Safety First by sanjainoah

CONTENTS 06 Pre-Drive Checklist

Keep Your Kids Safe In School

Home Security Tips

Basic Office Safety Tips

Two-Wheeler Safety

Safety Rules For Children

20 Supplement Team General Manager

Supplement Editor

Layout Graphics

Circulation Manager

Director-Marketing

Sr. Business Dvlpt. Manager

Graphic Designer

Printed at

Mohd. Allam Ali James John

Sudip N.

Sanjai Noah

Majeed Nadapuram Krishnamurthy

Adel Hammam

Raya Printing Press

Safety First 5

PRE-DRIVE CHECKLIST A pre-drive check can be as simple as walking around the car to look at your tyres and verifying the amount of fuel in your tank via the gas gauge before leaving. It might be the difference between making it to your destination or walking to find assistance. • • • • • • • • • • • •

Check weather report and ensure that you are taking the proper outerwear (in case of breakdown) Visual inspection of Tyres, check pressure if in doubt Physical check of Gas Cap Ensure windows provide clear visibility Visual inspection of headlights Visual inspection of taillights Check Oil level Check radiator fluid level Check brake fluid level Check washer fluid level Test turn signals Test brake lights

Safety First

• • • •

Check back seat or rear passenger area through the windows before entering vehicle Start car and check fuel on the Gas Gauge Start car and check for any “trouble lights” Start car and listen for odd noises (with radio OFF). It might be a good idea to drive the first couple miles without the radio to key you in to odd automobile noises that may indicate issues. (Courtesy: www.geekprepper.org)

TWO-WHEELER SAFETY

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Before you drive, make a habit of pre-checking your vehicle like loosening of clutch, brake, in gear or neutral, indicators, headlight (for night driving), mirrors etc. Never forget to clear the side stand before moving your vehicle Always wear full cover helmet for safety Make a sketch of your route and destination in your mind before starting Avoid over speed as that may lead to severe accidents Be cautious about stray animals on the road while driving and if so, reduce your speed Use your mirror while turning and crossing roads, but do not depend on it totally Do not forget to use indicators during the night Dim and dip should also be used while driving at night Reduce the speed of your vehicle to 30-40km during rainy days Be extra-cautious about humps on the road Note and follow warning signals on the road Always keep your driving licence and other related records with you Try your utmost to control the vehicle in crisis situations Avoid talking with the pillion while driving Avoid using cellphone and listening to music with earphone while driving. (Info courtesy: www.indiastudychannel.com) Safety First 7

ROAD SAFETY

These points will definitely help new drivers be safe:

SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS Never assume that an approaching vehicle can see you, or will stop for you— wait until all vehicles have stopped before you cross

• •

Always use pedestrian crossings Never assume that an approaching vehicle can see you, or will stop for you—wait until all vehicles have stopped before you cross • At intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb, and while you are crossing the road • Avoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses • Wear bright, light-coloured clothing at night or in reduced visibility conditions • Avoid using a mobile phone or portable media player (so you can hear vehicles and concentrate on crossing the road) • At traffic lights, make sure that vehicles stop before you start to cross, and don’t enter the road if vehicles are moving through the crossing or if the red don’t walk signal shows. Pedestrian countdown timers can also help you decide if it’s safe to cross. (Courtesy:www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au) 8

Safety First

BASIC OFFICE SAFETY TIPS Jackie Cohen Being aware of hazards in the workplace and learning office safety tips goes a long way toward preventing accidents. Some Common Sense • •

• • • • • • • • •

Use basic common sense in your daily comportment around the office. That means: Sit upright in your chair, with your feet touching the floor when you’re working at your desk. Before sitting down, look to make sure your chair is beneath you and hasn’t rolled away. Look where you’re going whenever you’re walking around the office. If you’ve got to carry anything from one place to another, don’t stack things up so high that you can’t see directly in front of you. Walk, don’t run. Go slowly if the floor is wet or otherwise slippery. Don’t read while walking. Always hold the handrail when using stairs. When carrying boxes, use the elevator if available. Only open one drawer in a filing cabinet at a • time to keep it from tipping over. Close desk or file cabinet drawers before walking away so others don’t walk into them. •

