Making Wise Personal-Safety Decisions Answers

Older homes did not have the same safety requirements when they were constructed that newly built homes now have to meet; any preventative measures like smoke alarms were left up to the home owners. It is also possible that wiring may have become damaged over the years and gone unnoticed, leaving the home at risk of a fire.

Avoid leaving cooking unattended, keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and do not overload electrical outlets.

To prevent a fire from occurring, one should keep flammable materials away from heaters, use appliances according to manufacturer specifications, keep matches and lighters away from children, unplug electrical appliances when not in use, and avoid overloading outlets.

Fishing is a popular water sport that sometimes requires balance and strength while in a boat that does not provide stable ground. It would be easy to lose balance and fall out of the boat, which could result in head trauma if there is a rock in the water. If nobody is around, even minor injuries could result in fatality.

An older house may have worn or outdated wiring, plumbing, stairs, railings, or safety features. Deterioration and older construction materials can increase the risk of fires, leaks, falls, or exposure to hazards.

Air pollution can irritate respiratory conditions and make it hard to breath, especially for the elderly and children. Since illness can be caused by bacteria that live in water, pollution in water can lead to serious illness.

For safety, it is important to consider the danger of aggressive animals like bears or wolves when planning an outdoor activity because an attack could potentially be fatal. It is also very important to plan for things like poisonous plants and harmful insects to determine if it is necessary to carry insect repellant and first aid ointments.

In the event of a poison being ingested, the poison control center can identify the extent of the danger and advise on measures to take to help in the victim's recovery.

Keeping the poison control center’s number somewhere easy to find saves time in an emergency. You can quickly get expert instructions if someone swallows, inhales, or touches a potentially poisonous substance.

Swimming alone can be dangerous even in a familiar place: if you get a cramp or become exhausted, you could struggle to stay afloat and there may be nobody nearby to help or call for assistance.

Considering wildlife helps you prepare for potentially dangerous encounters, avoid disturbing or harming animals, and protect their habitats. Knowing which animals live in the area can also help you choose appropriate precautions and supplies.

Air pollution can affect hiking, biking, and running by irritating the lungs and making strenuous exercise unsafe, especially for people with asthma. Water pollution can make swimming, fishing, or boating unsafe by exposing people to contaminants or harmful algae.