Grade 4 Civics

Chapter 24
Safety and Security

In the previous lesson, we learnt about the various amenities provided to us and about using them in a
responsible manner. In this lesson, we are going to see what we need to do for our safety and security.
In order to prevent injuries to our self and others, we should be careful and watchful. Careless behaviour
is likely to put our lives as well as those of others in danger. We can continue with our daily lives happily
by keeping safe.
We need to be safe and secure at all times and in all places. We should start by being safe at home.

Security

Domestic

Outdoor

Domestic Security:

Using domestic
articles

Handling sharp objects such

as knife, scissors, etc
carefully.

Using electrical
appliances

Reading instructions before

using mixers, hot iron,
refrigerator, etc properly.

Safety while
outdoors

Safety while swimming

outdoors or crossing a bridge,
river during rainy season.

Living with a
family

Solve our differences and

quarrels with family
members in a friendly
manner.

To be safe at home, we should handle sharp objects like knives, scissors, cutters, needles, etc very
cautiously. To avoid misuse and injury, we must keep them back in their proper places after using them.
To avoid electrical injuries, we must read the instructions before using any electric appliance.
1

Chapter 24

Safety and Security

We must always try to solve our quarrels in a friendly manner and not cause any harm or injury to our
family, friends, or neighbours.
Outdoor Security:

Outdoor Security

Following
Traffic Rules

Not getting into

or getting down
from a moving
vehicle

Helping the
victims in case
of an accident

We can be injured not only at home, but outside as well. We face traffic when we go out of our house.
Traffic security therefore becomes of great importance then as the number of vehicles on the roads has
increased. Many traffic rules are in place and we must follow the traffic rules at all times to avoid
accidents. We must not try to get into or get down from a moving vehicle. In case of accidents, we should
help the victims.
Being Safe:

Following Traffic Rules

Precautions at Public Places

No cell phone while driving

Use Zebra Crossing
Walk on the footpath

Do not go with an unknown

person.
Do not pick up unclaimed objects

Being
Safe
Precautions at Public Places

Precautions at Public Places

Do not believe in false stories

Avoid going to overcrowded
places.

Use proper precautions while

lighting fire crackers.
Observe discipline and safety.

Chapter 24

Safety and Security

We must be safe when we are outside in traffic or at public places. A way of being safe when in traffic is to
follow traffic rules.
Some of the traffic rules are:
Do not drive a vehicle at high speed.
Do not use a cell phone while driving a vehicle.
Do not drive a vehicle without a license.
People on foot (Pedestrians) should walk on the footpath.
Use the Zebra Crossing when crossing roads.

Precautions at Public Places:

We as children must be particularly cautious when we go out. We must not go with people whom we do
not know. We must not accept gifts or chocolates from such people. We should not pick up any objects
lying on the roadside even if we like them as they could be dangerous. We must avoid going to
overcrowded places alone. We must always be careful and safe during festivals or other ceremonies. We
must assist the police during events such as fairs or processions by observing discipline.
Being Responsible:

Protection
of Public
Property

Being
Responsible

Protection of
Historical
Monuments

Chapter 24

Safety and Security

Protection of Public Property

The Government provides us many services like buses, trains, parks, libraries, roads, bridges etc, through
the taxes that our parents or the elders pay. As these belong to the public or people, they are called as
public property. We must not destroy public property as it our loss when public property is damaged. If
we burn buses, dig out railway tracks or spoil other public places, then the government needs to spend
the money to repair them again and again. By protecting and preserving our public property we can help
the government use the money to provide us more services and develop our country.
Protection of Historical Monuments
India is home to many forts, very old sculptures, caves, stupas, memorials and places of worship. These
monuments are a national treasure and it our duty to protect and preserve this national treasure.
Disaster Management: It is important for us to know what to do in case of disasters like floods or
earthquakes. We shall be even more afraid if we are not prepared to handle such situations and a
frightened person adds to the insecurity. The steps that we take in times of a disaster are part of Disaster
Management .
It is the duty of every aware citizen to think about the safety of self and others and remain alert about
overall security.

Questions & Answers

SMALL TEST
Match the following.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

zebra crossing
knife
river
caves
bursting crackers

Ans: a) 3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
b) 4

c) 1

d) 5

source of water
Diwali
traffic rule
cutting
historical monument
e) 2

Assignments CW/HW
1. Fill in the blanks
a) Traffic security is of great importance
b) If there is an accident, we should help the victims of the accident.
c) One should not use a cell phone while driving a vehicle

2. Answer in one sentence.

a) What does Keeping Safe mean?
Ans: Keeping Safe means to carry out our daily routine so as to not cause injury to others or
ourselves.
b) What is a part of Disaster Management?
Ans: The steps that we take in times of disasters such as floods, earthquakes or fire are a part of
Disaster Management.
Questionnaire
Give the answers in two to three sentences.

Chapter 24

Safety and Security

a) Write any three traffic rules.

Ans: To be safe while in traffic, we must follow the traffic rules. Some of the traffic rules are:
1. Follow the traffic lights.
2. Do not use a cell phone while driving a vehicle.
3. Always walk on the footpath.
b) Why should we preserve and protect public property?
Ans: We must not destroy public property as it our loss when public property is damaged. If we burn
buses, dig out railway tracks or spoil other public places, then the government needs to spend the money
to repair them again and again. By protecting and preserving our public property we can help the
government use the money to provide us more services and develop our country.
Project:
Make a traffic signal with cardboard and write what each colour means.
Activity:
As a group, find out what steps should be taken in case of a fire, earthquake and floods.