General Security Tips – Basic 1 Security Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

General security tips are simple safety rules that children should always remember. They include knowing emergency numbers, your name and home address, keeping away from sharp objects, fire, water and poison, following safety rules, telling a trusted adult about problems, and listening to your feelings when something seems wrong.

We have learned many specific security precautions. In this lesson we put them together as general security tips that you should always remember. These tips can save your life!

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• mention important security tips
• describe other security tips
• state emergency information

What are emergency numbers?

Emergency numbers are special phone numbers you call when you need urgent help. They are free and work from any phone.

Important emergency numbers in Nigeria (and many countries)

Other important numbers

• Road Safety: 122
• Your parents’ phone numbers (VERY IMPORTANT!)
• Other family members
• Neighbours (trusted adults)

How can you memorise important numbers?

1. Say them out loud many times.
2. Write them down many times.
3. Make a song with the numbers.
4. Practise calling (pretend play).
5. Put them in an order you will remember.
6. Ask your parents to quiz you.

What should children memorise?

1. Your full name (first name, middle name, surname)
2. Your parents’ names (both full names)
3. Your home address (house number, street name, area, city)
4. Parents’ phone numbers (both if possible)
5. Emergency number: 112
6. At least one other trusted adult’s number (grandparent, aunt, uncle)

When should you call emergency numbers?

Call 112 or the Police (112/199) when:

• someone is trying to hurt you or others
• there is a robbery or theft
• you see violence or fighting
• someone is kidnapped
• you are lost and there is no adult to help
• someone is chasing you
• any crime is happening

Call the Fire Service when:

• there is a fire
• you smell leaking gas
• there is smoke
• a building is on fire
• there is any fire emergency

Call an ambulance when:

• someone is badly hurt
• someone is unconscious (will not wake up)
• someone has stopped breathing
• there is severe bleeding
• someone is having a seizure
• there is poisoning
• there is any medical emergency

How do you make an emergency call?

1. Stay calm: take a deep breath.
2. Dial the number: 112 for a general emergency.
3. Wait for an answer: someone will answer quickly.
4. Speak clearly: use your clear voice.
5. Give information:
   • your name
   • your location (address or where you are)
   • what the emergency is
   • whether anyone is hurt
6. Answer questions: the operator will ask questions.
7. Stay on the line: do not hang up until you are told to.
8. Follow instructions: do what the operator tells you.
9. Wait for help: stay in a safe place.

Practice script

“Hello, my name is [your name]. I am at [address/location]. There is a [fire/someone hurt/etc.]. Please send help!”

Remember

• Do not be scared to call.
• Speak as clearly as you can.
• It is okay if you are crying. They will understand.
• Tell the truth.
• Give as much detail as you can.
• Stay where help can find you.

When should you not call emergency numbers?

Do not call emergency numbers:

• as a joke or prank (this is illegal!)
• for homework help
• for directions
• when it is not an emergency
• to test if it works

Real emergencies need help immediately.

How do we stay safe around sharp objects?

A sharp object is any object that can cut, pierce or poke you.

Common sharp objects

In the kitchen

• Knives (butter knives, cooking knives, meat knives)
• Scissors
• Grater (for shredding food)
• Can opener
• Broken glass
• Sharp lids from cans

In the bathroom

• Razors
• Scissors
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers

Around the house

• Needles and pins
• Scissors
• Staplers
• Tacks and thumb pins
• Sharp pencils
• Broken plastic or toys
• Nails and screws
• Saws and tools

Outside

• Thorns
• Sharp sticks
• Broken glass
• Sharp stones or rocks
• Metal pieces
• Barbed wire

Why are sharp objects dangerous?

• They can cause deep cuts.
• You can bleed a lot.
• Cuts can get infected.
• Cuts are very painful.
• They can damage nerves and muscles.
• You might need stitches.
• They can cause permanent scarring.

Safety rules for sharp objects

Never:

• run while holding sharp objects
• point sharp objects at people
• put sharp objects in your pocket
• leave sharp objects lying around
• play sword fighting with sharp objects
• throw sharp objects
• use sharp objects without adult supervision
• touch broken glass

How do you use scissors safely (with permission)?

• Sit down.
• Point them downward.
• Cut away from your body.
• Hold them properly (thumb in the small hole, fingers in the large hole).
• Walk slowly if you must move.
• Give them to others handle first.
• Put them away when you are done.

What should you do if you are cut?

1. Tell an adult immediately.
2. Apply pressure with a clean cloth.
3. Keep the area clean.
4. Do not look if it makes you feel faint.
5. Let an adult treat the wound.

What are the fire safety reminders?

Never play with

• matches
• lighters
• candles
• stoves
• fireworks
• anything that produces fire

What should you do if you smell gas?

• Do not turn on lights or switches.
• Tell an adult immediately.
• Leave the area.
• Do not light matches.

What should you do if your clothes catch fire?

Remember STOP, DROP and ROLL, then cool the burn and call for help.

• STOP: do not run (it makes the fire worse).
• DROP: fall to the ground.
• ROLL: roll over and over to put out the flames.
• COOL: cool the burn with water.
• CALL: get help immediately.

What should you do if there is a fire in the house?

1. Shout “FIRE!”
2. Get out immediately.
3. Do not stop for belongings.
4. Feel doors before opening them (if a door is hot, do not open it).
5. Crawl low under smoke.
6. Get to the meeting point outside.
7. Call for help.
8. NEVER go back inside.

