An Everyday Hero is aware of dangers
Everyday heroism for adults has to do with a sense of responsibility and the capacity to act in emergencies. Whereas children and adolescents are still learning things about everyday safety, adults are expected to know all this already. In addition to remembering things vital in an emergency, such as the 112 emergency number and first aid skills, you also have to take the everyday safety of children and other people near you into account.
At home, you can make everyday life safer just by identifying potential dangers, removing hazards and being proactive. For instance: select fireproof decorating materials, have your chimney swept regularly, don’t dry your laundry in the sauna, and so on.
If you have small children, keep a special lookout for things that might be dangerous for them. Keep medicines and chemicals out of their reach, use outlet protectors for electrical outlets and install gates at the top of staircases; this will prevent many risks.
Adult attitudes and behaviours are easily assumed by children. Exercise caution in traffic and aim to act as calmly as possible in any emergencies. In case you suspect or observe violence, inform the police or the social services. This will help give children and adolescents the message that you can actually make a difference by taking action.
We Finns live safe everyday lives on the whole, but every adult can contribute to making them even safer. Neighbourly help and self-sufficiency should not remain old folks’ tales.
Remember, that the 112 emergency number works all over Europe.
