HOME SAFETY

Find local resources Employment – Local offices, career centers Education

Federal Stimulus Programs• Wallace State (Hanceville) Construction

Program Healthcare

Alabama Department of Public Health Mental Health Authority Local hospitals

• Cooper Green in Birmingham

HOME SAFETYMost people spend 90% of their time indoors, therefore having a safe home environment is important.

Transition Options Home to relatives Half-way House Rental options Home owner

Home to Relatives Positive Negative

The Role of Communication

Half-way House Rules in place Roommates

The Role of Communication

No smoking rule? Smoke outside Contact 1-800-

QUIT-NOW for free phone counseling for cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco Eligible for FREE

nicotine patches after several phone sessions

1. Kentucky: 28.6%2. West Virginia: 25.7%3. Mississippi and

Oklahoma: 25.1%4. Alaska: 24.2%5. Indiana: 24.1%6. Arkansas: 23.7%7. Louisiana: 23.4%8. Alabama and Missouri:

23.3%9. Tennessee: 22.6%10. Ohio: 22.5%

Rental Options Multi-family housing – Apartment

complex Trailer Stand-alone home

The Role of Communication

Renter’s responsibilities

Pay the agreed-upon rent; there are no provisions that allow the tenant to withhold payment of rent to enforce any provisions of the law;

Renter’s responsibilities Keep the premises as clean and safe

as conditions permit; Dispose of garbage and rubbish in a

clean, safe manner; Keep all plumbing fixtures as clear

as their conditions permit

Renter’s responsibilities Comply with building and housing codes

that govern matters of tenant responsibility (i.e. abandoned car)

Renter’s responsibilities Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary,

heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in a reasonable manner;

Refrain from deliberately or negligently destroying or damaging any part of the dwelling and from knowingly, recklessly or negligently permitting any person to do so

Renter’s responsibilities Avoid conduct (by the tenant or

others on the premises with the tenant’s consent) that would disturb the neighbors;

Allow reasonable access to the landlord to enter the dwelling to inspect the condition of the dwelling or to make necessary repairs.

Landlord responsibilities Ensure that the rental unit complies

with all applicable building and housing codes that materially affect health or safety, keep common areas clean and safe, and make all repairs necessary to keep the property in a habitable condition

Landlord responsibilities Maintain in good working order all

electrical, plumbing,sanitary, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems;

Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for garbage removal;

Landlord responsibilities Supply running water and hot water and

provide a source of heating for the dwelling;

Landlord responsibilities Limit security deposits to no more than

one month’s rent (unless an additional fee is required for pets or provided furnishings) and return those funds or provide an accounting within 35 days of the termination of the rental agreement. If the landlord fails to meet this time requirement, he or she must pay the tenant double the amount of the original deposit

Landlord responsibilities Provide at least two days’ notice of

intent to enter the rental unit except in an emergency.

Home Owner Regular Maintenance Property Taxes

HOME SAFETY

In the U.S a great number of deaths are reported to falls, drowning, fires, poisoning, suffocation, choking, and guns. These deaths occur in the home and can be prevented.

40% of falls occur at homeIf you’re over 65 you have a 1 in 3 chance of fallingFalls account for 87% of fractures in people over 65

What are the most commoncauses of home injury deaths?

SLIPS, TRIPS, FALLS Are the pathways in your

home clear? Are your stairs in good

shape? Do you use throw rugs? Is your home well-lighted?

Home Safety Tips Pick up throw rugs & replace carpet

that is worn or puckered Keep extension & phone cords out of

traffic areas

Home Safety Tips Carry loads that are small enough

not to block your vision Store frequently used items within

easy reach Use a step ladder or step stool to

reach high places Close drawers & doors after use Fill holes & depressions around

your property

Home Safety Tips Stairs- Install sturdy

railings & hold onto at least one when going up and down. Make sure the stairway is well lit and free of clutter. Never put throw rugs at the top or bottom of steps.

Home Safety Be careful around pets, they’re easy

to trip over Have good lighting TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

Have a Fire Escape Plan Kitchen Caution – long sleeve

shirts to cleaning towels Heating Hazards Safe Smoking At Bed Time Be Prepared Calling 911

Poison-Proof Home

Can children or adults with dementia get access to cleaning supplies, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription drugs?

Children Visiting? If young children visit your home,

remember to keep medication and household chemicals locked or out of children’s reach.

Avoid taking medication in front of young children, they like to imitate.

Only give infants and children over-the-counter medications that are especially formulated for their age and weight.

Poisoning 82% of households keep medicines

in unlocked drawers or cabinets. 69% of homes with young children

store household chemicals in unlocked areas.

Asthma Triggers Dust mites Cockroaches Pets Mold Pollutants (bleach, cigarette smoke

to pollen)

Home Maintenance Checklist Check for signs of water damage Check bath and kitchen fans operation Air conditioner (central air merv 8) Clean dryer vents and screens Check smoke and CO alarms Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches,

termites Check that fans still exhaust to outdoors

Home Maintenance Checklist Clean gutters and downspouts Check below window & door that

flashing intact Look for signs of leaks at window

and door sills Drain outdoor faucets and hoses

A Healthy Home Keep It Dry Keep It Clean Keep It Pest-Free Keep It Ventilated Keep It Safe Keep It Contaminant-Free Keep It Maintained

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

Bug Bombs or Foggers -- NO Not effective Pesticide everywhere Aerosol products flammable

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

What are the potential problems and what is a solution?

Lead exposure Found in paint – especially on homes

built before 1978 (or approximately ½ the homes in Alabama)

Lead can be found in the soil, in the paint on windowsills, door jams etc..