Making your home a safer place

Be prepared
Get the name and telephone number of your doctor and any other emergency phone numbers and addresses and keep them in a place where they can be found in an emergency.

Calling for help
Make sure you know how to dial 999 and ask for the emergency services.

Escape route
Find out how to get out of your home quickly and safely in the event of a fire. Draw plans of your escape route, keep and remember them and ensure everyone who lives in the house is aware of them.

Do a home safety check
Check upstairs and downstairs looking for worn or loose-fitting carpets, poor lighting, unguarded fires, cracked plugs and worn flexes, furniture too close to fires etc. Do not put yourself at risk by tampering with electrical wiring and appliances.

Be vigilant
Many accidents occur in the home from everyday activities such as children playing, preparing food, simply moving about the house, carrying out D.I.Y. and other household repairs.

Chemicals
Ensure all chemicals in the house and garden are clearly labelled and stored safely and securely.

Garden tools
Make sure all garden tools, equipment and chemicals are stored away properly. Do not leave items lying around which could cause a trip or fall.

Hazards
Children should be supervised at all times. Potential hazards can be found indoors and outside all homes.

Bonfires
Never start bonfires with petrol or methylated spirits.