamins and medicines not taken under proper adult supervision.

Teens and adults are also at risk from appetite suppressants, heroin, amphetamines, antidepressants, motor vehicle exhaust gas, anesthetics, and even caffeine and alcohol. There’s also carbon monoxide poisoning. The good news is, there are easy actions you can take to prevent accidental poisonings at home:

Working From Home Safety Tips

Working from home has become less of a corporate workaround and more of a way of life. Many enjoy this format; it’s comfortable, economical (saves tons of commuting time and costs), and we have a bit more control over our surroundings than we would in a shared office.

For others, however, transitioning to telework comes with challenges. We’ve been living the WFH life since the early 2010s, and from time to time we’re asked for tips, tricks, or takeaways about remote work. How will I stay focused? How will I stay motivated?

And – just as important – how will I stay safe?

Indeed, we should always take steps to ensure a safe working environment, whether we’re buzzing about in a Wall Street skyscraper or nestled comfortably in a home office.

First on our list? Keep your electronics – and all the wires, cords, and outlets you’ll need to connect them – organized safely. We can’t stress enough how important surge protectors are; we need several devices to do our job, so we make sure to use a surge protector. This way, all of that valuable equipment – some of which might belong to your employer – won’t be damaged in a power surge.

Next, be sure to purchase and use comfortable, ergonomic home office equipment like a sturdy chair with lumbar support, a keyboard wrist supporter, and adequate lighting so that you don’t have to strain your eyes. Another great investment is eyeglasses that are specifically made to cut the blue light emitted by your computer screen.

Finally, we highly recommend investing in a home security system. You may be able to write off your home security kit and monitoring (or at least some of it) as a tax deduction, seeing that it’ll be protecting your work computer and other work-related items. At any rate, it’s worth looking into.

Final Thoughts

This guide is by no means comprehensive, but it should help renters and homeowners identify and reduce common home hazards. We recommend addressing the hazards this guide points out and working from there. You can even hire professionals to come over and perform assessments. Security consultants, insurance agents, and eldercare advisors are just a few options. Check with your doctor for suggestions.

Additional Resources

Below are additional resources to help you prevent accidents and reduce the risks of home hazards:

EPA This resource goes over the different types of dangers in the home.

CPSC The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides ample information on the dangers of different products that you may have in your residence.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Here, you will find valuable tips on general emergency preparedness.

Pool Safely If you have a pool at home, take a look at this website which includes pool safety guidelines for families.

Safe Kids Home safety is especially important for your little ones. Learn more about how to keep your residence safe for children.

Poison Control Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online if you think you or someone at home may be poisoned. It is free and confidential.

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StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

StatPearls [Internet].

Home safety techniques.

Kathryn L. Davis ; Donald D. Davis .

Affiliations

Last Update: July 17, 2023 .

• Definition/Introduction

An individual's surrounding environment, particularly his or her home environment, can significantly impact one's overall health and well-being. Furthermore, an individual's home's condition can dramatically influence one's risk for domestic accidents and subsequent suffering. [1]  Home safety must be evaluated, discussed with patients and caregivers, and considered continuously when making decisions about the future of the patient's care in order to maximize their health outcomes.  

Home safety is significant for people of all ages. Young children may be at risk for injury or suffering from unintentional poisoning, falls from heights, drowning, or scalds and burns. [2] [3]  Older adults are commonly at risk for falls because of decreases in eyesight or mobility. [1]  At any stage of life, people may be at risk from faulty or improperly used appliances like smoke detectors or improperly installed electrical circuits. [1] [2] [3]  Because there are a broad range of potential hazards within the home, home safety evaluations and assessments can be critical in identifying and removing potential home hazards.

Some home safety assessments include: [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

• This pre-discharge assessment is an interview and observation-based assessment that evaluates an individual's ability to engage in functional activities safely. 
• This tool assesses changes in performance and safety in the home before home modifications and after home modifications. 
• A short, 25-item assessment for identifying fall hazards in the homes of older adults
• This tool has a long-form and a short-form and targets potential fall risks in older adults. 
• Patients and patient caregivers can use this self-assessment tool to self-identify and correct potential fall hazards. 
• Some practitioners create their own checklists for home safety evaluation. These checklists can help to identify hazards to child/infant safety, hazards for individuals with differing levels of physical or cognitive disability, adults who are aging in place, or any general area of home safety. 

