Lesson 13.1 Promoting Safety in the Home

Fall Prevention

Most people experience happen at home while doing activities. Some falls may be a result of in the environment. Other falls may occur because someone takes risks, is not paying attention, or has a or condition. A simple fall can result in a broken bone, a head injury, or another medical condition.

One way to prevent falls is to reduce the risk in your home (Figure 13.1). You can also reduce your risk by avoiding and paying attention to your environment, both at home and in the community. Many occur because people while walking. Distracted walking can also lead to a motor vehicle accident. Some communities issue tickets to people who text and walk.

Poisoning Prevention

Many are poisonous and can be hazardous if used incorrectly. A substance can cause upon entering the body. substances around the home may include , garden and yard products, , gasoline, and carbon monoxide. is a toxic, odorless, invisible gas produced during the burning of gasoline, natural gas, oil, kerosene, charcoal, and other fuels. Examples of substances include some and berries and . Understanding which substances are potentially hazardous can help prevent poisonings (Figure 13.2).

To or from potentially hazardous products, read and follow label directions for safe use. Store all in original containers in a that children and pets cannot access. When using a chemical, wear required by the label directions. Unless you are certain about the safety of a plant or other natural substance, do not eat it. Dispose of chemicals as described on the label. If poisoning does occur, call the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) immediately.

Weapons Safety

Your may keep a or a variety of other weapons in the home for hunting or personal safety. , however, can pose serious dangers to children and teens who find them. Accidents involving weapons can someone.

To help accidents in homes that , adults should keep guns and other weapons locked in a safe place that is out of reach of children. When , adults should (bullets) and keep it in another locked place away from the gun. It is important to comply with any rules prohibiting the possession and improper use of weapons, including in homes, schools, and public places.

If you happen to , leave the area without touching it. Find a to tell right away. It is very important to report any weapon you find, as well as any person using or playing with the weapon. Also tell an adult if you hear anyone talking about using a weapon or see photos or messages about using a weapon online. These safety rules apply wherever you are (Figure 13.3).

Understand the Fire Triangle

Before you can learn how to , you must know how a fire starts. There are three elements needed to start a fire. These elements include . The fire triangle, also known as the , is a model that can help you remember these elements (Figure 13.4). When are present in the right amounts, a chemical reaction occurs that can start a fire.

The fuel in the refers to the that is burning. Materials that are easily set on fire are . Examples of flammable materials include , oils, paper, , and some liquids such as . When a heat source, such as a match, comes in contact with flammable materials, a fire starts. To stay burning, the fire needs oxygen.

To (put out) the fire, you need to in the fire triangle. For example, putting a over the flames will remove the oxygen from the fire and cause the fire to stop burning. When use water to put out the fire, they are removing the heat, which cools down the fire and extinguishes it.

Conduct a Fire Safety Inspection

Now that you understand how fires start, you can using the fire safety in Figure 13.5. Using a checklist like that can help you make sure the and no fire hazards are present. Properly installed on every level of the home, including the , can reduce your risk of injury and death from fire. Smoke detectors should be installed outside all sleeping areas, in the kitchen, and near the furnace. Families should monthly and replace the batteries at least yearly to make sure they are working properly.

Everyone in the family who is old enough should know the in the home and learn how to use them. Fire extinguishers can and prevent them from causing . A fire extinguisher should be available near the , in the , and in the . There are different types of fire extinguishers, so be sure to check fire extinguisher labels carefully. Fire departments often provide training on how to properly use fire extinguishers.

Have an Escape Plan

A out in your home despite your best prevention efforts. This is why families should have an escape plan in place. An escape plan outlines for leaving the home in the event a fire occurs.

Because you never know where the fire may start, an escape plan should show each room of the home. If one exit becomes blocked or is too dangerous to pass through, you still have another way out. Part of the plan should identify who will so everyone gets out safely. The plan should also include a place outside for all family members to meet once they are safely out of the home (Figure 13.6).

Once your family has an , arrange to practice the plan before a fire occurs. This way all family members can without the stress of an actual emergency. The more you and your family practice, the more you increase your chances of everyone getting out of the home safely.

As your family , make sure everyone knows how to respond to the sound of the smoke alarm. You may want to have a family member time how long it takes everyone to . As you leave the home, there are certain procedures you should follow to stay safe. These procedures include the following:

• During a fire, with the back of your hand to determine if they are hot before opening them. If the door is hot, escape through a window. If you are trapped in a room, keep the door closed and signal or call for help.

• in your home have a window that opens. Windows should be easy to unlock and open quickly.

• If you can, in your home about the fire. Get out of the building and call 911 from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone.

• Crawl near the floor to smoke, toxic fumes, and heat, which will rise toward the ceiling.

• If your clothing catches fire, to put out the flames (Figure 13.7).

• Once outside, a burning building.

Emergency Preparedness

In addition to a , families should prepare for other types of disasters. involves knowing how to respond to a specific type of emergency.

Depending on where you live, you may experience one or more types of . Natural disasters are events or that usually cause great damage. Examples of natural disasters may include tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and winter storms (Figure 13.8). Other may include power failure, , , , and . With some simple preparation and the appropriate supplies, you and your family can be ready to deal with natural disasters and other emergencies.

Most emergencies you might experience include similar challenges, such as exposure to the elements, , lack of sanitation, and lack of access to food or water. Planning for these is part of . In emergencies, people also need to communicate and receive emergency information. Doing so improves your chances of staying safe during a disaster.