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Personal Injury Avoidance and Safety Tips
Personal injuries can happen to anyone.
Some personal injuries can be life altering to the point where
the only thing left to think about is regret. Most personal injuries
can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.
Whether inside the home or while out-and-about,
taking some simple, common sense action steps can save you and
your loved ones from life-altering injuries.
In Home
Avoid personal injuries inside the home by applying some common
sense fire safety methods. Keep all flammables such as plastic
and linens away from heat sources. Never bring gasoline inside
the home and be sure to store in a safe place and within an approved
container. Douse cigarettes and butts outside the home. Do not
leave heat sources such as the stove, candles or barbeque grill
unattended. Have the fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned
once a year. Do not overload electrical outlets and check all
power cord wires for wear and tear.
Home security is not just to protect your possessions but to
protect your personal welfare as well. Check to make sure all
door hinges are on the inside and that all door and window locks
are operable. Use deadbolts on all your main household doors.
Check outside lighting and use motion detector lights to deter
unwanted visitors. Install a reliable home security alarm system
as a high-tech solution and / or get a watchdog as a low-tech
solution. Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home when you're
away. Join or develop a neighborhood watch program on your street.
For parents, the first thing to think about in avoiding personal
injuries inside the home is childproofing your house. Besides
installing the necessary hardware, such as safety locks on cabinets,
it is also important to educate your children about avoiding flames
and heat sources such as stoves, fireplaces, candles and light
bulbs. Matches and lighters need to be locked in a secure place.
Have older children memorize your address, phone number and particularly
911 in case of emergency.
Outside the Home
Avoiding personal injuries while out-and-about can be achieved
by being aware of surroundings and knowing what to do in case
of emergency. When taking trips into the wilderness, carry plenty
of water, a compass or GPS device, a map, a cell phone and an
emergency blanket. Let someone not in the hike know where you'll
be going and when you'll return.
When walking around urban areas, the safest spots are well-lit,
well-trafficked areas. Spread your valuables around your body
rather than all in one place. Try to be inconspicuous with your
valuables as well. Take a self-defense and /or personal safety
course in case you are accosted. Where legal, carry pepper spray,
a personal alarm, whistle or just yell "Fire!" as this
will usually get more results than yelling for help. Run away
rather than fight. Stay alert to your surroundings rather than
being distracted with a personal stereo or cell phone. Pay particular
attention around ATM machines and choose ones that are well lit
and populated rather than ones that are dimly lit and isolated.
Since personal injuries can happen to anyone, it is important
to take some common sense precautions as part of our daily lives
and daily routines. Educate your loved ones about these precautions
as well. By making this a "team effort" everyone can
benefit personally.
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