1 Be prepared
2Prepare for fire
3Work safely
172
HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES
Home safety
Your home should be a place of safety and security, yet every year household accidents cause countless serious injuries and many deaths. By being aware of the potential dangers and taking action to make your home as safe as possible, you can do a great deal to reduce the risk of accident. The following room-by-room guide highlights potential trouble spots and provides practical advice on sensible safety precautions. Most household accidents derive from carelessness, so work cautiously and wear safety equipment when undertaking do-it-yourself projects.
MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE
1 Be prepared
• Assemble a basic emergency repair kit( see box, right) and keep it in an accessible place.
• Make sure that all family members know where the equipment is kept.
• Check that the adults know where to find and how to operate the main controls for gas( by the gas meter), electricity( by the fusebox), and water( often located under the kitchen sink).
• Draw up a family evacuation plan( p. 173) and practice it regularly.
• Near the telephone, keep a list of phone numbers of an emergency plumber and electrician, your family doctor, and 24-hour helplines for reporting gas and water leaks.
2Prepare for fire
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms or detectors( p. 173).
• Keep a fire blanket and a dry powder fire extinguisher that weighs at least 2 lb( 1 kg) near the stove in the kitchen. Have the extinguisher serviced regularly.
• Buy a metal fire ladder to use when escaping.
• First-aid kit( p. 60)
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Lightbulbs
ESSENTIALS
EMERGENCY REPAIR EQUIPMENT
• Candles and matches
• Plugs and fuses( p. 197)
• Screwdriver
3Work safely
• If you are doing emergency repairs, take all necessary safety precautions, especially if the work involves electricity.
• Wear safety equipment: goggles to protect eyes from flying debris; dust mask to prevent dust from entering the lungs; and ear plugs to protect ears from the noise of power tools.
Wear goggles and a mask to protect against dust
Hold tools firmly for maximum control