7 Easy Ways to Prevent Injuries and Keep Your Kids Safe

This is National Childhood Injury Prevention Week, which means it’s a great time to brush up on a few of the easiest things parents can do to keep their kids safe.

When it comes to safety for your children, you already know the basics: buckle up, wear a helmet, learn to swim, look both ways. Here are some lesser-known – but just as important – tips to help keep your family safe.

1. Tug on your kid’s car seat where the seat belt goes. If it moves more than 1” at the base, tighten it up. Need help with your child’s car seat? Watch for more tips:

2. Secure furniture and TVs. Mount flat screens and keep bulky-style TVs on a low and stable base, or recycle them. See why this is so important:

3. Check smoke and CO alarms monthly. Replace batteries every year, and replace devices every 10 years. And try this fun activity with your kids to make your own fire escape plan

4. Scan your home for places kids can get into medicine. It is pills in purses, vitamins on counters and medicine in daily reminder boxes that curious kids get into. Get tips for safe storage:

5. Check around your house for coin-sized button batteries, such as those that come in musical greeting cards, remote controls and key fobs. Learn more about the hidden danger of swallowing these lithium batteries:

6. Ask your kid’s coaches if they have had concussion or sports safety training. And test your own sports safety IQ:

7. Take action against distraction, which impacts driving, walking, bath time – just about everything. Take note of times when you or your kids are distracted, and help each other remember to put down the phone (or whatever is diverting you) and focus on looking out for each other.

Are you ready to take the “Safer in 7” challenge to protect your children from preventable injury? Check out our Safer in 7 infographic for more information about each of these tips!

And remember that Safe Kids is here to help you keep your family safe this week and all year round.