• • • 10

Safety First

Store supplies inside of cabinets or bookcases, and place heavier items in the lower drawers or shelves. Immediately wipe up spilled beverages, water tracked in by wet shoes or drippings from umbrellas. Ask a custodian to do the cleaning if you don’t have time to do it yourself. Obey your building’s (no) smoking rules, and don’t throw matches, ashes or cigarette butts into regular trash. Keep the floors and aisles clear of electrical cords. Use surge protectors and cable ties to manage the wiring. Refrain from eating or drinking at a

• •

• • • • • • • • • •

• • •

• • • • •

Work Safe

The safest workplaces are ones in which every single employee knows office safety tips. If your employer doesn’t have a program in place for educating staff about workplace safety, you might want to ask your human resources department or boss about the feasibility of creating one. Your company could hire a consultant to help implement such policies. A safe office benefits employers and employees alike. Companies can save money on insurance and workers compensation claims, while also maintaining good morale and productivity among the staff. Workers save money on health care costs and are happier and more productive in safe office environments. OFFICE SAFETY

•

computer station. Spills and crumbs could get into the keyboard and cause malfunctions. Don’t touch electrical outlets, plugs nor switches with wet hands. Report It Anytime you see something unsafe, report it to your facilities management department or supervisor. Things you might want to point out include sightings of: Torn carpet Loose tiles Wobbly steps or floorboards Burned-out lightbulbs Broken chairs or desks Other defective equipment Stray electrical cables or obstructions of walkways Possible unauthorized visitors Emergency Preparedness Emergencies can happen, and being prepared for them ahead of time is vital. Here’s just a selection of things that can better prepare you for an emergency: Have a plan for evacuating the building in the event of a fire or other disaster. Know where the nearest emergency exit is along with other locations on your floor. Make sure your office has fire guards or marshals designated on each floor or section to provide direction in the event of an evacuation. Practice with fire drills at least once a year, if not more frequently. For evacuations during natural disasters, especially fires, take the stairs instead of an elevator. Move away from windows during a tornado or other type of windstorm. Create specific plans for earthquakes if your office is situated near a fault line. Similarly, create specific strategies to deal with possible power outages and computer network failures.

Safety First 11

MAKE YOUR HOUSE HEALTHY AND SAFE Your home should be a haven: the one place where your children will be protected from harm. Still, more than 3 million kids get hurt at home each year. Young children can spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, so a healthy home environment is critical. Yet, many hazards aren’t obvious. Experts say that these are the most important preventive steps to take. Guard against Scalding

You probably know that your young child could drown in the bathtub, but she’s just as likely to get seriously burned. “Hot water can burn skin just like fire,” says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. A baby or toddler who is exposed to 140 degrees F water can be scalded in less than five seconds—so make sure your hot-water heater is set to 120 degrees F, and always test the water temperature yourself before placing your child in the tub.

Watch out for Windows

Every year, more than 4,000 kids end up in the emergency room after tumbling out of a window. It’s crucial to install window guards (rows of bars no more than four inches apart 12

Safety First

that screw securely into the sides of window frames but can be released quickly by an adult in case of fire) or window stops (which prevent windows from opening more than four inches) on all upper-level windows. Babies and toddlers can be strangled by cords on blinds and shades, so place cribs and other furniture away from windows. It’s best to use cordless window coverings in kids’ bedrooms. They are the leading cause of unintentional injury for kids ages 14 and under, but your child’s risk of being hurt in a fall—down stairs or off furniture, for example— multiplies once she’s mobile. “Toddlers are still mastering the whole walking thing, and they lose their balance a lot,” says Debra Smiley Holtzman, author of The Safe Baby. Install wall-mounted baby gates at both the top and bottom of stairs, and cushion corners and edges of tables and fireplace hearths with padding to protect your child from banging her head on them if she topples over.

