Post Contents [hide]
What could be dangerous about your living room? We tend to think of our living rooms as safe spaces, and for the most part, they are, but, like your bathroom or your kitchen, there could be hidden risks. These living room safety tips should be followed at any age, but especially if you’re a senior citizen interested in maintaining your independence by remaining in your own home.
8 Ways to Keep Your Living Room Safe
- Make sure that all electric cords are placed along walls, not under rugs, and away from traffic areas. With all the electronics everyone has in their living rooms these days—from laptop computers to cell phone chargers to TVs and stereo systems—there are a lot of electrical cords all over the place. Loose cords could cause you to trip and fall. Placing them under rugs won’t help much; it will just create a bulge that will be hard to see and could still cause you to trip.
- All chairs and couches should be sturdy, stable and secure. Check all your furniture for loose and broken parts and that they don’t slide around the room.
- Be sure to use chairs and couches that are not too low, making it easier to sit down and get up. As you age, it can become more difficult to get up from low seats. Keep this in mind as you shop for furniture.
- Make sure that chairs and couches have sturdy, full arms to assist in sitting or rising.
- Your living room light switch should be located near the entrance. You might also consider a motion detector that will turn the living room light on automatically when you enter the room.
- Eliminate clutter, ensuring that there are clear passageways.
- Avoid furniture that tilts or shifts. You might need to use your furniture for support when walking around. You don’t want it giving way under your weight.
- Place protective screens on fireplaces. This will catch errant sparks and reduce the risk of starting a fire in your living room.