From the moment our kids are born, it is our job to provide them with a safe environment as they grow up. The first week of September is usually a busy week for us as we’re getting our kids ready for school. However, as stressful as it is, we still need to focus the health and safety of our children. Fortunately, there is another significant event in the first week of September that also relates to our kids. It is known as “National Childhood Injury Prevention Week” from September 1-7 to raise more awareness of child safety measures to prevent injuries and save lives.

Injuries are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers through the age of 19. In 2009, more than 9,000 youth lost their lives due to unintentional injuries in the United States. In addition, millions of children also require medical treatment in the emergency room every year.

Some of the leading causes of childhood injury include motor vehicle crashes, swimming accidents, and falls. Luckily, these injuries can be prevented as long as we make our homes safe, use appropriate safety equipment, and keep a close eye on our kids. Here are five safety tips to protect our children from injury.

  • 1

    HELMET SAFETY

    Make sure your children are wearing the proper helmet for each activity such as a bike helmet when riding their bikes or a football helmet when playing football. The helmet should also be in good condition, age-appropriate, worn correctly, and certified for use.

  • 2

    SPORTS SAFETY

    Your kids should also wear the right protective gear when playing sports or doing recreational activities. Besides wearing a helmet, they should also put on wrist guards, knee, and elbow pads. Once again, they should also be in good condition, age-appropriate, worn correctly, and certified for use.

  • 3

    WATER SAFETY

    Keep your children from swimming accidents by teaching them how to swim or enrolling them in swimming classes. Also make sure that they wear a life jacket in and around natural bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean, regardless if they know how to swim. Life jackets can also be used in and around pools for weaker swimmers.

  • 4

    FALL PREVENTION

    Prevent your children from falling by removing any tripping hazards around your house or by setting up safety devices such as window guards, stair gates, and guard rails. Also, if they are at playgrounds, check to make sure that the surfaces beneath the playsets are safe, soft, and suitable material (such as wood chips, sand, or mulch).

  • 5

    CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

    Place your child in the proper booster or car seat that is appropriate for their age, height, and weight. Also, make sure that you and your family wear your seatbelt correctly.

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