June is National Safety Month, dedicated to preventing injuries at school, work and at home. While accidents are bound to occur anywhere, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of slips, falls and other incidents.

Prevent Poisoning

Children are naturally curious and are bound to explore try things, including putting things in their mouths that can be harmful. Keep any liquids that can potentially be toxic on higher shelves, above your child’s reach, and make sure they know what they can and cannot touch. Do not leave your child unattended with poisionous chemicals. If ingested, make sure you call Posion Control immediately and bring your child to the emergency room for treatment and evaluation. If your child is too young to read, contact the Childrens’ Hospital of Pittsburgh for a free sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers to indicate dangerous items in the house.

Reducing Slips & Falls

Slipping on a wet or slippery surface or tripping on objects on the floor are among the leading causes of injuries, but there are many ways to reduce them. After mopping up floors, block off the area until the floor is completely dry to avoid having anyone walk to fast and slip on the wet surface. Slips can lead to bruising, sprains and even fractures if someone lands poorly. Make sure everyone knows that the floor is slippery so they can adjust their speed accordingly. Keep floors clean and free of debris. If there is no room for something, place it as close to the wall as possible so it does not obstruct the walking area. Keep all cords and wires secure by placing them under a throw rug or attaching it to the floor with electrical tape.

Bicycle Safety

With the summer finally here, your children may want to spend more time outside, riding their bicycles around the neighborhood. Prior to leaving the home, make sure each child has a secure, well-fitting helmet on to protect their head in case of a fall. Younger children or children less confident on bicycles should not ride without a supervising adult in case of an accident.  Your helmet should cover your forehead as well as the back of your head, not tilting or shifting with movement.  Before getting on your bike, make sure your handlebars, seat and wheels are secured, your tires have enough air and your chain is well-oiled to prevent malfunctions.

Car Safety

Automobile accidents are unpredictable and can occur at any time. Make sure everyone in your car wears their seatbelts properly at all times, with the shoulder strap fit snugly across the chest to keep you strapped to your seat in case of a collision. For younger children, make sure car and booster seats are properly installed and secured in the seat and placed according to manufacturer recommendations. Do not attempt to multitask while driving: eating, texting or applying makeup can wait until you have parked your car at your destination.

If you have recently sustained an injury, visit AFC Urgent Care for immediate treatment.