Safety Awareness Rules

Safety awareness serves to minimize injury risk and accidents. Safety awareness teaches people to anticipate accidents and hazards so that they may avoid them. There are many different areas of safety awareness, and each has its own set of rules. The following are some general areas of safety awareness and examples of rules applicable to each category.

Fire Safety

• Fire safety is the practice of reducing damage and injury caused by fires. Tips for ensuring fire safety include having smoke alarms properly installed, with working batteries or electric source, in your home. In addition, you should not overload extension chords or place combustibles near heat sources such as portable space heaters. Kitchens are prime places for fires. You should never leave a heated stove or oven unattended, and never wear baggy clothing while cooking over a burner. For more fire safety tips, visit the U.S. government's website on fire safety.

Bike Safety

• Bike safety is the practice of reducing bicycle injuries. Children and adults are both susceptible to bicycle-related injuries. Some rules to prevent such injuries include always wearing a helmet. Never wear a hat underneath your helmet and ensure that your helmet properly fits your head. Put reflectors on your bike so that you are more visible to cars, especially at night. You can also wear bright clothes to draw attention to yourself so that motorists will see you. Do not wear headphones while operating a bike because it can distract you from noises around you. For more bicycle safety rules, visit the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center website.

Natural Disaster Safety

• Natural disaster safety awareness covers a wide array of potential scenarios, including earthquakes, floods and tornadoes. Emergency preparedness is a major component of natural disaster safety. For example, you should always have an emergency plan in place that includes where to seek shelter in the event of a disaster. You should also stock up on supplies, such as flashlights, water and canned food, in the event that you are trapped and without power. For more information on natural disaster safety awareness rules, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website on natural disasters and severe weather.

Driving Safety

• Driving safety is the process of mitigating risk when you are operating a motor vehicle. Many driver awareness rules are part of law, such as driving at the posted speed limit, stopping at a stop sign, wearing your seat belt and avoiding driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Other rules that may not be laws in all areas include avoiding talking on your cell phone while driving and employing defensive driving techniques to avoid collisions. To learn more about driving safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Water Safety

• Water safety rules are intended to raise awareness about the hazards of recreational water use, such as swimming and boating. These rules are especially applicable to children and weak swimmers. Swimming safety rules include avoiding swimming alone so that someone can call for help in an emergency. It is also important to know your limits. You do not want to venture out into waters with a strong current if you are not an experienced swimmer. Also, only swim in safe areas to avoid being struck by recreational vehicles such as jet skis and boats. To learn more about water safety rules, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website on swimming safety.