Techniques and interventions for home safety are as varied as the potential hazards. Some strategies are as simple as removing the potential risk. [2] [3]  For example, eliminating small hard objects that may be choking hazards from a home with a young child or lowering the temperature of the hot water heater to reduce the risk of burns in the home of an older adult. Other strategies may involve adding or routinely checking safety measures such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. [2] [7]  Home modification techniques work to reduce environmental barriers to safe, functional performance through the use of activity modifications, the addition of assistive devices, or even changes to the architecture of the house. [7]  Finally, patient and caregiver centered education about home safety techniques can lead to long-term reduction of risk of suffering from home hazards. [8] [9]

• Issues of Concern

Common injuries due to hazards in the home include falls, ingestion accidents, and heat accidents. [1] [2] [7]

Falls can lead to serious injury and complications in individuals of all ages. Hazards that may increase the risk of falls include wires or loose rugs in walkways, steep steps or steps without a hand railing, and even cluttered floor space. [1] [7]  To prevent falls and injuries from falls in young children, some home safety strategies may include home modification by installing gates at the top and bottom of staircases or modifying sharp corners of counters or fireplaces. [1] For older adults, home safety interventions may include patient or caregiver education on safe ambulation techniques and how to identify fall hazards and home modifications, including removing clutter and freeing up walk spaces, installing grab bars in showers and bathrooms, and removing or securing loose rugs and wires. [8] [1] [6] [7]

Ingestion accidents are also a serious risk across the lifespan. [1] Children may be at risk for poisoning through ingestion of toxic substances, suffocation through ingestion of choking hazards, or even drowning in a bath or whenever there is water. [1]  Older adults are also at risk for injury through accidental ingestion, especially adults who are cognitively impaired or whose cognition is declining. Accidental poisoning may occur through medication mismanagement, even ingestion of spoiled or rotten foods. Additionally, living alone increases an adult's risk of serious injury or death through choking. [1] [10]  Interventions to prevent ingestion accidents may include the use of child-proof seals and barriers on cleaners, medication bottles, and cabinets or drawers. It is also essential to ensure that adults are cognitively able to be safe in their homes [10] The Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS) assessment is one example of a tool used to evaluate an individual's ability to safely perform instrumental activities of daily living and basic activities of daily living. [11]  

Heat accidents are primarily characterized by scalding or burning of the skin. Burns may come from improperly protected cooking equipment or heating appliances, and lack of proper supervision for children and adults with declining cognition can lead to increased risk for such injuries. [1] [2]  Patient and caregiver education and home modification can reduce the risk of injury from heat accidents. One example of a home modification may be installing knob covers on stoves and ovens. [1] Carbon monoxide poisoning is also under the category of heat accidents. Stove knob covers and carbon monoxide detectors may reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. [2] Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors require routine checking to ensure their effectiveness in the prevention of heat-related injuries. [1] [8] [2] [9]

These are just a few examples of potential hazards and techniques for home safety.

• Clinical Significance

Home modifications play an important role in the recovery and prevention of serious injury, as well as the promotion of functional and independent living. Proper evaluation, assessment, and implementation of home safety techniques can lead to better overall health and quality of life for all patients. [12]

• Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

Interprofessional collaboration is essential to consider all the different facets of home safety for patients and clients. Additionally, coordination and communication between the caregiver team and the patient or patient caregiver are essential for long-term risk reduction in the home. Caregivers can help evaluate patients' home environments and track any changes with the patient or in the home. Evaluation and reevaluation can prevent delays in reducing risk, particularly for adults with declining cognition. [12]  [Level V]

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Disclosure: Kathryn Davis declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Donald Davis declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ), which permits others to distribute the work, provided that the article is not altered or used commercially. You are not required to obtain permission to distribute this article, provided that you credit the author and journal.

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Home | Home Security | Room-by-Room Guide to a Safer Home

Room-by-Room Guide to a Safer Home

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review . 

