When you're at home with your family, it's important to think about safety to avoid accidents and injuries. Fires can happen in the home, which could destroy your house and injure family members. Accidents with poisons, pesticides, and water are also dangerous for people of all ages. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods could also be threats, depending on where you live. Following safety rules helps keep everyone safe.
General Safety
General safety in your home means following safety rules that adults make. Some rules in your home may be not to run in the house, not to climb on furniture, and not to play with matches. It's also important not to play with sharp tools or allow strangers into your house. Rules are meant to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention involves several things. You should never play with matches or lighters. Cooking in the kitchen can also be dangerous if you're not careful. If your parents allow you to cook, always follow safety rules about using the stove, oven, toaster, and microwave. If a fire happens, get away from the fire and call for help.
Poison
Many chemicals around your house are poisonous. Chemicals may be used for cleaning or working in and around the house. To stay healthy, you should not use chemicals without an adult's permission and supervision. Avoid inhaling chemicals, getting them on your skin, and getting them in your mouth.
Disaster Preparedness
People living in different areas may experience natural disasters. For example, some people live in zones where earthquakes are common. Other people live where hurricanes and flooding can occur, bringing severe water damage to whole cities. People who live in areas where tornadoes are common may experience dangerous storms. Disaster preparedness means that you know what to do if a disaster strikes.
Infant and Toddlers
Infants and toddlers need supervision to keep them safe. Small children also need protection from common dangers in the home such as stairs, cords, and water. Older homes may have lead in the indoor surfaces, which can be dangerous for people of all ages but especially for young children. Parents often need to child-proof a home to keep infants and toddlers safe.
Water Safety
Water safety is important both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, children need constant supervision if they are around water, such as in bathtubs or in buckets. Outdoors, children need supervision if they have access to water in a pool. Children need to be careful to follow house rules about water to stay safe.
Senior Safety
Older adults sometimes have trouble staying safe in their homes. Falling is a common problem as people get older because sometimes they get dizzy or they trip or stumble. Some families install systems that allow older adults to call for help if they fall and get hurt. Adults might also need to call for help if they get sick.
Pet Safety
Having a pet is a fun thing for many families. Dogs and cats are common family pets, but some people might also have a pet bird or hamster. Pets need humans to take care of them. Pets also need to have training so they know how to respond to people. A well-behaved pet should not lash out with biting or scratching.