How do we stay safe around water?

• Never go near water alone.
• Always have adult supervision.
• Wear a life jacket in boats.
• Do not run near pools (they are slippery!).
• Do not swim if you have not learned how.
• Do not push others into water.
• If someone is drowning, call for adult help. Do not jump in.

How do we stay safe in different weather?

During thunderstorms

• Stay indoors.
• Do not stand under trees.
• Do not use a phone or electronics that are plugged in.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not bathe during a storm.

During floods

• Do not play in flood water.
• Stay on high ground.
• Do not walk or play in flowing water.
• Listen to your parents.

On hot days

• Drink lots of water.
• Stay in the shade.
• Wear a hat.
• Use sunscreen.
• Do not stay out too long.

How do we prevent poisoning?

Never put these in your mouth

• Medicines (unless given by a parent)
• Cleaning products
• Plants or berries you do not know
• Chemicals
• Batteries
• Cosmetics
• Anything that is not food

What should you do if you swallow poison?

1. Tell an adult IMMEDIATELY.
2. Do not try to vomit.
3. Do not drink anything unless you are told to.
4. Take the container of what you swallowed to an adult.
5. Call poison control or go to hospital.

What are the basic internet safety rules?

These rules are for young children.

• Only use the internet with your parents’ permission.
• Do not talk to strangers online.
• Do not share photos.
• Do not give personal information.
• Tell a parent if something makes you uncomfortable.
• Use kids’ websites only.

How do we stay safe around animals?

Around dogs and cats

• Ask the owner before petting.
• Do not disturb eating or sleeping animals.
• Do not pull tails or ears.
• Be gentle.
• Do not stare into their eyes.
• If a dog chases you, stand still like a tree.

Around wild animals

• Stay away.
• Do not feed them.
• Do not try to touch them.
• Tell an adult if you see dangerous animals.

How do we stay healthy?

Basic hygiene

• Wash your hands before eating.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet.
• Cover your mouth when coughing.
• Cover your nose when sneezing.
• Do not share drinks or food.
• Keep your fingernails clean.
• Take a bath every day.

Good hygiene prevents the spread of germs and keeps you from getting sick.

Why should you trust your instincts?

Listen to your feelings

• If something feels wrong, it probably is.
• Trust your “inner voice”.
• If you feel scared or uncomfortable, tell an adult.
• You do not have to do something just because someone tells you to.
• Your safety is more important than being polite.

The “Uh-Oh” feeling

If you get a bad feeling in your stomach or feel scared:

• stop what you are doing
• move away from the situation
• find a trusted adult
• tell them what happened

What are the general safety golden rules?

1. Think before you act
   • Ask yourself: “Is this safe?”
   • If unsure, ask an adult.
2. Know who to trust
   • Parents, teachers, police, close family
   • Not strangers
3. Speak up
   • Tell adults about problems.
   • Do not keep dangerous secrets.
   • Report unsafe situations.
4. Stay alert
   • Pay attention to your surroundings.
   • Notice dangers.
   • Be aware.
5. Follow rules
   • Rules are made to keep you safe.
   • Do not think you are too smart for rules.
   • Everyone must follow rules.
6. Use the buddy system
   • Stay with friends.
   • Do not go places alone.
   • There is safety in numbers.
7. Know your information
   • Name, address, phone numbers
   • How to get help
   • Who to call
8. Be prepared
   • Know what to do in emergencies.
   • Practise safety procedures.
   • Have a plan.
9. Communicate
   • Tell your parents where you are going.
   • Check in regularly.
   • Let people know if plans change.
10. Take care of your body
    • Eat healthy food.
    • Exercise.
    • Sleep enough.
    • Stay clean.
    • Tell adults when you are sick.

Safety everywhere checklist

• I know emergency numbers.
• I know my full name and address.
• I know my parents’ phone numbers.
• I do not play with sharp objects.
• I do not play with fire.
• I follow all safety rules.
• I tell adults about problems.
• I stay aware of my surroundings.
• I trust my instincts.
• I take care of my health.

Important reminder: Being safe does not mean being scared all the time. Be smart, careful and aware so that you can enjoy life without getting hurt.

Class activity

• Practise calling emergency numbers (pretend).
• Recite important information (name, address, parents’ numbers).
• Identify sharp objects in pictures.
• Discuss different scenarios and the right actions to take.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. The emergency number in Nigeria is _____
   • a) 123
   • b) 112
   • c) 111
2. You should never play with _____
   • a) your toys
   • b) your friends
   • c) sharp objects and matches
3. If you are lost, you should know your _____
   • a) favourite colour
   • b) parents’ phone numbers
   • c) favourite food
4. If your clothes catch fire, you should _____
   • a) run fast
   • b) stop, drop and roll
   • c) jump up and down
5. When using scissors, you should point them _____
   • a) at people
   • b) upward
   • c) downward
6. If you swallow poison, you should _____
   • a) keep it secret
   • b) tell an adult immediately
   • c) drink lots of water
7. Emergency numbers should be used _____
   • a) only in real emergencies
   • b) for fun
   • c) anytime

Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b, 4-b, 5-c, 6-b, 7-a

Assignment

1. Memorise your parents’ phone numbers and practise saying them.
2. Write down your full name, address and parents’ names (with help).
3. Practise making an emergency call with your parents (pretend).
4. Tell your parents five security tips you learned today.