When you come home at the end of the day, you just want to relax. But maintaining a peaceful atmosphere goes far beyond simply putting your feet up. That's why we created a room-by-room home safety guide to help you keep small problems from turning into big household safety hazards .

Ready to take a virtual walk through your home to see where you can improve safety? Let’s get to it.

Home safety tips for every room

Laundry room.

The average American spends almost eight hours sleeping every day. Since you spend so much time in your room, you should make sure it’s safe and sound.

Window and door locks

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,300 kids under the age of five are hospitalized every year for falls out of windows. 1 Unintentional falls are a number one cause of non-fatal injuries for kids under 15. 2

Even if you have screens in your windows, they’re not meant to bear the weight of children—or even pets. To prevent your child from falling out of an open window, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide to window locks .

Fire escape ladders

We spend one third of the day asleep in our bedrooms, so you have a 33% chance of being there when a fire breaks out.

If you’re on the ground floor, you can escape through a window, but if you need to climb down from a second or third-story bedroom, a  fire escape ladder  can save the day.

Make a  fire plan  and evacuation route to prep for emergencies like these.

Most folks keep jewelry, heirlooms, and other valuables in the bedroom. Instead of stashing cash and expensive baubles under the mattress, bring home a safe to keep your prized possessions secure. See our top home safe picks .

Panic rooms may seem extreme, but our in-house expert, Rebecca Edwards, was among those consulted about ways to fortify your home security —including emergency planning and how to put together a panic room.

Hallways get us from Point A to Point B, but they can do much more for home security and household safety. Here are some safety measures to consider in your hallways:

Smoke detectors

Fires are scary—and deadly. The National Fire Protection Association reported that 2,720 people died in structure fires in 2018 with 57% coming from lack of smoke alarms. 3,4

Smoke alarms are essential for detecting smoldering and blazing fires. They can mean the difference between life and death. Hallways are an ideal place to install smoke detectors , and you should place one in every bedroom and on every floor of your home.

There are plenty of models to choose from. We found the  best smoke detectors  to help keep you, your family, your pets, and your home safe.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas that’s produced when you burn coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas.

While it occurs naturally in our environment, carbon monoxide becomes deadly in confined spaces. That’s why you should never leave a car running inside of the garage.

Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build to toxic levels, causing illness or worse.

Carbon monoxide detectors  can save your life. Install one on every floor in your home—including the basement and garage.

Check out our guide on the dangers of carbon monoxide and learn how to protect yourself and family from its effects.

Baby and pet gates

Keep kids and pets out of harm’s way—and out of rooms that are off-limits—by installing gates. Take a peek at your  baby gate options —we found gates that blend with your home's design, span large spaces, and protect kids and animals from falling down stairs.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Who doesn't love smelling freshly baked bread or sneaking a spoonful of cookie dough?

But all the yummy smells and tastes need things like sharp knives, hot surfaces, heavy appliances, and breakables to make them (as much as we'd like to wave a wand and see fettuccine alfredo appear in front of us). Consider the following to make your kitchen safer:

Fire extinguishers

Even the best cook can have flare-ups; the U.S. Fire Administration says that cooking accounted for 50.7% of all house fires in 2018. 5

Whether you leave something on the stove too long, a curtain comes too close to the toaster, or a grease fire spirals out of control, it’s smart to have a fire extinguisher on-hand.

Not all fire extinguishers mesh well with kitchen fires (only some have dry components to combat grease), so check out our  fire extinguisher guide  to find the best option for your kitchen.

Cooking safety

Keeping pot handles turned in toward the stove, sharp knives stored properly, and flammable objects away from hot surfaces are all good ways to stay safe in the kitchen .

If you’re cooking with kids, help them learn about food and cooking safety. This will make it easier to maintain the wellbeing of your tiny sous-chefs. Check out our kitchen safety tips for kids .

Baby proofing

Kitchen cabinets are full of chemicals that can poison and hinges that can pinch. To prevent kids from getting hurt in the kitchen, use a baby gate to keep them out (or install  door and drawer locks ) so your kids can’t get into anything harmful.

