Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition
The mission of the Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition is to identify and prevent injuries in children ages fourteen (14) and younger in the Denver Metro area, by using a combined program of education, research, advocacy, and media. Learn more about Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids Denver Metro is led by The Children's Hospital.
Celebrate Safe Kids Week - April 27 - May 3
Visit Safe Kids new parent-friendly Web site to educate parents and caregivers on how to keep kids safe from serious injury as they grow.
American kids are needlessly suffering from unintentional injuries at an alarming rate. In 2007, an average of 12 children were injured every minute, resulting in more than 6 million reported unintentional injuries over the course of the year. The risks that children face go far beyond a sprained ankle or a skinned knee. Every 101 minutes, a child in the United States dies from an unintentional injury , such as a vehicle crash or a fire, making it the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1 to 14 in the United States.
This year Safe Kids USA celebrates its 22nd annual public education campaign called National Safe Kids Week. This year, Safe Kids USA has released a report examining the impact a child’s development (cognitively, behaviorally, and physically) on the leading unintentional injury risk areas to recommend steps parents and caregivers can take to protect their children. Thus, the theme this years, Raising Safe Kids: One Stage at a Time, seeks to help parents understand the “why” behind the causes on injury as their children grow.
Babies (0 – 12 months)
Babies are vulnerable to many injury hazards because of their innate curiosity, small size and lack of physical coordination and cognitive abilities. A safety tip sheet is available to help parents and caregiver understand what they can do to keep baby safe. Also available in Spanish .
Little Kids (1 to 4 years)
Children at this age are beginning to get a sense of independence and are exploring their surroundings more. Their physical development and increased mobility is both a positive and a negative when it comes to injury. Remember that young children are curious but lack basic decision-making skills. A safety tip sheet is available to help parents and caregivers understand what they can do to keep their little kids safe. Also available in Spanish .
Big Kids (5 to 9 years)
Your growing child is exploring the world on foot or on a bike and may be taking bigger risks. While the occasional skinned knee or twisted ankle is a normal part of childhood, serious injuries shouldn’t be. Big kids are experiencing fast development, both physically and mentally. Their decision-making skills are improving and peer pressure becomes a significant factor in injury risk. A safety tip sheet is available to help parents and caregivers understand what they can do to keep their big kids safe. Also available in Spanish .
Pre-Teens (10 to 14 years)
During these years, pre-teens struggle for independence, control and acceptance. They’re not often supervised by adults and their risk-taking behavior and perception of invincibility and immortality put them at risk for injury. A safety tip sheet is available to help parents and caregivers understand what they can do to keep their pre-teen safe. Also available in Spanish .
Safe Kids Week celebrations and events:
- Safe Kids Denver Metro members will be interviewed by Kyle Dyer on 9News 6 am each morning at 6:25. Log on to 9News.com and search for "Raising Safe Kids Week" to view the segments.
Monday-Sue Matzick/Bicycle & Helmet Safety * Tuesday-Tracey Holmberg/Pedestrian Safety * Wednesday- Todd Porter, MD/Child Passenger Safety * Thursday-Angela Driskell, Thornton Fire/Fire & Burn Prevention * Friday-Mary Hilko, Rocky Mountain Poison Center/Poison Prevention
- Child Passenger Safety Technician Training at North Metro Fire Rescue Training Center
- Car Seat Check Up Event and Safety Fair - Saturday, May 2nd, 10 am - 2 pm, Home Depot at 120th and Sheridan Blvd.
- Target on Safety Fair - Saturday, May 23rd, 11 am - 2 pm, SuperTarget, Church Ranch Road and Highway 36.
Upcoming Networking Opportunities
Safe Kids Buckle Up This Way - Monthly Car Seat Inspection Station
Safe Kids Denver Metro is sponsoring a monthly car seat inspection, or fit, station. An inspection station provides the opportunity to parents, grandparents and others transporting children to learn how to properly install their child's car seat or to determine when a child is ready to progress to the next stage of car seat or lap and shoulder belt use. These are provided on an appointment only basis you have time with a technician to have your questions answered and you become comfortable with the car seat installation yourself. Bilingual technician is available.
WHEN: Sunday, May 31st
TIME: 11:00 am - 2 pm
LOCATION: Swedish Medical Center, 499 E. Hampden Ave., Englewood
WHEN: Wednedsay, June 24th
TIME: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION: North Metro Fire Rescue, 10550 Huron Street, Northglenn
APPOINTMENT NOT REQUIRED BUT ARE AVAILABLE: Call Jeff Dorrell at (720) 887-0404 x *2261or email jdorrell@northmetrofire.org
Safe Kids Denver Metro also has coalition members who are certified child passenger safety technicians throughout the Denver metropolitan area who can help evaluate your child and your car seat. Find a fit station location near you from the Safe Kids Denver Metro Fit Station List.
Ways You Can Get Involved in Safe Kids
Meeting Schedules
About Safe Kids
Members of the Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition
Member Directory (.pdf)
Bicycle Helmet Information
