Safety and Injury Prevention
According to the American Trauma Society, an average of 11 unintentional-injury deaths and over 2,100 disabling injuries occur every hour of the day. The following safety tips will reduce your risk of serious injury:
- Learn about your local emergency medical system and how to get help quickly.
- When driving, wear your seatbelt and check that every passenger is properly buckled up in safety seats or belts.
- Infants should ride in rear-facing car seats until they reach 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds.
- Children older than 1 year who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds may sit in forward-facing car seats and booster seats until they are big enough to utilize your vehicle's seat belts.
- The safest place for all children to ride in any vehicle is in the back seat.
- Wear a helmet if you drive a motorcycle. According to Pennsylvania law, motorcyclists must wear helmets.
- Drive calmly and with care. Drive defensively and patiently.
- If you are of legal drinking age, drink moderately, if at all, and never drink when you plan to drive. Keep others who have been drinking from driving. Resolve to never ride with any driver who has been drinking. Be careful with prescription drugs-they can affect driving ability.
- If you choose to own guns, keep them unloaded and in a secure location.
- Bicycle, skate, or use your scooter defensively and always wear protective gear including helmets and pads. Remember to watch for vehicles that may not be watching out for you.
- Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and the second leading cause of unintentional death. Secure rugs, railings and windows; clear and light staircases at home to avoid falls.
- Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Remember to change your batteries twice per year. A helpful reminder is to replace the batteries when you adjust your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
- Keep all household products and medications that may be poisonous out of reach of young children.
- Violence has increased dramatically. Talk over differences with family, friends, and peers. Work out problems at home, work and play before emotions get out of hand. Compromise when possible. Seek professional help if necessary.
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