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Practise Safety
Taking safety precautions is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family from accidents and injuries. Let common sense and these partial lists be your guides.
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At Home |
Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
Have an emergency plan in case of accidents, fire, or injury. Practise the plan with your family.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and check them twice a year to make sure they work.
Keep a working fire extinguisher in your home. Make sure everyone in the house (including the babysitter) knows how to use it.
Keep all medications, cleaning and automotive supplies, and other hazardous products securely stored and out of the reach of children.
Turn off appliances after use. Unplug small appliances and put them away after they have cooled.
Store firearms unloaded and securely, out of the reach of children. Store ammunition separately.
Prevent falls by securing rugs that slip, keeping stairs and hallways clear of clutter, and turning on lights.
Practise safer sex. See safer sex guidelines.
Don't drink and drive.
Make sure everyone in your car is wearing a safety belt. See "Automobile Seat Restraints" on See Automobile Seat Restraints.
Obey traffic laws and speed limits.
Keep your car, bike, skateboard, skis, and other recreational gear in good operating condition.
Wear helmets and sport-specific padding when bicycling, in-line skating, playing baseball, etc. Wear eye protection when playing racquet sports.
Never let children play unattended near water.
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At Work |
Follow your employer's safety guidelines.
Wear clothing and protective equipment that is appropriate for your job (hard hat, gloves, goggles, earplugs, etc.).
Protect yourself against smoke, dangerous fumes, and exposure to chemicals.
Know the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits nearest your workstation.
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Wearing seat belts saves lives and prevents injuries. No one is strong enough to brace themselves against a sudden impact in a motor vehicle, even at very low speeds. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury and death.
Wear your seat belt every time you are in a vehicle.
Keep the belt snug and close to your body. Always use both the lap
and shoulder belts.
Seat belts are necessary even if your car is equipped
with air bags. Air bags inflate from the steering wheel or dashboard
of your car in the event of sudden impact. They are very effective
in protecting front-seat riders, but they must be used with seat belts.
Children younger than 12 years of age should sit in the
back seat. Use child car seats for infants, children under 4, and those
weighing less than 18 kg (40 lb). See
Child Car Seats.
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