Preventable Injuries

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

Did you know that the #1 health risk for Canada's children under the age of 15 isn't violence, drugs, or disease? It's preventable injuries. Each year, hundreds of children under the age of 15 are killed from preventable injuries and more than 50,000 are admitted to hospitals for treatment of these injuries. Fortunately, you can help protect your family from these needless tragedies with simple steps like the ones below.

Traffic Injuries

• If your child is under 18 kg (40 lbs) he/she must be in a correctly installed child car seat. When you child is 18 to 27 kg (40 to 60 lbs) use a booster seat. Follow the manufacturers instructions to make sure that your child's car seat is installed correctly and that your child is the right weight and height for the car seat. If you do not have the instructions, call the manufacturer (the name is on the seat) for a copy. Never place your child in the front seat of a vehicle.

• Wear bike helmets properly. A helmet should sit on top of your head in a level position and should not rock back and forth or from side to side. Always fasten the chin strap securely.

• Teach your child to stop at the curb or at the edge of the road, and to look left, right, and left again for traffic before and while crossing the street.

Drownings

• Install four-sided fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate around your pool or spa. Height requirements for fences around pools vary. (Contact your local building by-law department for the height requirement in your community.) Use flotation devices (life jackets) in open bodies of water. Be aware that drowning can also happen in bathtubs, buckets and toilet bowls.

Fire and Burns

• Install smoke detectors in sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Test your detectors monthly and replace batteries when needed or at least once a year. Plan and practice two fire escape routs. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

• Keep hot foods and drinks away from your child. The water heater should be set to no higher than 49°C (120°F). Test the water temperature before placing your child in the bathtub. Consider installing anti-scalding plumbing.

Falls

• Install stairway safety gates and window guards on windows that are not fire emergency exits. Supervise your child closely while on the playground. Make sure your child is not wearing loose clothing such as draw-strings, scarves, etc., that could get caught in the equipment. Report unsafe playground equipment and surfacing to your local Parks and Recreation Department or appropriate playground authority.

Poisonings

• Buy child-resistant packaging, but remember this does not mean child-proof. Keep household cleaners, alcohol, vitamins, medicines and other harmful substances out of sight and reach of children. Consult your plant store staff to determine what plants are safe around children.

Emergency Response

• Post police, fire, poison control center, and medical services telephone numbers near phones. Take a first aid course. It will teach you basic emergency life saving techniques.

Adapted from the Family Safety Check produced by SAFE KIDS Canada.