Renovate Carefully

If your home was built before 1978, there’s

probably lead in the paint under the top coats on your walls and windows, as well as in old floor varnish. When lead dust gets stirred up during a renovation (or when paint starts to chip), the toxic particles put your child at risk of developmental and learning problems— so it’s important to hire a contractor who’s certified in safely removing leaded materials.

Test for Radon

Approximately one in 15 homes (including apartments) has a high level of radon, a radioactive gas released when uranium naturally breaks down in soil, rocks, and water. Radon is believed to be the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, but because you can’t see or smell it, you won’t know if you’re being exposed without testing

HOME SAFETY

Foil other Falls

Safety First 13

for it. Fortunately, an inexpensive test kit that’s available at home-improvement stores will be reliable in this case. If your levels are high, you’ll need to have a certified radon-mitigation contractor install a piping system to vent the gas out from under your home. If you’re building a new home, make sure your contractor uses radon-resistant construction techniques, and request a radon test as part of the inspection when purchasing a home. If yours tests negative, retest every two years or after renovations, says Elizabeth Blackburn, of the EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection and Environmental Education.

Be prepared for Fire

Kids ages 5 and younger are twice as likely to die in a residential fire than older children or adults because it’s harder for them to escape on their own. It’s critical to have a smoke alarm on every floor including the basement as well as outside and inside every bedroom. Remember to test them monthly. You should also have one multipurpose fire extinguisher for every 600 square feet of living space. When using an extinguisher, remember PASS: Pull the pin. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze or press the handle. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out.

Monitor Carbon Monoxide

Low to moderate levels of this colorless and odorless gas can cause symptoms similar to the flu (without fever). But as levels increase, the toxic effects of carbon monoxide (CO) can be deadly, especially for children, because the gas prevents oxygen from getting to the heart and brain. “If you don’t have carbon-monoxide alarms outside bedrooms and other sleeping areas, you may not know your family’s being poisoned until it’s too late,” warns Blackburn. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. The most important way to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning is to make sure that all your fuel-burning appliances are working properly, says Blackburn. Have your heating system (and chimney and flues) inspected each year. However, CO can also be created by equipment like portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers that are powered by an internal combustion engine.

Ban Bugs Safely

Mice, cockroaches, ants, and other pests are annoying, but they’re usually not nearly as big 14

Safety First

Avoid Allergens and Irritants

Pound for pound, children breathe more air than adults do, so they’re especially vulnerable to the effects of indoor environmental pollutants. Never let anyone smoke in your house; keep humidity levels at a minimum by using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms and a dehumidifier in your basement to prevent mould growth; remove any waterdamaged carpet and furniture promptly; open doors and windows when cleaning, painting, or laying new carpet; and change furnace filters as recommended.

Lock up Poisonous Products

That means not only cleaners, medications, and caustic cosmetic items like nail-polish remover but also perfume, bath oil, mouthwash, aftershave, and vitamins. More than 1 million kids are poisoned by ingesting common household items every year. (Courtesy: www.parents.com)

Be prepared for Fire Kids ages 5 and younger are twice as likely to die in a residential fire than older children or adults because it’s harder for them to escape on their own. It’s critical to have a smoke alarm on every floor including the basement as well as outside and inside every bedroom. Remember to test them monthly. You should also have one multipurpose fire extinguisher for every 600 square feet of living space. Safety First 15

HOME SAFETY

a health threat as the toxins that get rid of them. “Pesticides contaminate the air your child breathes and the floor she plays on and increase her risk of developing neurological problems and cancer,” says Parents advisor Philip Landrigan, M.D. Instead, he suggests sealing off crevices in your floors and walls, weather-stripping doors and windows, and keeping your kitchen clean and free of food particles. If you must use pesticides, buy the smallest amount needed, and choose gels or baits instead of sprays.