We all love our furry children! Keep an eye on yours when you’re away or at work with a smart pet cam. Some allow you to speak to your pet, release treats, or ensure the dog or cat sitter is doing a good job.

Here are some of the  best pet cams  we’ve found that will help you keep a better eye on Fluffy.

The place where we clean ourselves up can be a danger zone. Lots of people visit emergency rooms every year due to injuries that happen in bathrooms—like burns, falls, and near-drowning.

Here are some ways to boost safety in the bathroom and keep it a haven:

Flood sensors

Bathrooms are the number one source of flooding because of toilets, sinks, and showers.

Catching a leaky pipe or massive burst before it becomes catastrophic will save you time, money, and a major headache.

That’s where flood sensors come into play. Most are equipped with smart technology, so you get an alert on your phone if it detects water.

Anyone is susceptible to slipping on wet surfaces, but elderly people are particularly vulnerable according to the CDC. 6 The fix? A good old bathmat.

Choose one that lays completely flat to avoid tripping and falling over an upturned edge. Also lay a slip-resistant pad on the shower floor to prevent falls . The more traction you can get in the bathroom, the better.

Older homes might not have the appropriate plumbing to control water temperature, meaning your faucets can become boiling water dispensers without warning. Keep kids and yourself burn free by installing scald guards on all of your home’s sinks and tubs.

Your child's bathtime is for splashing, playing, and getting squeaky clean, but it should never be done without supervision. Children can drown in a matter of minutes in as little as two inches of standing water.

So if you’re filling up the tub or letting it drain, stay in the bathroom until it’s empty. 

Read our guide to child bathroom safety for other tips.

If you have little ones, always keep the toilet seat down and secure with a toilet seat lock. They can fall in and drown if they’re small enough. Plus, a toilet is full of icky germs you definitely don’t want them touching.

Black mold isn't as lethal as past media hype has claimed, but its mycotoxins (naturally produced fungi) can harm those with respiratory allergies, asthma, or immune suppression.

Like all molds, black mold likes to grow in wet, warm places like the bathroom and basement. Use our  guide to black mold  to learn more about preventing, detecting, and remediating it.

The average American household does multiple loads of laundry per week. Since we spend so much time in the laundry room, make it a safe environment by paying close attention to these hazards:

According to the US Fire Administration, failure to clean dryers is the leading cause of fires involving this common appliance. 7 That’s because dryers collect lint, and lots of it.

To avoid a dryer and house fire, clean your dryer lint from the trap after every use. If you're in the "cleaning out the lint trap is therapeutic" club (we are), this shouldn't be a problem for you.

Also inspect the dryer vent for excess lint once a month. The cleaner your dryer is, the less likely it will kindle for a blaze.

Water hook-ups

Your washer's water supply and drainage pipe can dump tons of water on your floor if something goes wrong during a wash cycle. Even a small amount of water can damage your home.

Get in the habit of checking your water hook-ups monthly so you can avoid a flood worthy of an ark. Also, look into  smart washers and dryers  that you can monitor from your phone, so you’ll know right away if there’s a problem.

If you have a gas dryer, check and double-check the hook-ups. Gas leaks can cause explosions and fires in your home if they accumulate to highly concentrated levels.

Whether your basement is a livable space or rough around the edges, keep the following in mind overall household safety.

Flood prevention and remediation

Basements are magnets for moisture and flooding. Whether a pipe bursts, a storm rolls through, or a sump pump fails, your basement can become pretty soggy, pretty quick.

There are some great  flood prevention measures  you can use to stop flooding from happening in the first place. You can also use a water leak sensor to spot leaks before they get out of hand.

In the unfortunate event that your house floods, you can use some DIY  flood remediation procedures  to help bail you out until flood specialists arrive.

If you’re moving into a new neighborhood, check if it's in a flood zone first. That way, you’ll know if you need to take extra steps to prevent your basement from turning into an indoor swimming pool, or if you need to buy flood insurance .

Radon detection

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. The scary part about radon? It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, 8 and it’s impossible to detect without equipment since it’s odorless and invisible.

You should definitely research  radon levels in your area  if you’re buying a home. The same goes for if you’re building so your developer can incorporate proper ventilation to keep radon out of your house.

