Short messages on Personal safety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
By law, category 2 fireworks (suitable for garden displays) cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18 and under-18s are also not allowed to carry fireworks in a public place.
Electricity runs through a rail on the train track or through overhead lines. In both cases the power is strong enough to kill you instantly.
Stop when you see red lights flashing on a Level Crossing (train track) or hear the alarm ringing. Wait if the red lights keep flashing after a train has passed, another train is coming.
When swimming, among the hazards to consider are that water can be a lot colder than you are expecting so be careful if you jump in or go for a swim to cool off. Also, there may be strong currents and underwater debris that you cannot see from the bank. Before you get into the water, consider how you are going to get out again. Be honest about your swimming ability.
Three teenagers died last week swimming in unsafe places, such as weirs, quarries and strong rivers. Safer places include the beach, lidos and swimming pools.
A quarter of smoke alarms in the UK don’t work because they’ve had their battery taken out. Working smoke alarms save lives.
Smoke alarms: always check the battery regularly (test it once a week), replacing it when necessary (at least once a year), always have spare batteries for it, and never remove the batteries for other purposes.
Using a mobile ‘phone while driving adversely affects driver performance in a number of different ways; namely reaction times, judgement and awareness.
The risk of being involved in a collision is four times higher when using a mobile ‘phone when driving than when not using one. Additionally, you will have worse reaction times than someone who is driving after drinking alcohol at the legal limit.
Plan an escape from your home in advance and talk about it with your family. If a fire occurs you may have to get out in the dark and difficult conditions. Escaping will be a lot easier if everyone knows where to go. Make sure your routes remain free of any obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you.