Child Safety and Injury Prevention

Injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger. But most child injuries can be prevented.  Parents and caregivers can play a life-saving role in protecting children from injuries.

Drowning Prevention:  Drowning is a serious public health problem. Everyone should know the basics of swimming (floating, moving through the water) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Keep Child Passengers Safe:  Make sure children are properly buckled in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt—whichever is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.

Firearm violence:  Firearm violence is a serious public health that impacts the health and safety of Americans. 

Guns in the Home:  As a parent, you may not realize what a serious risk a gun in the home is, especially for children. The reality is that having firearms in the home increases the risk of unintentional shootings, suicide, and homicide.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that the safest home for a child is one without guns. You can reduce the chances of children being injured, however, by following import ant safety rules:
Safe storage. All guns in your home should be locked and unloaded, with ammunition locked separately. Make sure children and teens can't access the keys or combinations to lock boxes or gun safes. And remember not to keep loaded, unlocked guns in the car, or anywhere else on your property, either.


Keep Teen Drivers Safe: Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, and parents can make a big difference in keeping teen drivers safe. Your guidance—and helpful, calm advice—can stay with your teen long after he or she takes the car out alone.  Take these steps to help keep your teen safe on the road:  Teens: Here are the Top 4 Things To Keep in Mind Before You Get Behind the Wheel

POISON PREVENTION TIPS: How to Store Household Products Safely.  Liquid Laundry packets Safety Tips 

Suicide Prevention: Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience.  We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.  Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.

School Bus Safety Tips: School buses are the safest way to get children to and from school, but injuries can occur if kids are not careful when getting on and off the school bus. School Bus Saafety Tips.