Injury Prevention

New York City has many wonderful parks and outdoor activities. But it is still important to keep your kids safe.
Here are some tips you can teach your children to stay safe in the city:
- If you ride your bike, wear a helmet.
- Do not ride your bike in the street.
- Remember to keep an eye on traffic and other people when you ride a bike.
- Try not to walk alone.
- Look both ways twice before crossing streets.
- Don't be afraid to call for help if you don't feel safe.
Also, be sure to tell your children not to open the door for strangers, even repair and delivery people. Your kids should know to always ask for a company ID – and it’s OK to ask the person to come back later.
For more information on how to stop accidents, you can visit this helpful website:
- American Academy of Pediatrics: "Safety & Prevention"
- Child Injury Prevention Fact Sheet
Car Safety
Infant and child car seats save lives. Car seat rules vary by the age, weight, and height of your child. Infants must ride in their car seat facing the rear until they meet the required weight and height to face forward. Toddlers can ride in a car seat facing forward when they reach the height and weight guidelines. When children are too tall or heavy for car safety seats, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. When children outgrow booster seats, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts. Set a good example for your children. Always wear your own seat belt and insist that they buckle up.