We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Happy cake Happy cafe

QUIZ: How Safe Is Your House?

Are you ready for every power cut and leak, or do you have some work to do?

ASK SOMEONE HOW safe their home is, and they’ll likely start talking about double-locked doors and burglar alarms.

But home safety extends to much more than just protecting the place from unwanted visitors. From power cuts to dodgy repair jobs to overheating appliances, there are plenty of everyday hazards a homeowner needs to be mindful of.

So, how safe is your home, really? Take our quiz to find out…

1. Do you have a smoke alarm in your home?
Shutterstock/TheJournal.ie
Shutterstock/TheJournal.ie
2. Do you have a fire evacuation plan worked out at home, just in case?
Shutterstock
Yes, everyone in the house knows exactly what to do in case of fire
I have a rough idea, but not a detailed plan

No, I don't
3. If you're hiring an electrical contractor, what's your main concern? FYI, you should only hire a Registered Electrical Contractor for work in your home.
Unsplash
That they are cheap
That they are registered and above board

That they can start work as soon as possible
4. There's just been a power cut. Do you know where the torch is?
Shutterstock
Er, I have a fairly good idea.
Yes, there's one handy on every floor.

We don't own a torch.
5. What's one household room where a fire blanket is absolutely essential?
Unsplash
The kitchen
Unsplash
The bedroom

Shutterstock
The utility room
Unsplash
No idea
6. Where do you charge your phone at night?
Unsplash
In my bedroom away from flammable surfaces.
Under my pillow or beside me in bed.

In another room away from flammable surfaces.
7. The plug flex on one of your appliances is damaged. What do you do to solve the problem?
Shutterstock
As long as the appliance works, I'm not worried.
Tape up the damage before using the appliance again.

Stop using the appliance until the flex can be safely replaced.
8. You've just moved house and you notice the bathroom floor gets slippy after showers. What do you do?
Unsplash
Buy non-slip mats or tiles.
Put a towel on the floor.

Try to avoid the wet patches.
Answer all the questions to see your result!
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
You need to work on your home safety!
Uh-oh. Sounds like you could be putting yourself and others at risk. It's time to make a few changes - like only hiring a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work at home. Click the blue button below to find one near you.
Share your result:
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
Your home doesn't sound all that safe!
Uh-oh. Sounds like you could be putting yourself and others at risk. It's time to make a few changes - like only hiring a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work at home. Click the blue button below to find one near you.
Share your result:
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
Your home sounds like it's pretty safe!
You have most things sorted. But there are still a few key things you can do to ensure everyone's safe and sound - like only hiring a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work at home. Click the blue button below to find one near you.
Share your result:
Unsplash
You scored out of !
Your home sounds very safe indeed!
Congrats! You have your home safety sorted. Want to make your home even safer? Be sure to only hire a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work at home. Click the blue button below to find one near you.
Share your result:

Remember, if you’re carrying out electrical work in your home, you should always use a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) from the Safe Electric register. This way, you can be confident the work will be done safely and legally. Find a REC in your area right here.

By the way, here are the quiz answers that would have won you top marks for home safety…

1. Yes
2. Yes, everyone in the house knows exactly what to do in case of fire
3. That they are registered and above board
4. Yes, there’s one handy on every floor
5. The kitchen
6. In another room away from flammable surfaces
7. Stop using the appliance until the flex can be safely replaced
8. Buy non-slip mats or tiles.

Close
12 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel