Safe

Pets, insects, rodents and pests

This is Australia. Even the cleanest of houses get mosquitoes, flies, moths, cockroaches or spiders and sometimes rodents or snakes. Use, store and dispose of sprays as directed. Place baits, pellets, poison sachets and traps well away from reach of children and pets. Discard of out of date items when replacing with new. Immediately remove dead insects and rodents.

Animals & insects

Owners are responsible for their pets, however, always supervise your children when near dogs, birds, reptiles and rodents. If you have pets, teach your children how to behave around them.

If approaching other people’s pets, always ask the owner’s permission first. Ask the owner how to hold and handle, and how to gain the animal’s trust. If an owner’s pet displays aggressiveness such as baring teeth, hissing or growling leave the animal alone.

Do not approach stray dogs. If a stray dog approaches you and your child, teach your child not to run, scream, jump or panic as this can excite or aggravate the dog. Stand completely still and avoid eye contact with the dog. Help your child by maintaining their eye contact so they don’t make eye contact with the dog. Adults have a greater peripheral vision than children so advise your child when they can move and look around again.

Do not pat or give special treat to companion or working animals.

Featured home safety resources

 Wherever you are in Australia, these featured resources are available nationally.

Please navigate through the subsections above to find more local or specific contacts.

National contacts

This is a brief list of organisations listed throughout the Safe section, which provide a national emergency or safety service. For specific services or to see what’s available in a local area please browse the subsections in the menu above.

000 Triple Zero emergency

Ambulance, Fire, Police

Poisons Information

24 hour

State Emergency Services

24 hour

Translating and Interpreting Service

24 hour

State and local areas

Alcoholics Anonymous

24 hour

Crime Stoppers

24 hour

Kids Help Line

24 hour

Lifeline

24 hour

Emergency contact list

View details and download

Also see >

Emergency and advice

– Contacts and resources

Healthy

– Counselling

Nurtured

– Relationships

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Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation Children's Guide acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.