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Published on 6 Mar 2025 by Fern L.
A well-prepared domestic helper is a valuable asset to any household, especially in times of emergency. Whether it’s a fire, medical emergency, or a security threat, having a helper who knows how to respond effectively can make all the difference.
Training your helper in emergency preparedness not only enhances safety but also builds their confidence in managing unexpected situations.
Here’s how you can equip your helper to handle emergencies at home.
1. Conduct a safety orientation
Before your helper starts work, take time to walk them through the home’s safety features. Show them where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency exits, and safety switches are located. Explain potential hazards in the home, such as electrical appliances, gas leaks, or slippery floors, and how to address them.
2. Teach basic first aid and CPR
Medical emergencies can happen anytime, and knowing first aid can save lives. Consider enrolling your helper in a first aid and CPR training course. If a formal course isn’t an option, teach them basic skills such as handling minor cuts, burns, or choking incidents. Provide a first aid manual or instructional videos for them to refer to.
3. Fire safety and prevention
Fire emergencies can escalate quickly, so your helper must know how to react. Teach them how to use a fire extinguisher and when to evacuate instead of attempting to put out a fire. Discuss kitchen fire safety, such as not using water on grease fires and turning off appliances when not in use. Regularly check smoke detectors and ensure they know how to respond to an alarm.
4. Emergency contact list
Ensure your helper has access to a list of important contacts, including:
- Emergency services (999 in Singapore)
- Family members
- Neighbors or friends nearby
- Your doctor and nearest hospital
Place this list in a visible spot and save the numbers on their mobile phone.
5. Practice emergency drills
Conduct regular emergency drills to reinforce what they’ve learned. Simulate different scenarios such as a fire evacuation, medical emergency, or security breach. Walk through the steps calmly and correct any mistakes to ensure they fully understand the procedures.
6. Handling security threats
Teach your helper how to handle suspicious individuals, phone scams, or unexpected visitors. Remind them not to open the door to strangers and to verify identities before allowing service personnel inside. Install a security system if possible and show them how to use it.
7. Dealing with child and elderly emergencies
If your helper takes care of children or elderly family members, provide specific training on handling emergencies related to their needs. This may include recognising signs of a medical crisis, assisting with mobility issues, or knowing what to do if a child goes missing.
8. Stay updated and review procedures
Emergency preparedness should be an ongoing process. Regularly review safety procedures with your helper and update them on any changes in household safety measures. Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable asking questions or clarifying doubts.
Training your domestic helper to handle emergencies ensures a safer home for everyone. By equipping them with the right knowledge and skills, you can have peace of mind knowing they are prepared for any situation. A well-trained helper is not just an employee but a trusted member of your household who can act swiftly and responsibly in times of crisis.
You might be interested in:
Balancing Work and Rest: A Guide for Employers to Support Their Helpers
Teaching Kids to Respect and Appreciate Domestic Helpers
Making Helpers Feel Like Part of the Family: Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference
Understanding Burmese Domestic Helpers: Culture, Values, and Unique Qualities
A well-prepared domestic helper is a valuable asset to any household, especially in times of emergency. Whether it’s a fire, medical emergency, or a security threat, having a helper who knows how to respond effectively can make all the difference.
Training your helper in emergency preparedness not only enhances safety but also builds their confidence in managing unexpected situations.
Here’s how you can equip your helper to handle emergencies at home.
1. Conduct a safety orientation
Before your helper starts work, take time to walk them through the home’s safety features. Show them where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency exits, and safety switches are located. Explain potential hazards in the home, such as electrical appliances, gas leaks, or slippery floors, and how to address them.
2. Teach basic first aid and CPR
Medical emergencies can happen anytime, and knowing first aid can save lives. Consider enrolling your helper in a first aid and CPR training course. If a formal course isn’t an option, teach them basic skills such as handling minor cuts, burns, or choking incidents. Provide a first aid manual or instructional videos for them to refer to.
3. Fire safety and prevention
Fire emergencies can escalate quickly, so your helper must know how to react. Teach them how to use a fire extinguisher and when to evacuate instead of attempting to put out a fire. Discuss kitchen fire safety, such as not using water on grease fires and turning off appliances when not in use. Regularly check smoke detectors and ensure they know how to respond to an alarm.
4. Emergency contact list
Ensure your helper has access to a list of important contacts, including:
- Emergency services (999 in Singapore)
- Family members
- Neighbors or friends nearby
- Your doctor and nearest hospital
Place this list in a visible spot and save the numbers on their mobile phone.
5. Practice emergency drills
Conduct regular emergency drills to reinforce what they’ve learned. Simulate different scenarios such as a fire evacuation, medical emergency, or security breach. Walk through the steps calmly and correct any mistakes to ensure they fully understand the procedures.
6. Handling security threats
Teach your helper how to handle suspicious individuals, phone scams, or unexpected visitors. Remind them not to open the door to strangers and to verify identities before allowing service personnel inside. Install a security system if possible and show them how to use it.
7. Dealing with child and elderly emergencies
If your helper takes care of children or elderly family members, provide specific training on handling emergencies related to their needs. This may include recognising signs of a medical crisis, assisting with mobility issues, or knowing what to do if a child goes missing.
8. Stay updated and review procedures
Emergency preparedness should be an ongoing process. Regularly review safety procedures with your helper and update them on any changes in household safety measures. Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable asking questions or clarifying doubts.
Training your domestic helper to handle emergencies ensures a safer home for everyone. By equipping them with the right knowledge and skills, you can have peace of mind knowing they are prepared for any situation. A well-trained helper is not just an employee but a trusted member of your household who can act swiftly and responsibly in times of crisis.
You might be interested in:
Balancing Work and Rest: A Guide for Employers to Support Their Helpers
Teaching Kids to Respect and Appreciate Domestic Helpers
Making Helpers Feel Like Part of the Family: Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference
Understanding Burmese Domestic Helpers: Culture, Values, and Unique Qualities