This document discusses common home accidents and provides tips for prevention. It notes that accidents are often caused by careless behavior, incorrect appliance use, unsafe storage, or poor home design. Simple measures like improving lighting, removing tripping hazards, and being more careful can prevent many accidents. Specific tips include using non-slip rugs, safety gates, and handrails. The document also gives safety advice around electrical appliances, fire hazards, and having a fire drill plan. Being aware of potential dangers and taking precautions can help ensure home safety.

1. © PDST Home Economics

2. Accidents in the home
Caused by -
 Careless behaviour -curious children, forgetful elderly
 Incorrect use of services or faulty appliances
 Careless storage of harmful substances
 Bad design features eg. internal glass doors,
unnecessary steps
 Bad luck
 Bad lighting
 Untidiness - objects on floors /stairs
 Badly maintained houses, furniture and floor coverings

3. Accident prevention
 With a little extra thought and care many accidents
could be prevented

4. Falls
Well –lit stairs and corners - no shadows
Two-way light switch for stairs
Remove objects from stairs /floors
Safety gates on stairs for small children
Avoid over-polishing floors

5. Falls
Apply non-stick backing to rugs
Wipe up spills immediately
Hand grips on bath/shower, esp for elderly
Use household steps for reaching high places

6. Children
 Keep household items out of reach of children
eg. medicines, cleaning agents
 Strap small babies into baby chairs while
doing housework
 Use safety gates on stairs, kitchen and garden
 Children can drown in a few centimetres of water
eg. never leave unattended in a bath
 Warn children never to talk to strangers

7. Electrical safety
Never touch electric appliances with wet hands
Switch off power before filling kettles/repairing
appliances
Electric appliances should be properly wired and earthed
Buy reliable appliances carrying an electric safety symbol
Service electrical equipment when necessary

8. Electrical safety
Have faulty appliances repaired
Avoid overloaded sockets
Avoid faulty equipment and connections
Never take electrical equipment into the bathroom. Why?
The steam can cause short circuits and serious accidents
Avoid trailing flexes

9. Fire safety
Install smoke alarms and test batteries regularly
Keep a fire extinguisher in the centre of the house
Keep a fire blanket near the cooker in the kitchen
Place a fireguard around fires
Never hang a mirror over a fireplace

10. Fire safety
Wear flameproof nightwear
Never leave a deep fat fryer unattended
Be careful with cigarettes, NEVER smoke in bed
Unplug TV,all appliances before going to bed
Close all doors before going to bed Why?
To prevent spread of fires

11. Fire drill
A fire drill is an outline of how to behave in case of a fire
Small fire
Use fire extinguisher or blanket to put out fire
Use water but NEVER on electricity or burning fat
If fire cannot be extinguished, call fire brigade

12. Large fire
Raise the alarm. Get a neighbour to call fire brigade
Cover face with damp cloth, crawl towards exit. Why?
There is more oxygen near the floor
Ensure everyone leaves the house & close all doors. Why?
To prevent fire spreading
Never re-enter a burning house

13. Be aware, be safe!