Safety at home

Safety at home

Even your home can be dangerous, if you aren’t careful. If you don’t take the proper precautions, for instance installing a security system, or being vigilant when you go online, you could end up in serious trouble.

It’s not easy thinking about everything that could go wrong around the house. Some hazards, like bleach, are obvious, while others, like a loose stair railing, are not. Luckily, we’ve done the homework for you and put together a list of the most helpful tips that will ensure a safer home. We’ve also included some tips on what to do in case of an emergency, like a fire. So, the next time there’s a crisis, don’t panic. Stay Safe and Sound.

Fire safety

Fire Safety
  • Install smoke detectors and replace the batteries once a year.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible place.   
  • Regularly practise the fire escape plan with your family.
  • Never leave a stove unattended and always check that you’ve turned it off.
  • Hide lighters and matches away from children.
  • If you’re using candles do not leave them unattended and place them away from flammable material.
  • If there’s a fire, get out, stay out, and call for help.

Stay safe while moving home

Stay Safe and Sound while moving home
  • Be careful if you’re using movers and keep all valuable items out of sight.
  • Organise a guard through a security company to help deter opportunistic thieves. 
  • Before you do anything, clear high-traffic areas of all obstacles.
  • Always wear supportive footwear with a good grip. Avoid wearing sandals.
  • Always bend with your legs instead of your back when picking boxes up.
  • If you’re passing boxes to someone else, make sure they have a firm grip before letting go. 
  • Keep a first-aid kit on hand.

Working online

Stay Safe and Sound when you’re online
  • Never install unknown software.
  • Don’t share personal information or passwords.
  • Check that your antivirus program will block access to objectionable sites.
  • Keep your antivirus and antispyware software up to date. 
  • Use your browser’s parental control settings to limit your child’s online access. 
  • Ignore emails from your bank asking you to confirm or update your details. 
  • Do not open emails from unknown or suspicious sources. 
  • Never access your bank’s website through a link sent by email. 
  • Watch out for lottery scams that trick you into believing you won money or a prize!
  • Stay away from websites that you don’t trust. They could contain malware that will infect and even ruin your computer.

Staying home

Stay Safe and Sound when you’re home alone
  • Never leave keys in the door. 
  • When you are out keep your doors and windows locked.
  • Turn on your outside lights and close the curtains when it is dark. 
  • Ensure you have all emergency numbers on speed dial.
  • The more you can see, the safer you are. Add residential CCTV to your security measures. 
  • Join the local Neighbourhood Watch so you can alert your neighbours of suspicious activity.
  • Don’t leave items like bicycles or tools lying outside. They will attract criminals.
  • Keep bushes trimmed so that criminals can’t use them as a hiding place.
  • Plant thorny shrubs, like rosebushes, beneath your windows to deter burglars.

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