Safety Rules at Home and in Public Places

Safety rules exist for one reason: to protect people from getting hurt. When everyone follows safety rules, accidents are far less likely to happen. Learning the rules — and the science behind them — helps you understand why they are important, not just what they say.

Fire safety

• Never play with matches, lighters, or candles — fire spreads fast and is very hard to stop once it starts.
• Know your home's fire escape plan and practice it. Know two exits from every room.
• If your clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll — stop running (air feeds fire), drop to the ground, and roll to smother the flames.
• In a fire: stay low (smoke rises — cleaner air is near the floor), feel the door before opening (if it is hot, use another exit), and never use an elevator.
• Smoke detectors save lives — test them regularly.

Kitchen safety

• Never touch stove burners, oven racks, or hot pans — burns happen in an instant.
• Always use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.
• Keep sharp knives out of reach — only adults should use sharp knives.
• Never put metal in a microwave — it causes sparks and fire.
• Clean up spills immediately — wet floors cause slipping.

Road safety

• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street — even at a crosswalk.
• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard — helmets absorb the impact energy that would otherwise reach your skull.
• Never run into the road without looking, even after a ball or toy.

Safety in public places

• Walk — do not run — in halls and on stairs. Running increases the risk of collision and falling.
• Use equipment on the playground as it is designed — do not stand on swings or climb outside of designated areas.
• Tell a trusted adult immediately if you see something dangerous or someone is being hurt.
• Know where the first-aid kit and fire exits are in your home.