HOME SECURITY TIPS Secure your home with these expert-vetted home safety tips that turn burglars into bunglers. • • • •

Store valuables in your child’s sock drawer rather than in your nightstand. Thieves often scour the master bedroom but tend to leave children’s rooms untouched. If your front entrance contains decorative glass, install your security keypad in a spot that is not visible from the doorstep. That way, burglars won’t be able to peer in and see if the alarm is set. A mail slot goes against the wood grain, weakening the horizontal integrity of a door and making it easier to kick in. Opt for a mailbox, or install your slot near the bottom of the front door, no higher than a quarter of the way up. Keep car keys next to your bed while you sleep. If you hear a suspicious noise and

Don’t store

Don’t store wood near the side of the house, as it can easily be used by intruders as a stepladder up to a window. Keep logs in the garage or in a pile at the edge of the yard.

Safety First

•

• •

•

• •

suspect that someone is trying to break in, press the Panic button on your key ring. The car alarm will sound, and the burglar will have no choice but to flee the scene. Plant thorny shrubs, such as rosebushes, beneath ground-floor windows. They’ll add beauty to your garden and deter burglars. If you’re going away on vacation, ask a neighbour to check daily for flyers stuck in your front door. Crafty criminals have been known to leave pizza ads in doors to see how long it takes for residents to remove them. Rather than loading up the car the night before a weekend getaway, quickly do it in the morning right before you leave. Left in front of the house, a fully packed car can serve as a green light for those looking for one. Lower the volume of your telephone ringer. This way a passerby won’t be able to hear it go to voice mail, which is an indication that no one is home. Don’t store wood near the side of the house, as it can easily be used by intruders as a stepladder up to a window. Keep logs in the garage or in a pile at the edge of the yard. If a yard worker or unknown visitor uses the bathroom, he may unlatch the window so he can gain entry later. Be sure to double-check the lock. Choose your locksmith wisely. Some are unlicensed or dishonest, so always look for a

HOME SAFETY

•

well-established locksmith business that is bonded and insured. If you don’t have a security system, at least purchase a decal. If you cannot afford a security system, buy an alarm or patrol service decal to place on your front door. While an accomplished thief is not fooled, decals may deter a less-experienced thief from entering. Join a community-wide crime-prevention program: Groups like Neighbourhood Watch encourages people to mark their property to combat burglary and theft. In some cities, burglary rates for such households were significantly lower than those of non-participants. Look to see how you can get involved. (Courtesy: www.rd.com)

Safety First 17

FIRE SAFETY FOR HOMES Below are tips on how to keep your home and family safe from fires. In the House •

• • • • • • • • • •

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries immediately if needed. Check your fire extinguishers. Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords, replace where needed. Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in case of incidents such as power outages and flooding. Practice your families fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency Windows should be checked to ensure they open and close properly, in case they are needed as an exit Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents Recycle: Get rid of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. These items tend to pile up and can greatly contribute to the severity and spread of fire. Check and clean filters above stove. Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils. Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.

Safety First

Around the house •

Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street. • Maintain a clear ‘fire zone’ of 10” around structures. • Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances for animal nests and to ensure proper wiring. • Keep 100” of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use. • Remove leaves and trash from carports and garages: Combustible materials are dangerous if they are exposed to heated automobile components, especially under the vehicle. • Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals. • Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored. • Let power equipment sit for approximately 30 minutes before placing it inside to be sure there is no possibility of fire. • Some municipalities do not allow open air burning. Always check with your local fire department for questions, instructions and permits. (Courtesy: www.ayrmutual.com)

Recycle: Get rid of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. These items tend to pile up and can greatly contribute to the severity and spread of fire.

Safety First 19

HOME SAFETY

In the House

SAFETY RULES FOR CHILDREN Debolina Raja Are you constantly worried about your kid’s safety? Do you feel it is important to lay down a few safety guidelines for your kid both inside and outside the house? If you are wondering just how to go about it, we have the answer for you.

eeping your kid safe at all times means constant adult supervision. It also means implementing a few important changes and rules that ensure your kid’s well-being. Read on to know how you can teach safety rules for children. Here we list out kids’ safety rules that will help in ensuring safety at school and home.

