Did you realize that the areas around your home can be dangerous places? Preventable deaths and injuries are on the rise in homes and communities, with injuries being the leading cause of death for people ages 1 – 44 years of age. Nearly 200,000 people die from injuries yearly.
The leading causes of unintentional injury/death in the United States are:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Poisonings (including unintentional overdoses)
- Falls
- Choking
- Drowning
- Fires, flames and smoke.
To lessen your risk: Wash your hands to prevent infection and use seat belts and safety seats for smaller children. Keep medicines and hazardous substances out of the reach of children, and keep the Illinois Poison Center number near your phones (1-800-222-1222). In case of fire, be sure that your family members know how to exit your home safely.
With summer vacation coming for our children, be watchful for ways to prevent injuries; from playground falls to safety in the water. Young children die each year from being left in the hot sun. Even if you think you’ll be gone a few moments – take your child with you. Stressing prevention – changes to lifestyle, being observant, and strengthening safety practices are key ingredients in keeping your home a safer place.
English 
Spanish 
Polish 
Arabic 
Chinese 
