WATER - SAFETY

Tragically, in Australia around 2 young children drown every week. Half of these die in backyard pools, with toddlers aged 1 to 3 most at risk. The single most important thing you can do to prevent drowning, regardless of other measures you may take, is to always watch kids closely around water.

Water means not just swimming pools, but spas, paddling pools, fishponds, bathtubs - even nappy buckets. A young child can drown quickly and silently, in just 5cm of water. For every child who drowns, another 3 or 4 will be admitted to hospital after near-drowning; some will suffer permanent brain damage.

Young kids are most at risk because they're curious and like to explore. Even a 12 month old baby can crawl faster and further than you'd imagine. If you visit friends, check if they have a pool or outdoor spa. If you have a pool, you must by law, put up a safety fence that completely separates the pool from its surroundings. The fence must be at least 1.2 meters high, and have no horizontal footholds. The pool gate must be self-closing and self-latching. This also applies to inflatable pools over 30cm in height. Pool fencing must meet Australian standards; check with your local council for details. Keep a resuscitation poster - available from the Royal Life Saving Society - on the pool fence.


SAFETY - ELECTRICAL

The home is filled with potential electrical hazards with an estimated ten people dying each year through electrical incidents it is vial to always call a licensed electrician to carry out work in your home.

Remember is there is an electrical accident- turn of all power. It is important that you do not touch a person receiving an electrical shock. Ensure 000 emergency services are called to offer first aid.

The following should be followed to help prevent accidents within your home:

Install a safety switch, safety switches are able to sense faulty appliances or bad wiring and cut off the power in a fraction of a second - protecting you from severe shock.

Don't try to repair a faulty appliance yourself. Call a licensed electrician. If you spill liquid on an appliance that's not water resistant or you feel a slight 'tingle' while you're using it, switch it off at the power point and have it checked.

Never use more than one double adaptor in a power point, or overload your power boards. Don't use cracked or broken power sockets or leads and fit plastic covers in all sockets that aren't being used. Make sure extension cords are fully unwound so they don't overheat.


PROTECT

Bad weather and floods can strike at any time, with little warning. But there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage to your home and help keep your family safe.

Floods can cause substantial damage to your home and possessions but its damage that can often be prevented.

Maintaining your property is the first step to take. Clean gutters, downpipes and drains, and check inside the roof for leaks.

Always remember the personal safety of you and your family is of paramount importance.

In any emergency, if you need help call your local State Emergency Service. Look up the number now and keep it by your phone. Always evacuate if you're asked to. If you pack up and go of your own accord, let people know. Tell police or your local State Emergency Service and your neighbors.