A razor, a knife, a knitting needle or a pair of scissors mishandled can pierce or cut the skin, eyes, or any other part of the body and may result in fatal injury too, especially if the item happens to be rusty which may lead to and emotions. Even matchboxes, cooking gas lighters, cigarette lighters etc. need same precautions. Some children have this hobby of collecting matchboxes of different types from different countries, hotels etc. but the adults should ensure that matchsticks of these should be discarded under their supervision.
While climbing a ladder, make sure another person is holding it at the bottom to prevent it from slipping. This person will be very helpful in case you get an electric shock or suddenly encounter a lizard, a monkey, a strong wind etc. and need to make a quick descent or escape.
Make sure that the ladders, stool, chair or a table you use to reach things placed at some height in the house are strong, have a stable base and do not fold easily. Always stand in the middle to prevent toppling over and never climb on a folding chair.
STAIRS
Keep stairs well lit dry, clean and clear. Always ensure that no door swings over the steps of the staircase, especially the top stop as someone could be knocked down if caught unawares by the opening of the door. Do ensure enough headroom over each step.
Loose carpeting on the stairs can cause people to trip and fall. It should be kept in good shape.
There should be railings or handrests on both sides of the stairs, even if there is a wall on one side. The railings give support to children as well as to the old and infirm.
Everyone in the house should make it a point to wipe a staircase dry if a wet patch is found. If this cannot be done, then post a sign to warn users that the stairs are wet, or block entry to the stairs.
Do not slide down the bannisters of a staircase. A fall may result in severe head injuries.
Children can fall from trees, and from roofs which are unprotected by a high parapet wall. They should not be allowed to climb or fool around them.
No one should sit or stand on a window sill, balcony railings, terrace parapet, etc. as even slightest distraction may result in a fall.
Provide enough natural or artificial light in corridors, hallways and passageways between rooms and upon the stairs so that it is safe to walk and no obstacle remains hidden from view. Night lights should be provided in the bedrooms and corridors.
POWER CUTS
If power failures are frequent, one should keep a torch in each room, and keep candles and matchboxes handy but out of the reach of young children.
In case of power failure, turn off power appliances such as electric irons, toasters, ovens, mixers, etc. Should the power come on when you are away or asleep, a fire could result if any of these appliances are left switched on. Personal computers should be turned off when power fails since a sudden restoration of power may damage the disc or delete the data.