| November is National Child Safety and Protection month. More children die each year from injuries than from all contagious diseases combined! Compared to the general population, Children are 4 times more likely to have a death from an injury. For every child that dies from an injury, 45 injured children are hospitalized and 1,300 more will require treatment in an emergency department.1 The good news is we can take action to educate children and their families to prevent Injuries from the most common causes:
Firearm injuries, motor vehicle mishap, choking, burns, falls, drowning and poisoning1, 2.
Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children.2 Children are naturally curious and are very likely to handle a gun when they find one. Safely securing guns with a cable lock and/or gun safe and also storing guns and ammunition in separate places is best practice2.
Motor vehicle safety is also vitally important to protecting children. Choosing appropriate car seats for growing children and buckling up every ride prevent injuries in the event of a motor vehicle crash3.
Appropriate precautions both at home and at school can also help prevent injuries from falls, choking, poisoning drowning and burns. Ensuring adequate supervision and appropriate safety practices around children can make an impact4. Actions as simple as covering hot drinks with a lid to prevent spilling, keeping medications in lockboxes, securing cleaning products and keeping choking hazards out of reach of children can go a long way in injury prevention4.
1.Children's Health Education and Safety Center-Injury Prevention
2.Children's of Alabama- Firearm safety
3.Children's of Alabama-Motor Vehicle Safety
4.Children's of Alabama Tips for Preventing Injuries among Children and teens
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