Home Safety Resources (04)

Hazard Hunter
This is a charming and helpful site from the Belfast City Council. Hazard is an animated character who had his share of accidents around the house and now wants to lead us through the house and show us how to be safe so that we don't have to make all the same mistakes he did. Turn on your speakers for music and sound effects as Hazard takes up through virtually every room in the house and shows us the dangers lurking almost unseen. Hazard Hunter takes us through the living room, the hallway, the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, the landing, the garden and the garage. A few of the hazards Hazard discusses are keeping stairs well lit, making sure rugs and carpets are securely fashioned to stairs to avoid tripping, secure bookshelves so they can't topple if children climb them, cover unused electrical outlets, use cupboard and drawer latches, clean up spills immediately, keep sharp objects out of reach and dozens more.

Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease
People with Alzheimer's disease pose a special challenge from the standpoint of making a home safe. In many ways the same precautions must be taken with an Alzheimer's sufferer as need to be taken with a small child. This is a very lengthy and comprehensive article, covering such topic as: What is Alzheimer's, what are the symptoms, is it safe to leave an Alzheimer's sufferer alone, plus an extensive room by room checklist of home safety precautions. There is information on the dangers of impaired senses, compulsive behaviors and much more. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or if you believe a friend or loved one may be developing Alzheimer's, then you owe it to yourself to review this site.

Home Safety From the Alzheimer's Association
Keeping a home safe and secure when one or more of the people residing in the home suffer from Alzheimer's is a special challenge. There are several things you can do to help make a home more secure when you are caring for an Alzheimer's patient. Lock or disguise hazardous areas, use child proof locks around the house, especially in places where knives or cleaning supplies are kept. Bright light makes it difficult for an Alzheimer's sufferer to see well; cover mirrors and other bright surfaces, and use drapes and blinds to keep the amount of direct light down to a minimum. Monitor the temperature of hot water faucets and hot foods because an Alzheimer's sufferer may not be able to gauge temperature correctly. Supervise all medications and limit the use of certain objects such as sharp knives, grills, lawnmowers etc. Make a lot of empty spaces for safe wandering. Keep all firearms locked away securely. Keep a list of emergency numbers handy. There are many additional pieces of advice as well as the phone number for the National Alzheimer's Association for further information.