Childhood Injury Prevention Measures

Kids are inquisitive and adventurous people, which means that they are vulnerable to various injuries. According to the childhood injury statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency rooms in the United States see over 200,000 children (14 years old and under) yearly for injuries that occur on the playground. Furthermore, the CDC puts forth that children four years old and below are in a category at, "highest risk" to die or be injured in a fire at a residence. In addition, the CDC asserts that in regard to kids 14 years old or less, "the second leading cause of injury death" is drowning. Though these statistics are disheartening to see, there are preventive measures and safety practices that can help to lower the incidence of childhood injuries. Safety preparations and knowledge of potential hazards can go a long way in preventing childhood injuries. The following are some helpful resources regarding childhood injury prevention.

Adolescent Suicide

As an adolescent approaches adulthood he or she deals with a lot of different issues. Physical changes, relationships with peers, and questions about the future are just a few of those issues. A teenager can sometimes feel overwhelmed and confused in trying to deal with life's issues. Consequently, it is vital for the parents and friends of a teenager to be aware of the indications that the person might be depressed or contemplating doing harm to him or herself. If loved ones are alert to these warning signs, they will be more able to get the teenager the help he or she needs.

• Facts Regarding Suicide: Learn the warning signs of suicide in a teenager as well as what can be done to deal with feelings of depression.

Bicycles

A fun bicycle ride with friends makes for an ideal afternoon for a child or teenager. Early on, a child should be taught that a bicyclist has rules to follow just as a motorist does. For instance, a child must remain aware of traffic and other bicycle riders at all times. Wearing a bicycle helmet when riding even a short distance is also an important rule. A gathering of rules to adhere to when riding a bicycle can contribute to keeping kids safe.

• A Look at Bicycle Safety Rules for Kids: Read a list of rules for bicycle safety that includes how to make sure someone has the right size bicycle as well as rules for riding on a street.
• Ten Rules of Bicycle Safety: Discover ten ways that a person can practice safety while riding a bicycle.

Child Abuse

Learning what child abuse and neglect are is an important step in the pursuit to bring an end to these problems. A person must also recognize the signs of child abuse in order to help someone. A young child is likely unable to tell someone that he or she is being abused so it's up to family, friends, and others to recognize abuse or neglect when it is happening and then get help in stopping it.

• Information on Preventing Child Abuse: Learn the facts on child abuse and how to help prevent it.
• Facts on Child Abuse and Prevention Information: Find an explanation of what child abuse is and what to do to prevent it.

Child Pedestrians

Whether walking near a busy road or a quiet street, a child should know the rules that help to keep pedestrians safe. In fact, young children must always be accompanied until they are old enough to understand and adhere to the rules. Excitement and distraction play a part in children taking risks while they are walking near traffic. A solid knowledge of pedestrian rules will help to guide children as they learn the importance of staying aware of all that is around them.

• Pedestrian Rules for Kids: A list of rules for kids regarding safe pedestrian behavior. Also outlines why kids need instruction on the rules of being a pedestrian.
• Practical Safety Ideas for Kid Pedestrians: Read a list of practical advice for keeping kid pedestrians safe from harm.

Choking, Aspiration, and Suffocation

Choking hazards and risk of suffocation are two issues that all parents of younger children deal with. Most of the time when a child is young, he or she has a tendency to put strange objects into their mouth. Some of these objects are definite choking risks. Parents can learn which objects or toys present a choking danger and then keep them out of reach of a child. Furthermore, parents can become aware of suffocation hazards and use that knowledge to carefully plan out a child's home environment.ÊÊ

• Choking Prevention: Features a great deal of information on choking hazards such as various types of toys and foods.
• Suffocation and Choking Information: Study the statistics regarding obstruction of the airway in children and find information on choking and suffocation prevention.

Drowning

Drowning can happen in a neighborhood pool as well as within a household. Always being aware of a child's whereabouts is a vital part of drowning prevention. Monitoring a child's behavior in a swimming pool can contribute to preventing injuries or drowning. Furthermore, precautions can be taken to make a swimming environment as safe as possible.

• Drowning Prevention and Information: Learn about drowning prevention in connection with pool, hot tub use, and in the home.
• Preventing Drowning: Find information from a national organization on how to keep kids safe from drowning.

Falls

There are some things that parents and other adults can do to prevent young children from falls that can cause painful injury. For instance, being aware of a child's whereabouts is helpful in preventing injury. Safety gates put up to block stairways is another safety precaution that families put into practice. Monitoring kids' behavior in a playground environment also contributes to their safety.Ê

• Tips for Preventing Children's Falls: A gathering of safety ideas that help to prevent falls in children.

Firearms

If there are firearms in a home, it is the responsibility of the parent to use every safety precaution to keep a child away from them. Once a child is old enough to understand, he or she must be taught the danger of firearms and the importance of safety. Proper storage of the firearms is also vital to keeping the members of a household safe.

• Firearm Safety: Read information about firearm safety that includes what to teach your children in regard to them.
• Advice Regarding Gun Safety: Find a list of advice on the topic of gun safety.

Fires and Burns

Whether it is touching the handle of a hot pot on the stove or a hot iron, a child must be taught safety in regard to these items. They are naturally curious and need to be instilled with a sense of caution. Fire safety is also something that is vital for a child to understand. Experimenting with matches and lighters can lead to injury or death. Teaching a child about fire safety is an essential lesson.

• Fire Safety Practices: Lists several reminders of fire safety accompanied by explanations.
• Information on Preventing Burns: Look for information on burn prevention as well as tips on preventing burns in various places in the home.

Poisoning

Young children are especially apt to drink or eat things without knowing if they are harmful. Parents should have a knowledge of poisons found around the household. In addition, taking precautions to keep young children away from household cleaners and other harmful items is a vital part of keeping them safe.

• Poison Prevention Facts: Read a gathering of resources on prevention of poisoning.
• Help with Poison Prevention: Features a lot of information about preventing poisoning of different types.

ÊRecreational Injuries

A playground can be a place of great fun. Unfortunately, childhood injuries commonly occur there too. A child should be watched carefully while playing. A child should be allowed to have fun without taking any unnecessary risks.

• Preventing Injuries on Playgrounds: Find statistics and safety tips regarding children and playground play.

Youth Violence

There are ways to recognize and stop youth violence. Communities joining together can make a difference in decreasing youth violence. Families must learn to see the signs of it and then learn what to do about it.

• Preventing Youth Violence: Information on preventing youth violence such as the recognizing the warning signs as well as advice for parents and communities on prevention.