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 Discard of out of date items when replacing with new.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.
Safe services
Safe products
Safe resources
Safety at home
Safe environment
Safe in the sun
Safety online
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
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.