Tips for Preventing Injuries

Indoors and Outdoors—Preventable Mishaps

Informed parents can protect kids from a range of accidents and injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Indoors
A recent study revealed that toppling televisions and other furniture sometimes cause serious injuries. It is dangerous for children to climb on, lean against, or pull themselves up by handles, knobs, or shelves of unsecured pieces. The CPSC identified tipping furniture as one of the "top five hidden home hazards."

The CPSC recommends setting televisions on wide, stable bases and securing furniture to walls and floors. They also remind parents to keep electrical cords out of children's reach and to prevent children from playing near stoves and ovens.

Outdoors
When it comes to outdoor safety, it's essential that children wear helmets for all sports that pose a risk of head injuries. These activities include biking, snowboarding, downhill sledding, snowmobiling, inline skating, playing ice hockey, football, and lacrosse.

The CPSC suggests that a helmet makes a good gift. Explain to your child why a helmet is a "must" to prevent head injuries, and insist that your child don the helmet for fast-action outdoor play.

To find out what the right type of helmet is for each activity—and how to get the right fit—go to: Which Helmet for Which Activity?

For safety tips designed for kids, go to: www.cpsc.gov.