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Provide smokers with large deep ashtray. Wet
cigarette butts and ashes before emptying ashtrays into a
wastebasket. Never smoke when you are lying down, drowsy or
in bed.
Give space heaters space. Keep them at least three feet (one
meter) away from anything that can burn - including you. Unplug
heaters when you shut them off, leave your home or go to bed.
Be kitchen wise. Wear tight-fitting or rolled
up sleeves when cooking. Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.
Never leave cooking unattended. If a pan of food catches fire,
slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. Don't cook if
you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.
Stop, drop and roll. If your clothing catches
on fire; stop (don't run), drop to the ground, cover your
face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the
flames. If you cannot do that, smother the flames with a towel
of blanket. Immerse burns in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes.
If burns are severe, get medical help immediately.
Smoke alarms save lives. Have smoke alarms
installed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of
your home. Test your smoke alarms once a month by pushing
the test button. Make sure everyone in your home can hear
your smoke alarm.
Plan and practice your escape from fire. Know
two ways out of every room in your home. Make sure windows
and doors open easily. In a fire, get out and stay out.
Know your local emergency number. Your emergency
number is 911. Once you've escaped a fire, call the fire department
from a neighbor's phone.
Plan your escape around your abilities. Have
a telephone in your bedroom and post the local emergency number
nearby in case you are trapped by fire.
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Exercise regularly to build strength and improve
your balance and coordination. Ask your doctor about the best
physical exercise for you.
Take your time. Being rushed or distracted
increases your chance of falling. Get out of chairs slowly.
Sit a moment before you get out of your bed. Stand and get
your balance before you walk.
Clear the way. Keep stairs and walking areas
free of electrical cords, shoes, clothing, books, magazines,
and other clutter.
Look out for yourself. See an eye specialists
once a year. Poor vision can increase your chance of falling.
Improve lighting in your home. Use night lights to light the
path between your bedroom and bathroom. Turn on the lights
before using the stairs.
Slippery when wet. Use non-slip mats in the
bathtub and on shower floors. Install grab bars on the wall
next to the bathtub, shower, and toilet. Wipe up spilled liquids
immediately.
Throw rugs can throw you. Use only throw rugs
with rubber, non-skid backing. Always smooth out wrinkles
and folds in carpeting.
Tread carefully. Stairways should be well
lit from both top and bottom. Have easy-to-grip handrails
installed along the full length of both sides of the stairs.
Best foot forward. Wear sturdy, well-fitting,
low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles. These are safer than
high heels, thick-soled athletic shoes, slippers, or stocking
feet.
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