Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Safety Toolkits Free for All Americans
The government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission has put together a resource to help keep communities safe. Called the Neighborhood Safety Network, this resource is intended as a toolkit for communities with elderly, urban and rural low-income families, and minority groups who may not hear the usual safety messages issued by the government for their protection. It is available at the CPSC website.
By joining the Neighborhood Safety Network, community members have access to important, lifesaving safety tips. The NSN has a variety of publications, posters, checklists, and tools that can be downloaded for free and used to create a safety program in your neighborhood. Organizations and neighborhoods can become partners in the campaign to share lifesaving safety information with neighbors, community, friends, and family, who may not be aware of the many hazards that exist in and around the home. The resources are also available in Español.
The NSN website has resources to guard children against harm and injury from a variety of sources. There is advice on wearing helmets when riding a bike or a skateboard. In 2004, the CPSC estimates there were 151,000 head injuries from bicycling accidents and 18,000 head injuries from skateboarding accidents. The website includes information on what kind of helmet to wear for each type of activity. Another topic explored on the website is the hidden danger of magnets for children. Many children are injured by swallowing magnets each year. Another source of possible injury for children is unstable furniture in the home. The website includes instructions on how to make furniture more stable to prevent accidents. There is a home playground safety handbook on the website. The website also includes a checklist for making sure your childcare center is safe.
The NSN website has a section on fire safety. Early warning is important and different types of smoke alarms are discussed. There are instructions on how to plan an escape route from your home, and includes a fire safety home checklist. Another resource is called "Recipe for Safer Cooking" with cooking tips. The dangers of space heaters are discussed and more tips on how to prevent fires in the home.
Another topic on the website concerns carbon monoxide poisoning, the "invisible killer," a deadly gas that can't be seen or smelled. This section discusses the importance of never using a generator or burning charcoal inside a home because of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. The CPSC recommends a carbon monoxide alarm in every home.
There are many safety issues that apply to older adults. Falls and fires are the two leading causes of accidental injuries and death among people 65 years and older. More older adults are becoming physically active and this can result in injuries. For instance, many older adults don’t wear helmets while bicycling but serious head injuries can be avoided if they wear a helmet.
In addition, over 2.5 million grandparents are now the primary childcare provider for their grandchildren. The NSN website offers a Grandparents Child Safety Checklist to make sure their homes are safe for their grandchildren.
There are over 260 drowning deaths each year of children under the age of five in swimming pools. Of these deaths, 77% were missing for five minutes or less. Because drowning is a silent killer, the sooner caregivers look for children in the pool, the more chance there is of recovery. The NSN website offers resources on what kinds of barriers, gates, alarms, or power safety covers to use for swimming pools. The CPSC also recommends all parents and caregivers learn CPR.
There have been 700 deaths and 135,000 injuries from accidents involving all terrain vehicles or ATVs. Of these, one third involved children under 16 years of age. The NSN website offers information on where to get safety training and other precautions to avoid ATV accidents. The CPSC recommends wearing helmets, boots, goggles, gloves, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts while riding ATVs to limit injury from accidents. Only one person should ride ATVs, no passengers should be allowed. ATVs should not be driven on paved roads. Children should not be allowed to drive or ride in adult ATVs. And no one should drive an ATV while under the influence or drugs or alcohol because they can impair your reaction times and reflexes.
Kiley Law Group, located in Boston and Andover, Massachusetts takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained Boston motor vehicle lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – (888)208-1695.
