Room-by-Room Home Safety Walkthrough

How to Use This Walkthrough

A home safety walkthrough is a simple way to notice everyday hazards before they cause problems. You do not need to inspect everything at once. Walk through the home systematically, room by room. Look for conditions that could cause falls, burns, fire, electrical injury, poisoning, or other preventable harm.

For each area:

• LOOK: Look at the space and how it is being used.
• IDENTIFY: Identify anything that could reasonably create a safety problem.
• ACT: Act by making a sensible correction or arranging appropriate help.
• REVIEW: Review the area again after the action is completed.

Keep the walkthrough practical

• Focus on prevention and good housekeeping.
• Consider the needs of children, older adults, visitors, tenants, caregivers and people with disabilities.
• Do not take apart, repair or modify hazardous equipment or installations unless you are appropriately qualified.
• Do not climb onto unsafe heights to inspect something.
• If a concern involves electrical systems, gas systems, structural elements, fire-protection equipment or another specialist installation, arrange qualified professional advice.
• Follow applicable local laws, regulations, building requirements and manufacturer instructions. Requirements vary by location.

Simple Rating System

☐ Safe / satisfactory
☐ Needs attention
☐ Needs professional advice

1. Entrance, Hallways & General Access

What to Look For

• Are entrances, hallways and walkways clear?
• Are floors reasonably dry and free from loose objects?
• Are rugs and mats stable and in good condition?
• Can people move through the home without stepping over cords, boxes or other obstacles?
• Is lighting adequate for normal movement, especially at entrances and changes in floor level?
• Are doors, locks and handles working as intended?
• Can household members enter and leave without needing to climb, stretch dangerously or move obstacles?

Common Safety Concerns

• Loose rugs or mats
• Clutter in walking routes
• Trailing cables
• Poor lighting
• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Objects stored where they can fall into a walkway
• Narrow or obstructed exits

What You Can Do

• Keep main walking routes clear.
• Secure, reposition or remove unstable rugs and mats.
• Move cables away from walking routes.
• Improve lighting where visibility is poor.
• Store bags, shoes and other items where they do not obstruct access.
• Arrange professional assessment if a door, access route or structural feature appears unsafe or damaged.

2. Living Room & Common Areas

What to Look For

• Are furniture and household items stable?
• Are walkways clear between seating, doors and other frequently used areas?
• Are cords positioned so they are not trip hazards?
• Are heaters and other heat-producing devices used according to their instructions?
• Are charging devices placed on suitable hard surfaces rather than soft furnishings?
• Are candles, matches, lighters and other ignition sources kept safely away from children?
• Are heavy or unstable items positioned so they are unlikely to fall?

Common Safety Concerns

• Clutter around furniture
• Loose cables
• Unstable furniture
• Items blocking heaters or ventilation
• Charging devices on beds or sofas
• Ignition sources within children's reach
• Furniture or objects that could tip or fall

Electrical-safety guidance specifically recommends keeping charging devices on hard surfaces and checking plugs, cables and sockets for damage.

What You Can Do

• Keep walking routes clear.
• Route cables safely and avoid placing them where they can be tripped over.
• Move charging equipment to a hard, stable surface.
• Keep combustible items away from heat sources.
• Store matches and lighters securely and out of children's reach.
• Stop using electrical equipment that shows signs of damage, overheating, burning, buzzing or other unusual behaviour and arrange appropriate professional or manufacturer assistance.

3. Kitchen

What to Look For

• Are cooking areas kept clear of unnecessary combustible items?
• Are floors free from spills and objects that could cause slips?
• Are knives and sharp tools stored safely?
• Are hot cookware and cooking surfaces positioned so they are less likely to be knocked?
• Are electrical appliances and cords kept away from water and wet areas?
• Are cleaning products kept away from children and food-preparation areas?
• Are matches and lighters stored safely?
• Is cooking attended appropriately?
• Are food preparation and storage practices hygienic?

