Making Wise Personal-Safety Decisions

Why is it a good idea to keep the number to the poison control center in a handy place at home?

Responses will vary. A sample response follows: 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.

What types of outdoor activities can be impacted by pollution and how can they be affected?

Responses will vary. A sample response follows: 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.

Water on the kitchen floor at home is considered a safety hazard.

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

True

Which of the following would NOT be considered proper safety equipment for an outdoor excursion?
A.
a helmet for biking
B.
long sleeves and pants for places with rocks and thick forest growth
C.
bathing suit for water activities
D.
a compass or GPS device

C. bathing suit for water activities

Which of the following is NOT a safety precaution that should be practiced at home?
A.
unplugging electrical appliances not in use
B.
storing flammable materials in a cool place
C.
turning off the television at night
D.
not overloading outlets

C. turning off the television at night

Why might an older house have more safety risks than a new one?

Responses will vary. A sample response follows: 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.

Give an example of how participating in a water activity by yourself could be dangerous, even if it is a simple activity that you frequently do.

Responses will vary. A sample response follows: 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.

Pollution does not generally impact the safety of outdoor activities since it’s generally restricted to cities.

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

False

Why is it important to consider wildlife when planning an outdoor activity?

Responses will vary. A sample response follows: 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.

What are three things you can do to prevent a fire from occurring in your home?

Responses will vary. A sample response follows: 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.