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SAFETY AT HOME
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1. Building and Walls
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The house should be 2 to 3 feet above road level to prevent water
stagnation during floods or rain.
• A compound wall, at least in the front, is essential. The main
entrance should be at least 6 to 9 feet away from the compound wall.
• Ensure no power lines pass within 2 feet of the compound wall.
• Entrance size should be 4 x 6.5 feet, to allow large items like beds
and cupboards to pass.
• External walls should be 9-inch thick, and internal walls 4-inch
thick.
• A ceiling height of 10 feet or more helps in good ventilation and
cooling.
• Windows (3 x 4 feet) should be placed at 2.5 feet from the floor,
on opposite sides for cross ventilation.
• Avoid automatic locks in rooms to prevent children from locking themselves
in.
• Install CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and fire extinguishers on each
floor.
• Terrace walls should have parapet safety walls to prevent falls.
• Staircases should not be steep; steps should be 6 inches high and 2.5 feet
wide, with handrails for safety.
• Avoid sharp edges on walls and pillars—smooth and blunt corners are safer.
• Use weatherproofing on terraces to prevent water seepage and weakening
of the structure.
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2. Floorings and Surface Maintenance
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Floors must be even, smooth, and non-slippery—avoid rough or overly
polished surfaces.
• Avoid rubber or latex mats; prefer cloth or coir doormats near
bathrooms and toilets.
• Clean daily with water and mop dry. Weekly use of a vacuum cleaner is
helpful.
• Use soft brushes to avoid damaging floor tiles or marble.
• Immediately clean oil spills or water puddles using soap solutions and
mops.
• Wet bathroom areas must be disinfected regularly with phenol, bleaching
powder, etc. to avoid fungus and slipperiness.
• Residual soap after spot cleaning should be rinsed off properly.
⚡ 3. Electrical Safety
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Do not run electric wires under carpets or floor mats.
• Switchboards should be placed at a height of 5 feet, away from
children's reach.
• Use ISI-marked wires and appropriate gauge during installation.
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit
Interrupters (AFCIs) for extra safety.
• Electric sockets should not be overloaded.
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3a. Electric Devices
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Discard devices with old/damaged cables.
• Coil up excess wires and secure them.
• Replace devices that produce sparks, heat, or burning smell.
• Change batteries periodically in remotes, torches, etc.
• Use only correct voltage bulbs and switch off unused devices.
• Regularly inspect wires for insulation damage.
• Children should not operate electric stove, kettle, or iron box.
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4. Drugs and Medicines
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Store medicines in cupboards beyond children's reach.
• Containers must be tightly sealed and labeled.
• Keep expiry dates in check.
• Teach children that medicines are not candies.
• Use child-proof caps when possible.
☠️ 5. Poison Storage
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Keep poisons and chemicals in original containers, sealed and labeled.
• Lock away cleaning agents, pesticides, and alcohol from children's
access.
• Note and display emergency poison control phone numbers.
• Destroy expired chemicals safely.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use.
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6. Inflammable Materials & Fire
Safety
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Store matchboxes, gas cylinders, and kerosene cautiously.
• Do not wear synthetic clothes while cooking. Use cotton clothing.
• Switch off gas valves at night.
• Do not store multiple gas cylinders in the kitchen.
• Keep refrigerators in dining area if space allows, not kitchen.
• Store paint, varnish, and thinners in cool, ventilated areas under
lock and key.
• Avoid electrical sparks and open flames near these substances.
• In case of gas leak, do not operate switches; ventilate immediately.
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USE OF PRECAUTIONARY METHODS
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Store flammable materials under lock and key, out of children's reach.
• Educate children about not operating stoves, irons, or electric items.
• Close the valve of the gas cylinder before bedtime.
• Avoid placing mosquito coils near beds—use wall-mounted repellers.
• Mop up any water/oil spills immediately.
• Keep medicine bottles labeled and locked away.
• Prevent children from playing near wells, tanks, or parking areas.
• Use proper ladders with secure bases when accessing lofts.
• Ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows open.
• Install circuit breakers in the electric system to cut power during
faults.
• Regularly clean toilets and bathrooms with disinfectants.
• During a gas leak, turn off the main switch outside; do not switch
anything inside.
• In electric shock cases, wear rubber slippers, stand on wooden plank,
and cut power before helping.
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Always supervise children’s activities at home.
• Provide grills on terraces and handrails on stairs for structural
safety.
✅ Conclusion
Creating
a safe home involves thoughtful design, routine maintenance, careful handling
of chemicals and electronics, and teaching all family members, especially
children, about safe practices. These simple yet effective measures help
prevent accidents and ensure the overall well-being of all household members.
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