Security Precautions – Basic 1 Security Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Security precautions are careful steps or actions we take to protect ourselves from danger, harm or accidents. We take them before something bad happens, so that it can be prevented. At home, at school, on the road and in public places, simple actions such as locking doors, looking before crossing and staying with adults keep us safe.

Behavioural objectives

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

• mention security precautions;
• discuss security precautions we take at home, at school, on the road and in public places;
• say why we need security precautions;
• explain what “prevention is better than cure” means.

What are security precautions?

This term, we will learn about security precautions. These are special actions we take to stay safe and prevent danger.

Security precautions are careful steps or actions we take to protect ourselves from danger, harm or accidents. They are things we do before something bad happens to prevent it.

Think of it like this: when you see rain clouds, you carry an umbrella before it rains. That is a precaution.

Why do we need security precautions?

• To prevent accidents before they happen
• To keep ourselves and others safe
• To avoid injuries and harm
• To protect our belongings
• To have peace of mind

What security precautions should we take?

At home

• Lock doors and windows
• Keep dangerous items away from children
• Do not play with fire, matches or lighters
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use
• Do not open doors to strangers
• Keep emergency numbers handy

At school

• Walk, do not run, in corridors
• Use playground equipment properly
• Tell your teacher if you see something dangerous
• Do not bring sharp objects to school
• Stay with your class and teacher
• Do not leave school with strangers

On the road

• Hold an adult’s hand when crossing
• Look left and right before crossing
• Obey traffic lights and signs
• Walk on the footpath, not on the road
• Wear a seatbelt in vehicles
• Do not talk to strangers

In public places

• Stay close to your parents
• Do not accept things from strangers
• Know your parents’ phone numbers
• Do not wander off alone
• Stay in safe, well-lit areas

Personal security precautions

• Wash your hands regularly to prevent illness
• Do not put small objects in your mouth, nose or ears
• Tell an adult if someone makes you uncomfortable
• Do not keep dangerous secrets
• Speak up when you need help

What does “prevention is better than cure” mean?

This means it is better to stop something bad from happening than to fix it after it happens.

How do we practise security precautions?

1. Be aware: Always look around and notice dangers.
2. Think ahead: Ask yourself, “Is this safe?”
3. Follow rules: Rules are made to keep you safe.
4. Ask questions: If you are not sure, ask an adult.
5. Tell someone: Report dangers you see.
6. Be prepared: Know what to do in emergencies.

Security precaution checklist

Before doing anything, ask yourself:

• Is this safe?
• Can I get hurt?
• Do I need an adult’s help?
• What could go wrong?
• Do I know what to do if something goes wrong?

What are good security habits?

• Always tell someone where you are going
• Stay in groups when possible
• Keep important phone numbers memorised
• Do not take shortcuts through dangerous areas
• Trust your instincts: if it feels wrong, it probably is
• Practise safety rules every day

Remember

• Security precautions save lives
• Being careful is being smart
• It only takes a moment to be safe
• Your safety is everyone’s responsibility, including yours

Class activity and discussion

Class activity: Show pictures of different situations. Ask students: “What security precaution should we take here?”

Discussion questions:

• Can you name one security precaution you take at home?
• Why do you think we lock our doors at night?
• What precaution do you take before crossing the road?

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Security precautions help us to _____
   • a) get sick
   • b) stay safe
   • c) be careless
2. “Prevention is better than cure” means _____
   • a) stop danger before it happens
   • b) wait for danger to happen
   • c) ignore danger
3. Before crossing the road, you should _____
   • a) run quickly
   • b) look left and right
   • c) close your eyes
4. At home, we should _____ doors and windows.
   • a) break
   • b) lock
   • c) paint
5. If something feels unsafe, you should _____
   • a) ignore it
   • b) tell an adult
   • c) try it anyway

Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-b, 4-b, 5-b

Assignment

1. List three security precautions you take at home (ask your parents to help you write).
2. Draw yourself taking one security precaution.
3. Tell your parents why security precautions are important.