Know your name, number and address:

Your kid may be small but it is important to teach basic contact details like your and your partner’s name and contact number. Your kid should be able to share your contact number with someone in case of an emergency. Also, knowing where home is and any nearby landmark is also important. Help your kid memorize these with regular practice at home. Also, help your kid memorize a backup number to call, like a grandparent, uncle or aunt.

Do not eat anything given by a stranger:

You need to teach your kid about the dangers of eating food that is given by a stranger. No matter how tempting the treat is, if it comes from a stranger, your kid should not eat it. Teach your kid that it is dangerous to accept food from anyone. Ask them to politely refuse in case someone is offering food without your consent or in your absence. 20 Safety First

Do not climb the fence:

Your kid may be playing ball and suddenly it bounces off to a space inside a fence. Teach your kid never to try and retrieve something by climbing through a fence. If something like this happens, your kid should ask the help of a grown up, but never go near a fence.

Do not walk off the yard alone:

Similar to the point above, your kid should know that it is not permissible to walk out of your yard alone. If your kid needs to go out for anything, you or some known adult should be accompanying your kid at all times.

Never play or experiment with fire:

Whether or not you are at home, your kid should know that it is absolutely not allowed to play with fire. Only if you are around and have given your permission can your kid be near fire. Make sure all fire outlets are safely out of your kid’s reach.

Never go anywhere with a stranger:

Your kid should know that no matter what the reasoning, it is not safe to go anywhere with a stranger. Tell your kid that if a stranger tells them something like ‘Your mom asked you to come with me immediately,’ they should stay where they are and shout out for help. Ensure that if there is an emergency, you will always send a family member, like grandparent or aunt, to be with your kid and not a stranger.

No one is allowed to touch your kid’s body:

This is a very important safety rule for kids and you should teach about it as soon as your kid can understand the basics. Teach about good touch and bad touch. Tell your kid that no one is allowed to touch your kid except mommy, and sometimes papa, if needed. If anyone else has touched your kid, your kid should immediately shout for help and alert people around.

If you get lost, stay where you are:

In the event that your kid gets lost, tell them it is important they stay right where they are. If they see any other mom with kids nearby, they can ask her for help. Your kid should stay inside the place and not go out, even with the other mom. Most common places where kids get lost are the super markets. Tell your kid that they can walk up to the counter of the store and tell the person they are lost.

Do not share personal details with anyone:

Your kid should know that it is unsafe to share personal details like phone numbers, address, email ids or pictures with strangers. Any information that is shared should only be with your consent or in your presence. No matter what your kid may be asked to do, if it makes your kid uncomfortable, your kid should NOT do it. This could be something as simple as taking off clothes in front of others and diving in a home pool. If your kid is not comfortable about it, no matter how many friends are doing it, your kid should not do it at all. It is important that you teach your kid about these basic safety rules for kids as soon as they are able to understand. There are certain things that you can start teaching your kid as early as three years of age. Make sure you speak to your kid in an age-appropriate language. Also, always keep communication open. This will encourage your kid to tell you everything. Safety First 21

HOME SAFETY

If uncomfortable don’t do it:

KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE IN SCHOOL

here’s no question that sending the kids off to school for the first time each year is an experience full of mixed emotions. As soon as we put our children onto the bus, or walk them through the school door, it never fails. We seem to morph into a mom with multiple personalities. You know exactly what I mean, experiencing thoughts like….. I’m so sad my baby is growing up. I’m so happy my baby is growing up! I’m so sad I’m not with him. I’m so relieved I have a few hours alone. I can’t wait until he gets home. Can’t he stay just a little longer? While we may feel a host of conflicting emotions, there’s one emotion that seems to plague even the most experienced of school moms. Fear! Fear is a common response to the unknown. We send our children off into the care of others that we really may not know much about. For the first time in awhile, we aren’t sure exactly how they’re spending their day or who they’re spending it with. We aren’t sure how the teacher will respond if our child cries, gets into a fight or realizes he forgot his lunch. All we do know, for sure, is that mom isn’t there to make sure everything is alright. While we can’t be there in person to be sure are children are safe and well cared for, we can empower our children to be conscious of their safety and to express themselves in a way so that their needs are met. 22

Safety First

As you start off the school year, incorporate these 10 safety tips into your Back to School Regime.

teacher. Teach your child that it’s okay for him to talk to you and his teacher about his needs or concerns.

