This page will not cover how to minimise your risk of contracting COVID-19 as the official guidance provided by the Scottish and UK governments is the best starting place for this. However, there are other household risks it is worth being extra mindful of at this time, which we will cover here.

It is an unfortunate fact that more accidents occur in the home than anywhere else. As we are now spending much more time in our homes than normal, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is running a campaign urging people to take precautions to prevent domestic accidents and so avoid putting any more pressure on the over-stretched NHS.

The advice the RoSPA is sharing for older people is as follows:

• Avoid leaving items on the stairs – they can become a tripping hazard
• Wear well-fitting shoes and slippers
• Remove loose rugs, or use tape to stick down corners
• Landings, stairs and hallways should be well lit
• Ensure stairs are maintained – damaged or worn carpet should be repaired or removed if possible.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has suspended all Home Fire Safety Visits until further notice during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there is a Home Fire Safety Checklist that we have linked to below that can help you to stay safe in your home. You can also contact your local fire station if you have any fire-related questions.

Police Scotland has noted that fraudsters are increasingly targeting the public and organisations with emails, telephone calls and text messages offering advice and treatments for COVID-19. This includes setting up websites selling fake products and ‘testing’ kits or asking for donations for victims. There have even been text messages claiming to be from the Government and asking for donations to the NHS.

For any emails or text messages you receive from unknown or unexpected sources, you should avoid clicking on any links unless you are absolutely certain the message is genuine.

There are various ways to protect yourself from scammers during COVID-19.