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Learning to foresee safety risks: If you have seizures, you can protect yourself from injuries by learning to recognise potential dangers at home and at work,in fact anywhere you go. Where possible,you can adapt your environment to reduce safety risks. When this is not possible,learning to foresee safety risks will allow you to make informed choices,balancing the need for safety against your right to independence and participation The bathroom Identifying the risks Water in the bathroom poses two risks during a seizure: drowning and scalds. Occasionally,bathing in very hot water can bring on a seizure.Many of the materials used in your bathroom-tiles,glass,mirrors, metal and porcelain-are hard and may be sharp and breakable.Most bathrooms are unable to be unlocked from the outside. Improving safety General Leave the bathroom door unlocked so that people can get in to assist you if necessary. If privacy is a concern devise another system to achieve this.If possible,take showers or baths when other people are at home.A thermostat can be fitted to most hot water services to control the temperature of hot water from the tap which is often unnecessarily hot.For safety,water should not be more than 50 degrees Centigrade. Safety hot water taps can be fitted.These taps have to be pushed in before they can be turned. The Shower Run the cold water first.Fit your shower with good quality shatter proof glass.A glazier can discuss the options available.A shower curtain makes a good alternative.Remove sharp edges from within the shower recess. The Bath Have a shallow bath.Use a non-slip mat in the bath.Unplug all electrical appliances as soon as you have finished with them and make sure they are off the floor.Consider this tip.Use some string to tie the bath plug to your toe.It is likely that you would pull the plug out during a seizure and let out the water. The toilet Identifying the risks Seizures within this confined space can cause injuries and can make it difficult for people to reach you. Improving safety Leave the door unlocked and devise another system to ensure your privacy.Replace an inward opening door with a sliding or outward opening door. The kitchen Identifying the risks Hot liquids,open flames or hot elements and electrical appliances are the main risks in the kitchen. Improving safety Use the back elements of the stove rather than the front ones.Turn saucepan handles to the back of the stove. Consider buying a stove guard which fits around the top of the stove and lessens the chance of saucepans being pulled over. Avoid open topped jugs and consider buying a kettle with an automatic switch off. Consider buying a microwave oven because they do not use heat to cook and so reduce your exposure to danger. The living room Identifying the risks Open fires,heaters,the sharp edges of furniture and expanses of window glass all pose some risk in the event of a seizure. Improving safety Place guards securely in front of fires and heaters. Avoid radiators that have no guards and, if you are buying a new heater,consider the fan type or a bar heater that can be fixed high on the wall. Place furniture in front of glass windows. Consider oval rather than square tables and furniture without sharp corners. The bedroom Identifying the risks Bedhead and bedside tables can contribute to injuries during a seizure, as can a fall from the bed. Improving safety Move bedside tables away from the bed and try to reduce hard or sharp surfaces in the bedroom.If possible,use a bed without a bedhead.If you are concerned about your pillow,consider sleeping without it or buy a porous pillow that allows as much air as possible to pass through it.If falling out of bed is a problem,consider sleeping in a hammock instead of a bed. Medications Identifying the risks Taking the wrong medication or the wrong dose can be dangerous,as can using the medication after the use by date. Other people,especially children,are in danger if they take your medication accidentally. Improving Safety Keep your medications in their original containers.Ensure that the containers are clearly labelled.Take medication that is out of date to the chemist to be discarded safely.Be aware that accidental poisoning occurs more often when the household is disrupted (for example when children are visiting you or you are on holidays or moving house). Helmets Identifying the risks If you have frequent seizures you may choose to wear a helmet to help protect your forehead,chin and head from injury. However,some helmets can get hot and uncomfortable and if they are not fitted properly,they may not give you enough protection. Improving Safety Ask for assistance when you are choosing a helmet to make sure the helmet is the right size for you.As well as protection,consider ventilation,comfort, washability and appearance.Helmets are available from sports stores and orthotic appliance centres.You may choose to have one custom made to your requirements. General safety Follow the normal rules of road safety such as using the walking lights when you are crossing the road.Consider wearing identification information such as a bracelet or necklace stating your name,address and medical condition