Safety isn't just about extreme situations. It involves everyday scenarios like exercising safely, avoiding food poisoning, using machinery and driving.
It's important to be aware of things that can make you vulnerable. You can make choices to help protect yourself and minimise some of the risks.
In an emergency, call 000
In any emergency the first thing you should do is call 000. If your mobile phone is out of range from your normal network then you can dial 112.
000 and 112 are free calls from anywhere in Australia, including mobiles.
When you call:
- your call is connected to the Emergency Call Service (ECS)
- ECS will answer, "Emergency - police fire or ambulance?" (If you're on a mobile you'll be asked for the city and state you're in)
- you should answer with the service/location you need
- your call will then be connected to the relevant emergency service.
In some types of emergencies, people panic and worry about other issues like getting into trouble with parents or the police. For example, if:
- someone has overdosed on alcohol or drugs
- you're somewhere where you aren't meant to be.
If someone needs medical attention you need to focus on that and make sure you get help. Things will only be worse if someone ends up with serious or permanent injuries, or dies.
The Better Health Channel lists who to contact for help in different kinds of emergencies.
Party safe
A fun time can turn sour pretty quickly if something bad happens. Fights, drug problems, people being too drunk or a visit from the police can shut a party down pretty quickly.
If you're organising a party or event it helps to take a few precautions to ensure that you and your guests all have a good time and that you won't regret it in the morning.
Your responsibilities
As the host of the party it's your responsibility to make sure the party is a safe environment for your guests. It's in your best interest - and the interest of your guests - to take steps to avoid any problems.
Party problems
Some of the typical problems that could go on at a party are:
- alcohol problems - especially if you're under 18
- drugs
- gatecrashers and unwanted guests
- violence
- noise levels
- upsetting your neighbours.
Party fixes
You can register your party with the Victoria Police's Partysafe Program so they have the information they need if anything goes wrong and they're called to attend.
Visit our Safe partying page for more information and advice about hosting your parties. For tips on staying safe and keeping nice when you're out, check out our Binge Drinking and Alcohol pages.
Safety on the road
Everyone knows that road safety is important, but it's never too late to get a refresher on how to stay safe when travelling.
- For drivers, the Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) website has some great safe driving tips.
- For those of you who prefer to cycle, visit the Cyclist safety pages on the VicRoads website.
Safety at work
Everyone has the right to feel safe - and to be safe - at work. To find out about your rights as an employee and what to do about unsafe workplaces, visit our Safety at work page.
Water safety
Swimming is a great Australian pastime, whether it's the beach, the pool or the local creek or dam.
Surf Life Saving Australia's Beachsafe website has some good advice on beach safety, including how to read the surf when you're at the beach.
Threats or assaults
Threats, assaults and violence not only take place when you're out and about, they can happen when you're at home or in other familiar places. Threats are never acceptable - not from strangers and not from people you know or care about.
If you're feeling unsafe in a home or personal situation:
- The LookOut has links to support for and advice about family violence
- Reach Out! for has advice about what you can do about getting out of an abusive relationship.
- Love: the good, the bad and the ugly is an on-line guide for women and girls on love, respect and abuse in relationships.
If you want someone to chat to straight away, you can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Farm safety
Farm-related workplace accidents are preventable if proper safety procedures are used by all workers and family members at all times. Everyone working, visiting or living on a farm needs to understand the risks.
For information on staying safe on the farm, check out the Better Health Channel's Farm Safety page.
Links
Better Health Channel - Safety
Articles on safety issues - use the site search tool to find out more about safety and health issues.
WorkSafe Victoria
Information about the basics of workplace safety and issues for workers in different industries.
Love: the good, the bad and the ugly
On-line guide for girls on love, respect and abuse in relationship.
Ambulance Victoria
Find out about metropolitan, rural and air ambulance services in Victoria, and ambulance membership schemes.
Victoria Police - Partysafe
Information to help minimise the risk of things going wrong at your party.
Reachout! - Tips for drinking responsibly
Tips about safe partying and drink spiking, drug overdoses and what to do if someone passes out or overdoses.