Common Safety Concerns

• Unattended cooking
• Hot cookware or surfaces
• Sharp objects
• Water near electrical equipment
• Slippery floors
• Cleaning chemicals
• Combustible materials close to heat
• Children entering or playing near active cooking areas
• Unsafe access to high shelves

The SafetySimpler kitchen reference emphasises recognition, avoidance and adult help rather than having children handle significant kitchen hazards. Fire-safety guidance identifies unattended cooking as an important residential cooking-fire risk and recommends staying alert while cooking.

What You Can Do

• Keep cooking areas orderly and attended appropriately.
• Keep handles and cookware positioned according to the appliance and manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep sharp tools and cleaning chemicals inaccessible to children.
• Keep electrical equipment away from water.
• Do not use damaged electrical equipment.
• Do not ask children to handle hot cookware, knives, gas equipment or electrical hazards.
• If a gas installation, appliance, hose, regulator or connection appears damaged or concerning, do not improvise a repair. Use the appropriate qualified service.
• Clean and store food using applicable food-safety guidance.

Important: Do not treat an unusual gas-hose or appliance arrangement as unsafe solely because it looks different. Installation-specific concerns should be checked against applicable local requirements or by an authorised professional.

4. Bedrooms

What to Look For

• Are floors and routes to the door clear?
• Are beds, furniture and storage units stable?
• Are electrical cords kept away from walking routes?
• Are chargers and electrical devices used safely?
• Is there adequate lighting for getting in and out of bed?
• Are heaters or other heat-producing devices positioned and used according to their instructions?
• Can windows and other access points be used safely?
• Are medicines, chemicals and other potentially harmful products stored appropriately?

Common Safety Concerns

• Clutter near beds
• Loose rugs
• Trailing cables
• Damaged chargers or electrical equipment
• Unstable furniture
• Unsafe access to windows or elevated areas
• Poor lighting
• Unsafe storage of medicines or chemicals

What You Can Do

• Keep the route between the bed and the door clear.
• Place frequently used items where they can be reached safely.
• Keep cables away from areas where people walk or sleep.
• Charge devices on a hard, stable surface.
• Secure or professionally assess unstable furniture.
• Store medicines and hazardous products according to their instructions and away from children and anyone who should not access them.
• Arrange professional advice for concerns involving windows, structural features or electrical installations.

5. Bathroom & Toilet Areas

What to Look For

• Are floors and bathing surfaces reasonably slip-resistant?
• Is water being left on the floor?
• Are mats or rugs stable?
• Are electrical products kept away from water?
• Are medicines, cleaning products and personal-care chemicals stored appropriately?
• Are grab rails or other support features secure where they are needed?
• Is lighting adequate?
• Can household members enter, exit and use the room without unnecessary reaching or climbing?

Bathrooms are an important location for home falls, and wet surfaces and unstable floor coverings can contribute to fall risk.

Common Safety Concerns

• Wet or slippery floors
• Loose mats
• Poor lighting
• Unstable support equipment
• Electrical equipment used too close to water
• Accessible medicines or chemicals
• Climbing or reaching for high storage

What You Can Do

• Keep walking surfaces as dry and clear as reasonably possible.
• Secure or remove unstable mats and rugs.
• Store medicines and chemicals safely.
• Keep electrical products away from water and follow their instructions.
• Arrange qualified installation of grab rails or other permanent supports where needed.
• Do not improvise structural or electrical modifications.

6. Stairs, Balconies & Elevated Areas

What to Look For

• Are stairs clear?
• Are handrails secure?
• Are steps and floor surfaces in good condition?
• Is lighting adequate at stairs and landings?
• Are balconies and elevated areas protected by appropriate barriers?
• Are doors or access points to elevated areas secure where needed?
• Are objects stored away from edges?
• Can children access elevated areas without appropriate protection?

Common Safety Concerns

• Clutter on stairs
• Loose or damaged floor coverings
• Poor lighting
• Loose handrails
• Unprotected edges
• Furniture or objects that could be used to climb near a barrier
• Damaged structural elements

Fall-prevention guidance highlights clear stairs, adequate lighting, secure handrails and stable floor surfaces as important features of a safer home.

What You Can Do

• Keep stairs completely clear.
• Arrange repair of damaged steps, handrails or barriers.
• Improve lighting through appropriate permanent solutions.
• Keep climbable furniture and objects away from balcony or elevated-area barriers.
• Do not climb onto unsafe heights to inspect a balcony, roof edge, external structure or other elevated feature.
• Seek qualified professional advice when a structural or barrier concern is suspected.

