General Fall Prevention Sample News Release
- Please note: Before filling in the names of the Organization and Organization spokesperson, you MUST contact them to obtain their permission to use their names in this press release, and you must get their approval for the language in their quotations, and any changes or additions they may require. Only after this is done should you send out the press release.
The New York State Child Fall Prevention Campaign Promotes Safety Measures to Protect Children from Falls.
Kids fall all the time. No big deal, right? Wrong.
Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among children ages 19 years and under in New York State (NYS). Hospitals treat an average of more than 106,000 fall-related injuries to children under 19 each year. These injuries account for almost $111 million in charges for hospital emergency department visits and almost $53 million in hospitalization charges. Falls most often occur at home, on playgrounds, and while playing sports. The good news is that parents and caregivers can prevent fall-related injuries among children.
"Childhood falls can be an everyday occurrence. Just because they're common doesn't mean they can't be prevented. It's critical to recognize the risks of falls to children and how to prevent injuries caused from falling," said (name and title) of the ( local health agency name).
Falls at home, on playgrounds, and while playing sports are most common among children under the age of nine. To protect children from falls, caregivers should take the following precautions:
- Supervision is key! Young children should be supervised at all times around fall hazards, such as stairs and playground equipment, whether you're at home or out to play.
- Make home safety improvements. Use home safety devices, such as guards on windows that are above ground level, stair gates, and guard rails. These devices can help keep a busy, active child from taking a dangerous tumble.
- Play it safe on the playground. Check to make sure any equipment your child uses is properly maintained (e.g., no cracked or broken parts) and there's a soft landing surface below.
- Play sports safely. Be sure your child wears the appropriate protective gear for their sport, such as a helmet when in-line skating, biking, and skateboarding.
For more information on childhood falls, call the (local health agency name) at (phone number).
