Preventing Unintentional Injuries Overview

How to prevent unintentional injuries

Many accidental injuries and emergencies can be prevented by taking another look at your family's environment, lifestyles, and risks. Finding problems early and responding quickly is crucial in keeping situations manageable, and from becoming an emergency.

It is important to be alert and to follow a program designed to help you and your family stay safe.

Follow safety rules and guidelines

Tips to keep you and your family safe: 

• Supervise all children's activities, especially those around water, such as bathing or swimming.

• Install safety devices in your home, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, handrails, and fire extinguishers.

• Maintain heating equipment, and unplug extra heaters when sleeping.

• Develop and practice using a fire escape route and plan, and make sure each family member knows what to do in case of emergency.

• Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F (49°C) or below to prevent scald burns.

• Wear appropriate safety equipment at home, work, or play.

• Always insist that all passengers are wearing seat belts, and that children are restrained in car seats properly.

• Make sure children up to 12 years of age are always seated in the rear seat.

• Read and understand the labels on medicines and food products.

• Store medicines and potential poisons in a safe place, away from children.

• Keep a well-stocked, first-aid kit at home, work, and in the car.

• Keep a list of emergency numbers in your home, business, and place of play. This list should include the police, fire department, poison control center, local emergency service (if different than 911), local hospital, and your healthcare providers.