7. Electrical Safety Around the Home

What to Look For

Look at electrical equipment without opening, dismantling or modifying it.

• Are plugs, sockets, cords and equipment visibly intact?
• Are there burn marks, melting, unusual heat, buzzing or crackling?
• Are circuit breakers or protective devices operating repeatedly?
• Are extension leads or adapters being heavily or inappropriately used?
• Are electrical devices kept away from water?
• Are cords placed where they could be damaged or create a trip hazard?
• Are chargers and devices placed on suitable surfaces?
• Are outdoor electrical products appropriately protected for their environment?

Warning signs such as burn marks, buzzing or crackling, overheating, repeated protective-device operation and damaged cables should not be ignored.

Common Safety Concerns

• Damaged cords or plugs
• Overloaded sockets or extension equipment
• Electrical equipment near water
• Exposed or damaged wiring
• Overheating
• Repeated circuit-breaker or protective-device operation
• Cables creating trip hazards
• Electrical equipment affected by water or flooding

What You Can Do

• Stop using visibly damaged electrical equipment.
• Keep electrical equipment dry.
• Keep cords away from routes where they can be damaged or tripped over.
• Use products according to their manufacturer's instructions.
• Have suspected electrical faults assessed by a qualified electrician.
• After flooding or significant water exposure, do not assume electrical installations or equipment are safe. Obtain appropriate professional assessment where needed.

Do not: open sockets, repair wiring, alter electrical protection, replace fixed wiring or attempt other electrical work unless appropriately qualified and permitted to do so.

8. Fire & Heat Safety

What to Look For

• Are smoke alarms present where appropriate for the home and local requirements?
• Are alarms maintained according to their instructions?
• Are heating and cooking appliances used according to manufacturer instructions?
• Are combustible materials kept away from heat sources?
• Are candles, matches, lighters and other ignition sources controlled?
• Are exits and escape routes clear?
• Does the household know how to respond if an alarm sounds?
• Where relevant, is carbon-monoxide protection provided according to applicable local requirements and appliance guidance?

Fire-safety guidance recommends smoke alarms in sleeping areas and on home levels, with testing and maintenance according to the applicable guidance and equipment instructions.

Common Safety Concerns

• Unattended cooking
• Blocked escape routes
• Combustible materials close to heat
• Damaged or incorrectly used heating equipment
• Disabled or poorly maintained alarms
• Unsafe use of candles or other ignition sources
• Lack of household emergency planning

What You Can Do

• Keep escape routes clear.
• Follow local requirements and manufacturer instructions for smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
• Maintain alarms as instructed.
• Keep combustible items away from heat sources.
• Never use a cooking appliance as a substitute for a room-heating appliance.
• Keep children away from open flames, hot appliances and other significant fire hazards.
• Make sure household members know the agreed emergency plan and local emergency contact arrangements.
• Do not improvise repairs to fire alarms, fixed fire-protection systems, heating installations or other specialist equipment.

9. Outdoor Areas, Garage & Storage Areas

What to Look For

• Are paths and entrances clear?
• Are outdoor surfaces stable and reasonably slip-resistant?
• Are tools stored safely?
• Are chemicals, fuels and other hazardous products stored according to their instructions and local requirements?
• Are ladders and other equipment stored securely?
• Are electrical tools and equipment protected from unsuitable conditions?
• Are garages and storage areas adequately ventilated where required?
• Are heavy objects stored securely?

Common Safety Concerns

• Trip hazards
• Unstable stacks
• Sharp tools
• Chemicals or fuels stored incorrectly
• Damaged electrical equipment
• Unsafe ladder storage
• Blocked access
• Poor lighting
• Heavy objects that could fall

What You Can Do

• Keep paths and access routes clear.
• Store heavy items securely and, where appropriate, lower down.
• Keep chemicals and fuels in their original, correctly labelled containers and follow applicable storage instructions.
• Keep hazardous products inaccessible to children.
• Remove damaged equipment from use and arrange suitable repair or replacement.
• Do not climb onto unstable storage, vehicles or improvised platforms.
• Seek professional advice for structural, electrical, gas or other specialist concerns.

