If you plan on staying in your own home during your golden years, it’s a good idea to check it thoroughly for risks to your health and safety. As you do, don’t forget the outside of your home. Maintaining the exterior of your home will keep you safe as you enter and exit and will allow you to take in beautiful summer evenings and crisp autumn days without worrying about falls or other ways of getting hurt. Here are a few guidelines for make the exterior of your home a safe, comfortable, enjoyable place:

1. Make sure that front and rear steps, porches and outside walkways have good lighting. One of the biggest causes of falls and injury is not being able to see where you’re going. This problem is easily fixed with adequate lighting.
2. Remove raised door thresholds from entranceways. This is will prevent you from tripping as you enter and exit your home.
3. Install a ramp to the front and rear door if necessary. Ramps are not only for people who use wheelchairs. They’re safer than stairs for walking up and down, as well.
4. Make sure your front and rear steps are in good condition. Inspect them regularly for chips, loose boards, and anything else that could trip you up. Have a contractor, carpenter, or handy friend or family member make any necessary repairs.
5. Install railings on your front and rear steps.
6. Be sure there are railings for porches, balconies and terraces. Also, make sure those railings are sturdy and securely fastened.
7. Install security lighting along the walkways to the front and rear of the house.
8. Consider motion-sensor lighting for other outdoor areas. These are lights that pop on and off when someone enters or exits an area. They will make the exterior of your home safer, as well as save you money in energy costs.
9. Make sure your garage doors are easy to operate. Replace manual garage doors with automatic openers. Keep your automatic door opening systems in good repair.
10. Be sure that your garage is adequately ventilated. Dangerous fumes from your car and other motorized equipment can quickly fill up a poorly ventilated garage.

These safety tips cover the exterior of your home, but there are plenty of risks inside, as well. Here are additional 13 home safety tips for senior sitizens stairs and hallways. For guidelines on preventing falls and injury in your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, stairways, and other areas of your home, take a look at our free eBook, 101 Home Safety Tips for Seniors.