• Read Age UK’s guide to home safety
• Find your local trading standards office
• Find your local adult social care
• Keep warm and well during the colder months
• If you are worried about a fall or have had a fall
• If you need help with normal daily activities after illness or injury
• Book a home visit from your local fire and rescue service with Safe and Well

It is important to feel safe and comfortable in your home. There are some simple things you can do to ensure that you keep yourself and your possessions safe and reduce the risk of accidents, fires and other issues.

• Consider getting and wearing a personal alarm, particularly if you live on your own. This will let you contact a 24-hour response centre at the touch of a button should you fall or become unwell. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to push the button if you need to. The response centre will be glad to reassure you or call for help
• Have smoke alarms installed in hallways and living rooms of your home and a heat alarm in the kitchen. If you have a gas boiler or a coal or wood burning fire or stove you also need a carbon monoxide alarm. Test all alarms regularly (at least once a month). To receive a free home visit contact your local fire and rescue service who will provide fire and safety advice and fit smoke alarms
• If you have an electric blanket, get it tested every year and replace it every ten years. Check for danger signs such as frayed fabric and scorch marks. You can ask the shop where you bought it about testing and servicing, or contact trading standards
• It’s easy to slip in the bathroom. Get a non-slip bath mat and a handrail to help you feel more stable
• Remove any clutter on the stairs that might trip you up and ensure stair carpets or stair runners are secured in position
• Use plug-in night lights that turn on automatically at night. They provide a low light so you can see your way to the bathroom or stairs
• Coil up any long or trailing electric leads, particularly around doorways or stairs, or tape them close to the wall. Don’t overload sockets and make sure leads and cables aren’t damaged – if they are, then have them replaced
• Don’t walk in socks, tights or bare feet. Wear well-fitting slippers or trainers
• Don’t wear loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up, such as a long dressing gown
• Loose rugs and mats can be a trip-hazard and should be avoided. Replace frayed carpets or repair with double-sided carpet tape