Nursing 211 - Introduction to Therapeutic Nursing Interventions
FAMILY SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Home Exterior
Are sidewalks even?
Are steps in good repair?
Do steps have securely fastened handrails?
Is there adequate lighting?
Is outdoor furniture sturdy?
Are clotheslines at proper height?
If outdoor play area (swing set, sandbox, jungle gym), is it safe and secured properly?
Are garbage facilities present and secure?
Are outdoor electrical outlets covered?
If water nearby (river, pond, pool), is it inaccessible to children?
Has family discussed water safety?
Do gates and door have proper locks?
Is address visible?

 Home Interior
Do all rooms, stairways, and halls have adequate lighting?
Are night-lights available?
Are area rugs secured?
Are wooden floors non slippery?
Is furniture placed appropriately to permit mobility?
Is furniture sturdy enough to provide support for getting up and down?
Is temperature and humidity within normal range?
Are steps/thresholds hazard free?
Are all steps in good repair?
Are step edges clearly marked with colored tape?
Are handrails available and secure?
Do doorknobs have protectors so children cannot easily get outside?
Are window shade cords out of reach of children?
Are windows in good working order?
Are sharp corners on walls, furniture, etc. rounded or protected?
Are indoor plants out of reach of children
Is painted woodwork free of paint chips and dust?
Is there clear access to rooms?
Are car keys stored out of reach of children?

Kitchen
Are hand washing facilities available?
Is the pilot light off and the area clean on a gas stove?
Are the dials on the stove readable?
Are stove dials inaccessible to children?
When cooking, are the pots and pans out of child’s reach?
Does oven door stay cool when using?
Are storage areas within easy reach?
Are cleaning fluids , bleach etc. in original containers and stored safely?
Are cleaning fluids stored out of reach of children?
Is the water temperature within normal range (115-145 F)?
Are there clean areas for food storage and preparation?
Is refrigeration adequate?
Are outlets a safe distance from water sources?
Do rugs lay flat on floor?
Are sharp objects out of reach of children?
Are children properly fastened into high chair?
Do kitchen cupboards/cabinets have childproof latches?

Bathroom
Are hand washing facilities available?
Are there skid proof strips or surfaces in the tub/shower?
Is there a shower hose for ease of showering?
Are bath mats secured?
Does the client need grab bars near the bathtub and toilet?
Does the client need an elevated toilet seat?
Are all medications current and in original containers?
Are medications out of children’s reach?
Is the poison control phone number visible and next to the phone?
Are outlets as safe distance from water sources?
Do children know the dangers of poisoning?
Are razors and other sharp objects out of reach of children?
Are razors and other sharp objects disposed of properly?
Are cosmetics/toiletries out of reach of children?
Do medications have safety caps? 
Are cleaning fluids, bleach, etc. in original containers and stored safely?
Do bathroom cabinets have safety latches?
Is bathtub faucet covered with protective device so child wouldn’t bump head?
In houses with Hot Tub/Jacuzzi, is it in good working condition?
In houses with Hot Tub/Jacuzzi, is it covered with childproof cover?

Bedroom
Are beds of adequate height to allow getting on and off easily?
Is day and night lighting adequate?
Are floor coverings nonskid?
Does the client have a telephone nearby?
Are spaces between crib bars 23/8”  apart or less?
Is bed/crib out of reach of window and/or window shade cords?
Are toys or items in crib that would allow child to get out of crib removed?
Are small, sharp objects out of child’s reach?
Is the paint on cribs and toys lead-free?
Are toys appropriate size for age of child?

Electrical and Fire Hazards
Are all appliances in good working order?
Is equipment grounded?
Are electrical cords in good working condition?
Are extension cords used only when necessary?
Are the correct number of appliances plugged into one outlet?
Are electrical appliances kept away from the sink, tub, or shower?
Are the heating/cooling units and fireplace inspected annually?
Is there a guard or screen in front of the fireplace?
Are combustible materials stored properly?
Are there smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors?
Is the emergency number for police and fire departments visible near the phone?
Has the family discussed and practiced an escape plan in case of fire?
Are fire extinguishers present and in working order?
Do family members know how to use fire extinguishers?
Are outlets covered that a child can easily reach?
Are matches and lighters out of reach from children?
If any, are firearms properly stored, locket and unloaded?
If so, is the ammunition stored separately from firearms?
Are electrical cords out of traffic areas?
Is fireplace equipment and fireplace wood stored properly?
Are seatbelts and child car seats used?
If bicycling, are helmets used?
If pets in house:
  Are pets properly vaccinated?
  Are these pets kept clean and properly trained?

Garage, Attic Basement
Is there clear access to these rooms?
Do automatic garage doors work properly and have safety mechanisms?
Is there easy access to appliances/washer/dryer?
Are hazardous chemicals disposed of properly?
Is there clear access to these rooms/areas?
Is lawn equipment/electrical tools/other yard equipment stored properly and out of reach of children?

**Describe results in terms of strengths and areas for improvement.**

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