Don’t fret if you already own your home. Consider buying a radon detector  to test for radon. If levels are unsafe, you can hire a radon remediator to install the necessary ventilation gear.

Storage areas

Basements are a stockpiling station for our excess belongings. If you have shelving for storage, double-check weight limits so your stuff doesn’t come crashing down onto your kids, pets, or yourself.

Anything that burns fuel can emit carbon monoxide—including your furnace and hot water heater. This makes basements another important area to install carbon monoxide detectors.

Garages are home to our cars, lawn mowers, and—usually—lots of chemicals. Here’s what to watch out for and protect in your garage:

Hazardous and flammable materials

If you must keep hazardous materials (gasoline, car fluids, fertilizer, and outdoor cleaning products) on hand, store them on high shelves away from curious children and direct heat sources. Better yet, keep them in a secured shed away from the house.

It's also a good idea to find better alternatives to (and properly dispose of) these materials when you can. Check out the EPA's guide to household hazardous waste for more information.

Garage security

Many folks overlook garage doors for home safety and security, but a garage is a tempting prospect for opportunistic thieves. Luckily, it's easy to protect with a few helpful tricks:

• Close the garage door whenever you're not in the garage to hide your valuables from prying eyes.
• Get a garage door opener with a locking function.
• If you don't have a garage, consider buying a  steering wheel lock  or  car alarm .

Check out our guide to keeping thieves out of the garage for more tips.

Never leave a car or gas-powered tools running in the garage. Even with the door open, carbon monoxide can build to toxic levels since there isn't much airflow to push it out of your garage.

Once you optimize the interior of your home for better safety, incorporate these outdoor tips for a seriously secure house.

Security cameras

If someone is creeping around your property, you’ll want to know about it. That’s why security cameras are a worthwhile addition to any home.

Install one on the porch to monitor packages and mail deliveries, one in the living room to watch the kids, and several around the perimeter to keep an eye out for criminal activity.

We compared the top home security cameras to find the best options out there for you to bring home. So if you’re in the market for better security, take a look.

Smart locks

Ever leave the house and forget to lock the door? Or can’t remember if you did? You're not alone—it happens to some of us multiple times a day, even when we're home.

Smart locks help you lock up with a mobile app. If you have kids who come home from school before you do or frequent pet or baby sitters, look into smart locks to make your life easier.

Smart locks also keep a log of when doors were opened so you can see if anything out of the norm is happening at your house.

Smart doorbells

Smart doorbells are an awesome complement to smart locks. They give you live streaming video of your porch with two-way communication and a surveillance camera.

If a visitor can’t get in, you can verify that they're at your house and decide whether or not to let them in. And if a package theft or break-in ever happens, you’ll have it on tape.

Head over to our guide on the  best smart doorbells  to learn more.

Whether you’re letting a pet outside and want to look out for skunks or prefer to know if someone is creeping around your home at night, you can install motion-sensing lights to light up the night.

Pool gates and alarms

People with pools have a big responsibility to make them safe. To abide by most laws, that includes installing a fence. If you have little kids, you might also want a pool alarm and wearable bracelets to tell you if someone is swimming or has fallen into the pool.

Check out the latest in  pool safety tech  to keep everyone—including pets and wildlife—out of danger.

Pest control

Keep rats, ants, bats, and raccoons out of your home by properly sealing your exterior. It’s much easier to deal with a problem on the outside of your home—before a pest can infiltrate your house.

Septic tank

Septic tanks can cause thousands of dollars in damage if they overflow—not to mention they can become a major health hazard.

To maintain your septic tank properly, only use septic-friendly materials, never flush any non-biodegradable objects, and conserve water.

Head over to the EPA for an in-depth guide to septic tank maintenance.

Home security systems

Home security systems are a big step up from a guard dog or deadbolt . Although they vary in price, technology, and complexity, all home security systems can help keep your home safe from intruders.

Here are some factors to consider when installing a home security system:

Professional vs DIY

Depending on how handy you are, you can save money by  installing your system  yourself. There's no installation cost, but it can be time-consuming.  DIY security systems allow this, but others require professional installation to get you up and running.

