Injury & Violence Prevention & Control

An effective injury prevention occurs through partnerships and collaborations with state and local agencies and organizations. The Division focuses on preventing and reducing the occurrence of injuries and disabilities to the citizen’s of the state. In addition to the Child Passenger Safety Program, the Residential Fire Injury Prevention Program and the Disabilities and Health Project, the Division serves as a resource and provides guidance to other programs and community organizations regarding the development of injury prevention activities and initiatives. Following is a list of technical resources provided and a list of the agencies and partners the Division collaborates with.

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Maintain a regular exercise program. Exercise improves strength, balance, and coordination. Talk with your health care provider about the best type of exercise for you.
Make your home fall-proof. Remove tripping hazards such as papers, books, and shoes from floors and stairs. Remove throw rugs that may slip or secure them with double-sided tape. Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers. Have grab bars and/or a bath chair installed in bathrooms. Make sure that you home is well lit and that staircases have handrails.
Have your health care provider review your medicines to reduce side effects and avoid drug interactions.
Have your vision checked by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase the risk of falling.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bicycle Safety Tips

Protect your head. Wear a properly fitted helmet.
Before each ride check that tires are properly inflated, brakes work, and the wheels aren't loose.
Always wear shoes while riding a bicycle.
Ride a bike that is the right size for you.
Carry no passengers (except children riding in approved baby seats).
Wear bright colored clothing and, if riding at night, place reflective stickers or patches on clothing and/or bicycle so drivers will see you.
When exiting a driveway, stop, look left, look right, look left again, and exit only when there is no traffic.
Stay alert. Always keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
Ride on the RIGHT with the flow of traffic, in a single file.
Stop at all STOP signs and all traffic lights.
Do not ride in the wrong direction on one-way streets.
Use proper hand signals to indicate turns.
- Left Turn - extend left arm straight out
- Right Turn - extend left arm, bend elbow up at a 90-degree angle
- Stop - extend left arm, bend elbow down at a 90-degree angle
Give the right of way to pedestrians.

Playground Safety Tips

Improve adult supervision of children on playgrounds.
Educate the public about age-appropriate playground equipment.
Build playgrounds with surfaces - such as shredded rubber, wood chips, wood fiber, and sand - that reduce injuries related to falls.
Improve maintenance of equipment and surfacing.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Vehicle Occupant Protection

Partners and Community Resources