September 10, 2025

Kids are always on the move! They run, jump, and explore the world around them. Sometimes, accidents happen. But lots of injuries can be prevented if we know what to watch out for.

The first weeks of September, 2025, is National Childhood Injury Prevention Week, dedicated to learning how to keep kids safe. During this time is good to think about all the ways we can help kids stay healthy and injury-free. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Safety at Home

• Our homes should be a safe place:

• Put away items that can hurt kids. This includes cleaning supplies, medicines, and sharp objects. Keep them up high where little hands can’t reach and locked with a code or key that is never shared. Consider changing locations as your child gets older and may have more access to this area.

• Watch out for falls. Make sure stairs have railings and keep floors clear of items kids can trip over. Rugs should have something underneath to stop them from sliding.

• Check smoke detectors. Make sure they are working and have fresh batteries. Practice your fire escape plan with your family.

Safety Outside

• Playing outside is lots of fun, but we need to be careful:

• Wear a helmet. If your child is riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard, make sure they wear a helmet that fits properly. It provides the best protection when adjusted to fit your child’s head. Get the safest fit by following these three steps:

• Eyes: When you are wearing your helmet, you should be able to look up and see the bottom rim of the helmet.

• Ears: Make sure the straps form a “V” under your ears when buckled. It should be tight, but comfortable.

• Mouth: Your helmet should hug your head when you open your mouth as wide as you can.

• Buckle up in the car. Always use car seats and booster seats the right way. Car seat safety is determined by the child’s size, not age. Seat belts are for bigger kids and adults.

• Watch out for traffic. Teach kids to look both ways before crossing the street and to use crosswalks.

Water Safety

• Water can be lots of fun, but it can also be dangerous:

• Never leave kids alone near water. This includes bathtubs, pools and buckets.

• Teach kids to swim. Swimming lessons can help kids learn important water safety skills.

• Use life jackets. When you’re boating or near open water, make sure kids wear properly fitting life jackets.

We can all contribute to keeping children safe. By being aware of potential dangers and taking simple steps, we can help children stay happy and healthy. Let’s make this National Childhood Injury Prevention Week a time to learn and take action!

For more information and resources, you can check out organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide, the Children’s Safety Network, the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).