Cellular vs landline connections

The way a monitored home security system connects to the service station is important. Most monitoring plans use cell towers to stay in touch with response centers, while some of the cheapest plans opt for a landline or internet connection.

Cellular monitoring with a backup battery is the most secure option because it's harder to physically tamper with. Landline and internet connections, on the other hand, are susceptible to power outages, meddling, and weather.

Some home security companies require you to buy 24/7 monitoring packages with your home security system. While this costs more, you do get the benefit of having someone keep an eye on your home around the clock.

Letting someone in, seeing who’s at the door, and getting fire detector alerts on your phone gives you a lot of convenience and power. Home security systems run the gamut with products and services, but opting for high-tech  home automation is the way of the future—and a path to safer living.

Related articles on SafeWise

• Home Maintenance and Safety Checklists
• Emergency Kits 101: How to Be Prepared for Anything
• Home Safety FAQ
• How to Deal with Asbestos in Your Home
• Fall Home Safety Guide
• Winter Home Safety Guide
• Complete Spring Cleaning Checklist
• Summer Home Safety Guide
• CPSC, " Window Safety Tips For National Window Safety Week 2018 ," April 2018. Accessed July 23, 2020.
• CDC, " CDC Childhood Injury Report ," February 2019. Accessed July 23, 2020.
• Ben Evarts, National Fire Protection Association, " Fire Loss in the United States ," October 2019. Accessed July 23, 2020.
• Marty Ahrens, National Fire Protection Association, " Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires ," January 2019. Accessed July 23, 2020.
• US Fire Administration, " U.S. Fire Statistics ," March 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.
• CDC, " Important Facts about Falls ," February 2017. Accessed July 23, 2020.
• US Fire Administration, " Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Outreach Materials ." Accessed July 23, 2020.
• American Lung Association, " What Causes Lung Cancer ," March 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.

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Crime and Public Safety | State police vice officers arrest 2, seize 2…

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'We want her back safe': Loved ones search for South Florida woman who vanished in Madrid

Sanna Rameau describes her best friend, Ana Knezevich , 40, as one of the sweetest people she’s ever met.

“She is just so caring, so sweet,” Rameau said. “She is funny. She is smart. She is adventurous.”

But now, Knezevich is missing.

“Someone has done something to her, and I’m trying to understand who it could be and why,” Rameau said.

Knezevich has been living in an apartment in Madrid, the Spanish capital, since December, but on Feb. 2, she vanished.

Neighbors said they last saw her around 10 o’clock that night.

According to Rameau, the move from Fort Lauderdale was a fresh start for her friend, who was going through a stressful time.

“She is divorcing her husband and is going through that,” Rameau said.

She said she sent Knezevich a text message the day she disappeared but didn’t hear back. The next day, however, Rameau received a message saying that Knezevich met someone and was going to his home two hours from Madrid and that cellular service would be spotty. Rameau found the message “strange” and believes someone else was texting her from Knezevich’s phone.

“I tried to respond saying I was worried about her, like ‘you don’t sound safe,’” Rameau said. “What is she talking about? This makes no sense, and my messages didn’t go through, either.”

When she hadn’t gotten a response by the next day, Rameau contacted police in Madrid.

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On Feb. 4, friends also called the local fire department to conduct a wellness check. The fire department said Knezevich wasn’t there.

“They didn’t find her,” she said. “Looks like she left the apartment locking it from the outside. That’s the last we know.”

Rameau said authorities in Madrid told her they did find something strange captured on security video about 30 minutes before Knezevich was last seen.

“A man with a helmet sprayed the surveillance cameras outside the directory of her apartment building and waited for two people to leave the building and took the opportunity to go inside and spray the surveillance camera inside by the elevator,” she said.

Rameau said that Madrid police are investigating and the family is working with the FBI but that so far, they have no leads.

“I honestly feel like I’m still living in a dream, to be honest with you,” she said. “I have never felt this pain in my entire life.”

Rameau is sending this message to her friend or to anyone who may know where she is:

“We miss and we love her,” she said. “We want her back safe.”

Kim Wynne is a reporter for NBC South Florida.