Nearly all injuries are predictable and preventable. Individual behaviour is a major factor in whether or not injuries occur. Stay informed about the injuries happening in your community, do your part to prevent injuries from occurring and know what to do to respond if an injury occurs.

To prevent motor vehicle injuries:

• Wear your seat belt. Ensure all of your passengers are buckled up correctly using the most appropriate occupant restraints.
• Keep your attention on the road. Avoid eating, talking on the cell phone and other distractions.
• Do not drive after consuming alcohol.
• See Traffic Safety Act Sheet for more tips.

To prevent suicide:

• Know the warning signs of suicide:
  • Any previous suicide attempts
  • Threats of suicide or self-harm
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Expressing a strong wish to die or making plans about when and how to commit suicide
  • Sudden changes in behaviour, appearance or mood
  • Depression, hopelessness, sadness or withdrawal, alcohol or drug abuse
  • A recent suicide attempt by a friend or family member

• If someone indicates they are thinking about suicide, take their threats and concerns seriously
• Get help, don't swear secrecy and don't try to solve their problems for them. Some people who can help include:
  • Crisis line
  • Family, friends or relatives
  • A professional counselor
  • Family doctor
• See TAKE ACTION to Prevent Suicide for more info.

Although falls can occur at any age, children and the elderly are most at risk for fall injuries.

To prevent injuries to children from falls:

• Keep stairways clear of clutter. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent infants and toddlers from falling.
• Ensure children are supervised at playgrounds and that the equipment meets Canadian Standards Association (CSA) playground standards.
• For more tips see Capital Health - KIDSAFE CONNECTION Resources

To prevent injuries to seniors from falls:

• Add handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. Remove loose rugs and ensure lighting is adequate. Make sure that ice, water and leaves do not obstruct sidewalks.
• Review medications with your family doctor. Some medications can lead to an increased risk of falling by affecting alertness and coordination, by altering ability to balance and by impairing mobility.
• For more tips see http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/injury_prevention/falls_factsheets/fallsprevtn_toc_e.htm

For more information on specific injury issues see the following:

• TAKE ACTION on General Injury (181 KB) *NEW*
• TAKE ACTION to Prevent Firearm Related Injuries (86 KB) *NEW*
• TAKE ACTION to Prevent Alcohol-related Injuries (103 KB) *NEW*
• TAKE ACTION to Prevent Suicide (148 KB) *NEW*

• TAKE ACTION to Prevent Falls Among Seniors (151 KB)  *NEW*

• TAKE ACTION to Prevent Pedestrian Injuries (137 KB)   *NEW*
• TAKE ACTION to Prevent Farm Injuries  (177 KB)   *NEW*

• Head Injury (152 KB)  

• Preventing Falls (183 KB)  

• Spinal Cord Injury (213 KB) 

• Traffic Safety (150 KB)  

• Sport and Recreation (178 KB)
• Home Safety Checklist (60 KB)

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