Safety in the home
These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of home injury:
- Install a hardwired smoke alarm. If you have battery powered smoke alarms set an annual date for changing the batteries.
- Have at least one lockable and high up cupboard in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom to store any domestic cleaners, batteries and other poisonous materials and sharp objects or tools. A similar cupboard should also be in the garage.
- Take extra care with cigarettes, electric blankets, oil burners, candles, incense and mosquito coils in order to avoid home fires.
- Develop an agreed Evacuation Plan for your family to use in an emergency.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers near the telephone or program them into your home telephone and/or mobile telephone.
- Be alert to injury issues in the backyard, including the dangers of trampolines, the need for soft falls materials under all play equipment and the need for shade protection.
- Make sure any driveways are separated from play areas to avoid slow driveway rollovers. This is particularly important for owners of 4 wheel drive vehicles.