10. Emergency Preparedness

What to Look For

• Does the household know how to contact local emergency services?
• Are important emergency contacts easy to find?
• Are exits and access routes clear?
• Does everyone know the agreed meeting point or communication plan?
• Are important medications and essential supplies managed appropriately?
• Are emergency arrangements adapted for children, older adults, people with disabilities and anyone who may need assistance?
• Are important documents and contact information stored where they can be accessed safely?

Common Safety Concerns

• Unclear emergency responsibilities
• Blocked exits
• Missing or outdated contact information
• Household members not knowing the plan
• Emergency arrangements that do not consider individual needs
• Essential equipment or supplies that cannot be located

What You Can Do

• Write down local emergency numbers and important household contacts.
• Establish a simple household communication and meeting plan.
• Keep exits accessible.
• Consider the needs of people who may need additional assistance.
• Review the plan after moving home, changing household members or making major changes to the home.
• Follow official local emergency guidance for fires, severe weather, earthquakes, flooding or other hazards relevant to your location.

11. Whole-Home Final Review

Walk through the home once more and ask:

Access & Movement

☐ Main walking routes are clear.

☐ Stairs and exits are accessible.

☐ Loose rugs, mats and cords have been addressed.

☐ Lighting is adequate for normal movement.

Fire & Heat

☐ Cooking and heating areas are appropriately managed.

☐ Combustible materials are kept away from heat sources.

☐ Smoke and other relevant alarms are maintained according to applicable requirements and instructions.

☐ Escape routes are clear.

Electrical

☐ No obvious damaged plugs, sockets, cords or equipment remain in use.

☐ Electrical equipment is kept away from water.

☐ Suspected electrical faults have been referred to an appropriately qualified person.

☐ Water-damaged electrical equipment has been treated appropriately.

Kitchen & Chemicals

☐ Sharp tools are stored safely.

☐ Cleaning chemicals are stored appropriately.

☐ Cooking areas are orderly.

☐ Children are not expected to handle significant hazards.

Bathrooms & Falls

☐ Wet or slippery areas have been addressed.

☐ Mats and floor coverings are stable.

☐ Support features are secure where provided.

☐ High-risk reaching and climbing have been avoided.

Outdoor & Storage

☐ Paths are clear.

☐ Heavy and hazardous items are stored safely.

☐ Tools and chemicals are appropriately stored.

☐ Unsafe equipment has been removed from use.

My Top 5 Actions

Prioritise the changes that are most important for your household.

Action Plan Schedule

When to Seek Professional Help

Arrange qualified professional advice when a concern goes beyond ordinary housekeeping or simple observation. Examples include:

• Damaged, exposed or overheating electrical wiring or equipment
• Repeated circuit-breaker or protective-device operation
• Suspected electrical faults
• Gas-system, gas-appliance, regulator, hose or installation concerns
• Structural damage, unstable stairs, balconies, railings or other building elements
• Significant water or flood damage affecting electrical installations
• Fire-alarm or fixed fire-protection system concerns that require technical assessment
• Heating or fuel-burning equipment that appears damaged or is not operating as intended
• Repairs or modifications that require specialist knowledge, tools, testing or certification
• Any situation where you cannot confidently determine whether an installation or piece of equipment is safe

Do not attempt a repair simply because the problem looks straightforward. Electrical and other specialist hazards can remain dangerous even when the visible problem appears small.

For tenants, report relevant building or installation concerns to the landlord, property manager or responsible housing provider as appropriate. For emergencies, follow emergency procedures and contact the appropriate local emergency service for your location.

Review Again

A home changes over time. Review this walkthrough again when:

• You move into a new home.
• Children or other household members move in or out.
• An older person or person with additional support needs begins living in the home.
• You renovate, rearrange or change major equipment.
• There has been a flood, storm, fire or other significant event.
• You notice a new hazard or repeated near-miss.
• A previous action has been completed and you want to check that the improvement remains effective.

A Safer Home Is an Ongoing Practice

Look → Identify → Act → Review

Small preventive actions can make everyday spaces easier, safer and more manageable.