Home and Road Safety

HOME SAFETY	ROAD SAFETY
Child Safety at Home It isn't surprising, since toddlers spend most of their time at home, that two-thirds of all injuries that require emergency room treatment for children under 3 occur in the home.  Even as those children grow into teens, almost half of fatal injuries occur in or near home.  Low cost items that can help prevent home-based injuries include: cabinet locks, gates, corner bumpers, outlet covers, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  The stairs, windows, and bathrooms are some of the places you can make safer for your children too.  Check out the helpful links below to learn more about childproofing your home. Kids and Falls (National Safety Council)  Kids and Burns (Safe Kids USA)   Toy Safety: Of the 3 billion toys sold each year in the U.S., a few turn out to be dangerous because of their size or the materials in them.  If you can drop a toy through a toilet paper tube, it is too small for a toddler.  Be selective when buying toys for your children.  If in doubt, check it out on the website below to find product recalls or warnings.  Keep an eye on your kids when they are playing too. www.toyinfo.org Consumer Product Safety Commission (toy recalls)	Motor Vehicle Safety Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents are some of the most serious injuries that the Fletcher Allen Emergency Department sees.  Make sure you know the rules of the road and are prepared for whatever may occur. Vehicle Safety Links: Fletcher Allen's Car Seat Safety Page  Fletcher Allen's Driver Rehab Program Child Passenger Safety (Safe Kids USA)  How to Drive Defensively (National Safety Council) What To Do If You Are In a Car Crash (National Safety Council)  www.seniordrivers.org Traffic Safety Materials Catalog   ATVs and Off Road Vehicle Links: Although riding an ATV can be great fun, ATVs are not childs play.  Children under the age of 16 should not operate an ATV.  Anyone who rides an off road vehicle should wear a helmet and other protective gear.  Three wheeled vehicles are very unstable and riding them under any circumstance should be avoided.  ATV Safety    Motorcycle and Motorbike Links: If You Ride a Motorcycle Quick Tips (pdf) You and Your Scooter Booklet (pdf)
Adult and Senior Safety at Home Falls: As vision and balance decline with age, the risk of falls increases for older people in the home.  Help your family and friends stay healthy and happy in your home.  More than 65% of senior adults who come into the emergency room, are seen for injuries they sustained at home - usually due to a fall. Find out how to avoid such injuries by visiting the links below. Fletcher Allen's Falls Prevention Program (pdf) Preventing Slips and Falls at Home    Fires: Community Health Improvement has a Falls and Fires home safety program for seniors and young disabled.  Call 847-2278 for more information.  For more information on fire safety, visit the link below: Fire Safety (Home Safety Council)   Agricultural/Farming Safety Agricultural ATV Safety  Tractor Safety	If It's On Wheels, It's Dangerous - Other Safety Information In addition to injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, injuries sustained while riding bicycles, scooters, or using inline skates can be dangerous too. For more information on avoiding those potential injuries, visit the Sports Injury page.  Bike Safety: The freedom of riding a bike can't be beat!  A few simple safely precautions can make it fun and safe too.  Always wear a properly fitted helmet.  Over 85% of head and brain injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet.  Finally, always abide by the rules of the road.

Page updated June 20, 2008