Staying Safe Reading Comprehension Lesson

Safety at Home

There are many safety tips that can help keep you from getting hurt or getting into trouble. Some of the most important safety rules apply to your home. Your home should be a safe place, but accidents can happen there if people are not careful.

Adults in your home may have rules that are meant to protect you. For example, you might not be allowed to have friends over unless an adult is home, or you might have rules about cooking on the stove or using sharp knives. These rules exist for a reason. Following them helps keep you and others safe. If you are ever home alone, it is important to know who to call in an emergency — a trusted adult, a neighbor, or 911.

Fire safety is especially important at home. You should know where the smoke detectors are and make sure they work. Your family should have a fire escape plan that everyone has practiced. Know two ways out of every room, and pick a meeting spot outside where everyone will gather. Never hide in a closet or under a bed if there is a fire. Get out as quickly as possible and call for help from outside.

Safety Outdoors

Staying safe outdoors requires awareness of your surroundings and following a few key rules. When playing outside, always let an adult know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Stay in areas where other people are present, and never wander off alone into unfamiliar places.

Traffic safety is critical when you are near roads. Always look both ways before crossing a street, use crosswalks when they are available, and obey traffic signals. If you ride a bike, always wear a helmet. Wear bright or reflective clothing if you are outside in the evening so that drivers can see you clearly.

When you are outdoors, be aware of potential hazards in nature. Some plants, like poison ivy and poison oak, can cause skin irritation if you touch them. Insects like bees, wasps, and ticks can bite or sting. In hot weather, drink plenty of water and stay in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. In cold weather, dress in warm layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Wearing sunscreen on sunny days protects your skin from sunburn and long-term damage.

Download the Worksheet

Full Members can download the printable PDF worksheet and answer key.

Looking for more reading comprehension worksheets? Browse all reading lessons or become a Full Member to access every printable PDF.