Be sure your child knows his and your contact information. He should have his full name and address, your full name and the best number to reach you at memorized.

Avoid labelling your child’s clothing, backpack or jackets with his name where it is visible. You don’t want a stranger to be able to call out your child by name, so be sure his name isn’t anywhere visible on his clothing or school bag.

Be familiar with how your child’s school handles emergencies. Be sure to educate yourself about the policies and procedures regarding school lockdowns and other emergencies. Let your child know who is listed on his emergency contact form.

Be a presence. Get involved in your child’s school. Join the PTA or volunteer to be a room mother. Let your presence declare that you have a serious interest in your child’s school year success.

Provide ways for your child to make friends. Get your child involved with something that interests him, encourage play dates and foster friendships. Being involved in a peer group can help your child feel positive about his school experience.

Ask your child open-ended questions. Make asking your child questions about how his day went a part of your afterschool routine. If anything concerns you, bring it up with his

SCHOOL SAFETY

Safety First 23

If your child walks or rides the bus to school, talk specifically about safety rules and have a set check-in time for him to call you when he gets home from school.

Role play. Engage in situational role plays that can help your child learn to navigate different situations that may come up. For example, it could be helpful to role play with your 2nd grader how to handle a situation where he lost his lunch money. Role play possible ways of handling the situation, like by telling the teacher or the cafeteria worker or by asking to call home.

Consider providing your child with a preprogrammed cell phone. There are several cell phones on the market that allow a set number of contacts to be programmed into the phone. Consider giving your child a phone so that he can reach you should the need arise.

10. Pay attention. Pay attention to changes in your child’s eating habits, sleeping habits and personality. If you notice your child seems withdrawn or isn’t sleeping well, inquire as to why. A change in behavior may signal that something is wrong. 24

Safety First

Our children will look to us for reassurance about school. If we appear worried, we won’t do our children any good. While a cautious parent is a good parent, a wise parent will take great care to monitor the message they are sending to their child.

Ask your child Ask your child open-ended questions. Make asking your child questions about how his day went a part of your afterschool routine. If anything concerns you, bring it up with his teacher. Teach your child that it’s okay for him to talk to you and his teacher about his needs or concerns.

WORK SAFETY TIPS Staying healthy and safe at work is important. No matter what your job, it is important to reduce your risks of injury and illness at work. Here are some tips to help make your workplace safe.

•

Understand the risks. Once you know the particular hazards of your job or workplace, you can take steps to reduce your risk of work-related injury or illness. Reduce workplace stress. Common causes include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with co-workers or bosses. Stress can lead to depression, sleeping difficulties and problems with concentration. Take regular breaks. Staying fresh and alert will help you avoid injury or burnout. Schedule the most difficult tasks of each day for times when your concentration is best, such as first thing in the morning.

WORK SAFETY

•

Safety First 25

• • • •

• •

26 Safety First

Avoid stooping or twisting. Use ergonomically designed furniture and equipment, and rearrange your work area so that everything you need is within easy reach. Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Instead of trying to lift or carry a heavy object, use a wheelbarrow, conveyor belt, crane or forklift. Protect your back. If you do need to pick up and carry heavy loads, keep the load close to your body and lift with your thigh muscles. Wear protective equipment to suit the task. If worn correctly, gear such as earplugs, earmuffs, hard hat, safety goggles, gloves or full-face mask can dramatically reduce your risk of injury. Stay sober. Alcohol and drugs are a contributing factor in around three per cent of workplace fatalities. Talk over any concerns. Your employer or human resources manager need to be informed about hazards and risks. Your employer is legally obliged to ensure a safe working environment. (Courtesy: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)