HEALTH & SAFETY It’s great to visit different countries, to see different scenery, to experience a different lifestyle – and to see the sun!  Naturally, different countries have different cultures, values and standards and you have to take the rough with the smooth. This applies to all facets of life, including Health & Safety. Bear a few things in mind and you should have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Balconies It’s great to have a balcony but, every year, someone suffers serious injury falling from a balcony so bear in mind that the balcony wall or railings are a retaining feature, not a seat nor a climbing frame.

Beaches The sea, sand and sun are among the things that bring most of us to Greece but be aware of the potential dangers: There may / may not be a lifeguard, children and non-swimmers should always be supervised. Check if there’s a flag warning system and, if so, check what the flags mean. Keep within your depth and always swim parallel to the shore, not out to sea. Avoid areas used for water sports and don’t swim at night, nor if the beach is deserted. Avoid alcohol and  don’t forget the sun protection!

Electrics If you have any problems with electrical items in your accommodation don’t attempt repairs – contact your tour company (if on a package holiday) or the owner.

Fire In the event of a fire evacuate the building quickly but calmly. Alert other guests and neighbours by shouting “FIRE”. Be aware that what is a fairly simple route in the daylight may be more difficult in the dark. Don’t smoke in bed and ensure that the cooker and appliances such as mozzie machines, irons, etc, are always switched off when not in use. Don’t attempt to fight the fire unless you have to in order to evacuate.

Gas Gas appliances of any kind aren’t commonly found in tourist accommodation in Greece. If you have any kind of gas appliance in your room(s) *always* leave a nearby window open and turn off all gas appliances when not in use, and at night.

Glass Summer weather is generally quite warm and being able to have the doors and windows open is a real joy. However, even on summer days we can, if we're lucky, get a refreshing wind waft through. Safety glass is far less common in Greece than the UK, particularly in older properties. Take particular care when walking through patio doors, etc, and don’t lean on, bang or slam glass doors or windows.

Greek Cross Code Greece has a wonderful variety of wildlife but, as there aren’t any zebras, Greek drivers ignore zebra crossings (where they exist). As we drive on the right in Greece (mostly), look Left, Right, Left before you step onto the road.

Lifts Lifts aren't as common in Greece as in the UK and, unlike the UK, not all lifts in Greece have internal doors. Stand away from the doors and don’t allow children to use lifts unsupervised. Don't use lifts in the event of fire.

Safe sax Condoms are widely available from the farmakeio and grocery shops – ask for profilaktiká, or condoms, as most pharmacists speak English. Go for well-known brands such as Durex or Mates as these tend to be more reliable than unknown ‘foreign’ brands.

Sights & Sites In ancient times Health & Safety meant praying and sacrificing to the gods – not anti-slip flooring and endless audits. Since the classical period the land has been left pretty much to the ravages of time, nature and invaders. Uneven, crumbling paths and sheer drops are not uncommon. Supervise children, the elderly and infirm and don’t take chances. Footwear with anti-slip soles is recommended for walking and ‘exploring’.

Sun Helios, the Greek sun-god, smiles on Greece every day through-out the summer months and many people come to worship, prostrating themselves before him on beaches and around  pools.

The sun is strongest in the afternoon (hence the Greeks take siesta) and, even when there’s a refreshing breeze, the sun can burn – so sun protection is recommended, especially for those unaccustomed to such wonderful weather. Don’t forget, some sun creams need to be applied up to two hours before exposing yourself to the sun and then again after swimming. And if you think that charming person you met in the bar last night is talking about you, well, you probably just forgot to put some sun cream on your ears!

Swimming pools Check out the Pool Safety notices before using a pool. Pools rarely have a lifeguard so children and non-swimmers should be supervised at all times. Always know which is the shallow end and never dive into a pool. Don’t use pools under the influence of drink or drugs and observe the hours of use as cleaning chemicals may be pumped through the pools at night.

Walking Even if you're going for just a casual stroll  over rough ground it's a good idea to wear e.g. trainers rather than flip-flops; loose grit and dust tends to be a bit slippery and it's usually a good plan to keep a grip on the ground beneath your feet. If you're embarking on something more adventurous take some water, a bit of cash and, ideally, a mobile phone and local contact phone numbers. If you can get one, a map probably wouldn't go amiss. Always tell someone where you’re going and what time you expect to return.

Wear White at Night / Take a Torch In rural Greece illumination is mostly provided by the moon, stars and tavernas – street lighting is something the townsfolk have. As are pavements, which are pretty rare out in the sticks. When you go out at night (or if you’ll be returning after dark), wear something white and/or take a torch – give car drivers some chance to see you. Where you have to walk in the road, walk in single file on the left-hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic.

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