Bulletin Poll: Home Safety 2012

The purpose of this brief poll was to investigate the similarities and differences of those ages 18 to 49 and those ages 50+ regarding home safety. We wanted to know how important they considered different home features, and whether or not they have them.

Key findings include:

• The majority of people in both age groups say they feel somewhat or very safe in their current home.
• More than nine in ten people in both age groups say having home safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, deadbolt locks, and well-lit stairs with handrails are important and the majority say their current home has them.
  
• A gap analysis shows people in both groups are likely to rate home safety features as important, even when they do not have them. People 50+ are significantly more likely than their counterparts to say grab bars are important (77% vs. 63%) and to say they have them (48% vs. 38%). The absence of grab bars near their tub or shower by the majority of people of any age is troubling because most falls occur in the bathroom and may be prevented if this feature is installed.

Data were collected by a random-digit dial telephone omnibus survey between May 23-27, 2012, of 1,021 respondents age 18+.  For more information, please contact Linda Barrett at 202-434-6197.