Safety Advice

Health and Safety
The nights have already started closing in on the daylight hours that we have. Here is some advice to remind us that this time of the year we need to be extra careful. Most are fairly obvious but sometimes we do take our personal heath and safety for granted!

• When going out make sure you wear something light, especially for children.
• Autumn leaves can be treacherous for the unwary, especially for aged and not so old!
• Remember to give vehicles extra stopping distance
• Wrap up warm and wear some form of head gear retains body heat.
• The damp air can effect some people who perhaps suffer other ailments
• If you normally take annual flu jabs then now is the time to do it.
• Check on elderly neighbours as they may not be aware of heath and safety requirements
• Do not allow children to play out in the roads
• If going out then keep spare change to at least make an emergency phone call.
• Always inform someone of you destination and expected time back

Motoring
• Make sure to do anti-freeze/water/oil checks
• Carry a spare car "blanket", torch and flask of hot drink for long journey's
• Make sure lights and brakes are working. Carry spare bulbs
• Check for condition of tyre's
• Remember it is an offence to use mobile phone whilst driving...get a hands free kit!
• Make sure you have keys ready when returning to car
• Try and park in well-lit areas
• Always have house keys ready
• Have a quick look around before leaving car
• If snowing a good idea to carry a shovel!

Home and personal safety
• Make sure doors and windows are secure
• Smoke and other alarms working (batteries may need replacing)
• Coal or electric fires have proper guards
• Leave at least a landing light on when leaving home
• If on metered utilities then make sure you have adequate back up
• Good idea to leave spare key with trusted neighbours
• Keep emergency numbers for doctor/police/hospital handy
• Never keep credit cards and cash together
• Separate and put money/valuables in pockets to deny easy access for pick-pockets
• If carrying a hand bag with shoulder strap - use over shoulder and held close to body.
• Walk in middle of pavement with traffic coming towards you
• Always walk along well-lit populated area (avoid short cuts and alleyways)
• Never, never accept lifts from strangers
• Keep an eye on drinks in pubs and clubs - never leave drinks unattended
• Never allow a stranger to buy a drink for you
• Always inform someone of your whereabouts
• Be aware of your surroundings when using mobile phone

Self-protection
• Never assume that you can handle a "situation"
• If followed then take precautions - cross road or stop near people and see if your still being followed
• If followed find shop and ask to use phone for police or a friend to pick you up
• If followed then go to next lit house and request that they call police
• If confronted then give money/handbag as demanded
• If confronted shout "fire" or similar - never scream
• Try to carry a self-protection device even if it is for just peace of mind
• Always advisable to carry a coat to wear over "party" clothes
• Remember - if you carry any implements that can be used a weapon then you an in fact are breaking the law.
• Attend regular courses that offer some level of self-protection and awareness
• Always think and plan ahead - "BE PREPARED"

The above are just some personal suggestion that I hope will be of use - if only to make individuals aware of the dangers that lurk behind every corner of life. It is so easy for us to become complacent in the familiarity of everyday life and this is when we are unprepared for the unexpected. Just exercising a little thought and foe-planning can not just save us money but more importantly possibly save a life.