Risks

What are risks?

A risk is the chance of loss or harm. A risk might mean losing something that is of value or it could mean being in an unsafe situation. Sometimes risks from unexpected events are unavoidable and out of a person's control.

Imagine you live in a small town in the plains region of the U.S. where tornadoes are common. Your family took a risk in living in this area. Even though a tornado may never come near your house, there is still a risk, or a chance, that it could happen.

Look at some of the everyday risks you're faced with if you don't take the right steps to protect yourself.

Toothbrush and tube of toothpaste isolated on white background. 3d illustration

If you don't brush your teeth daily, you risk having cavities.

If you don't eat breakfast before school, you risk being hungry all morning.

family, transport, road trip and people concept

If you don't wear a seat belt, you risk getting hurt in an accident.

Ice Cream Parlor Facade with Street Landscape.

There are also risks involved when someone owns a business. If you wanted to open an ice cream shop, what would be some of the risks involved?

Risks	Explanation
Location	If your ice cream shop isn't in a good location, you risk not having enough customers to support your business.
Season	Ice cream is most popular in the summer season when it's hot. You risk not having enough business in the colder seasons.
Price	If you don't price your ice cream right, you risk people not buying it because it is too expensive.
Flavor	If you don't have good flavors of ice cream, you risk losing business because customers don't want your ice cream.

Taking steps to avoid risks and protect yourself is important in everyday life and in business.