The Five Golden Rules of Home Safety

The 5 Golden Rules for a Safer Home

1)  Teach everyone in your household the emergency telephone numbers.

Currently, there is no single emergency number in South Africa and therefore it’s very important for you to save the correct contact details for a possible emergency.  

For an emergency that needs police response, you should dial 10111. For an emergency that requires an ambulance, you should dial 10177. For both of these you must be able to say where you are and why you need the emergency response. Both of these numbers can be dialled for free.

Be sure to keep a list of these numbers at more than one spot in your house, for example next to the telephone, the refrigirator and in your bedside table.

2)   Read all package inserts, labels and instructions. 

The directions for use, while they might seem obvious at times, are important to read carefully. This is because as products are developed and improved and ingredients change, the usage of the product may change also. So, by following the instructions listed by the manufacturere will make sure that you achieve the best possible results with the fewest possible risks.

Also, try to keep products in their original boxes so that they can easily be identified.

3)   Attend a first aid course and ensure that anyone who is caring for your child does the same. 

First aid basics are a good skill to have for anyone. It is necessary for people dealing with children to know basic first aid. This includes parents, teachers, and nannies.

Emergencies occur all around us, in all spheres of life and can happen at any time – even at home. When this happens, first aid basics will equip anyone around the injured child or adult to reduce the health risk posed by the accident. 

Having a complete medical aid kit in the house is crucial. Make sure everyone knows where it is kept at all times.

4)   Identify potentially unsafe objects, products and situations in and around your home.

Hazardous products does not only include household cleaners, medications, and acidic cosmetic items like nail-polish remover but also perfume, bath oil, mouthwash, aftershave, and vitamins. Consequently, for safety reasons make sure that these items are stored safely and out of reach. 

5)   Never dismiss you child for reporting potential dangers in and around your home. Teach children to be proactive from a young age in terms of their personal safety as well as home safety, and reward them for their quick thinking.