Security Alert Signs – Basic 1 Security Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Security alert signs are special signs that use pictures and colours to tell us to be careful or to warn us about danger. They talk to us without words. They give us information that helps us know what to do, so warning signs keep us safe.

Behavioural objectives

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

• Explain security alert signs
• Discuss the consequences of ignoring warning signs

What are security alert signs?

Signs are like messages that talk to us without words. They use pictures and colours to warn us about danger.

Security alert signs are special signs that tell us to be careful or warn us about danger. They help keep us safe by giving us information.

What are the common security alert signs?

1. STOP sign (red octagon)

• Shape: 8 sides (an octagon)
• Meaning: Stop moving immediately!
• Where: At road junctions, school gates
• What to do: Stop and look around before moving

2. DANGER sign (red with skull or lightning)

• Meaning: Very dangerous! Stay away!
• Where: Near electrical boxes, chemical stores
• What to do: Don’t go near, turn around

3. NO ENTRY sign (red circle with white bar)

• Meaning: Do not enter or go in
• Where: Restricted areas, staff only areas
• What to do: Find another way, don’t enter

4. CAUTION or WARNING sign (yellow triangle)

• Meaning: Be very careful here!
• Where: Wet floors, construction areas
• What to do: Walk slowly and carefully

5. FIRE EXIT sign (green with running man)

• Meaning: Safe way out during an emergency
• Where: Schools, buildings, hospitals
• What to do: Remember where it is in case of fire

6. WET FLOOR sign (yellow)

• Meaning: The floor is slippery
• What to do: Walk carefully, don’t run

7. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign

• Meaning: Safe place to cross the road
• What to do: Cross here with an adult

Why are signs important?

• They protect us from danger
• They give us information
• They help us know what to do
• They warn us before something bad happens

What happens if we ignore warning signs?

If we don’t obey signs, bad things can happen.

Ignoring a STOP sign

• You can be hit by a car
• You can cause an accident
• You can get seriously hurt

Ignoring a DANGER sign

• You can be electrocuted (shocked by electricity)
• You can get poisoned by chemicals
• You can have serious injuries

Ignoring a WET FLOOR sign

• You can slip and fall
• You can break your bones
• You can hit your head

Ignoring a NO ENTRY sign

• You can get lost
• You can enter dangerous areas
• You can get into trouble

Not knowing the FIRE EXIT sign

• You can be trapped during a fire
• You won’t know how to escape
• You can be in serious danger

What should we remember about signs?

• Always look for signs
• Understand what they mean
• Obey all warning signs
• Tell others to obey too
• Signs are our friends!

Class activity and discussion

Class activity: Draw some common signs on the board. Let students identify them and say what they mean.

Discussion questions:

• What signs have you seen on your way to school?
• Why do you think signs use pictures and not just words?

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. A STOP sign means _____
   • a) run fast
   • b) stop moving
   • c) jump
2. Warning signs help to keep us _____
   • a) safe
   • b) hungry
   • c) sleepy
3. If you see a danger sign, you should _____
   • a) ignore it
   • b) stay away
   • c) go closer
4. The colour of a STOP sign is _____
   • a) green
   • b) red
   • c) yellow
5. If you ignore a wet floor sign, you might _____
   • a) win a prize
   • b) slip and fall
   • c) become tall

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

Assignment

1. Draw and colour a STOP sign.
2. Ask your parents to show you three different signs on your way home.
3. Write what each sign means (with help from parents).