COMMUNITY SAFETY

Injury Prevention

Many serious injuries can be prevented. This page has simple, free information to help keep you and your family safe: at home, on the road, and outdoors in northeast Colorado.

Safety Topics

Click any topic below to learn more. All information is free. You do not need to sign up or log in to read it.

Car Seats

A car seat that is not installed correctly does not protect your child. Studies show that most car seats are not installed the right way. This is not your fault. Car seat rules are confusing. That is why we offer free car seat checks.

What to know:

Babies and toddlers should face backward in the car for as long as possible, usually until age 2 or until they reach the weight limit on their seat.

Children should stay in a booster seat until the regular seatbelt fits them correctly. This is usually around age 8 to 12.

All car seats should be registered with the manufacturer so you are notified of any safety recalls.

Find the right car seat for your child’s age and size at NHTSA.gov ›

Bicycle Helmets

A helmet can prevent serious head injuries or death in a bicycle crash. Helmets only work when they fit correctly and are worn every time.

How to check if a helmet fits:

The helmet should sit level on the head, two finger-widths above the eyebrows.

The straps should form a V-shape under each ear. The chin strap should be snug. You should only fit one finger under it.

If a helmet has been in a crash, replace it even if it looks fine. The foam inside may be damaged.

NCRETAC distributes free helmets to children in the region through community events. Contact us to ask about upcoming programs in your area.

Seatbelts

Seatbelts save lives. In a crash, an unbuckled person can be thrown around the car and seriously hurt themselves or others. Seatbelts reduce the chance of dying in a crash by about half.

For pregnant people:

Always wear a seatbelt during pregnancy. Both the lap belt and the shoulder belt should be worn.

Place the lap belt low across your hips and below your belly, not across your stomach.

The shoulder belt should go across your chest and shoulder, between your breasts, not behind your back or under your arm.

A seatbelt worn correctly protects both you and your baby. Do not remove it. The risk from a crash is much greater than any discomfort from wearing a belt.

Gun Storage

Guns that are not stored safely can cause serious injury or death, especially to children. Safe storage does not mean you cannot access your firearm when you need it. It means keeping it away from people who should not have it.

Safe storage basics:

Store guns unloaded when not in use. Store ammunition separately.

Use a gun safe, lock box, or trigger lock. Many options are available at low cost.

If you have children or teenagers at home, talk to them about gun safety. Even if you think they do not know where you keep firearms, assume they do.

If someone in your home is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, temporarily storing your firearms outside the home with a trusted person can save their life. This is called secure storage or firearm safety planning.

Colorado firearm safety resources at CDPHE.colorado.gov ›

Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for people over 65. Many falls happen at home and are preventable with simple changes.

Steps that help:

Remove rugs and clutter from walkways and stairs. Make sure stairs have a sturdy handrail on both sides.

Add grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower or tub.

Make sure all rooms are well-lit, especially at night. Night lights in hallways and bathrooms help.

Talk to your doctor about medications that cause dizziness. Ask about vision checks and balance exercises.

Wearing shoes with good grip, instead of socks or slippers, indoors reduces fall risk significantly.

Stop The Bleed

Severe bleeding after a crash or injury can kill in minutes. NCRETAC offers free Stop The Bleed training for schools, workplaces, and community groups. You do not need any medical training to take the class.

Learn more about Stop The Bleed training ›

Safety for Kids

Children are injured differently than adults. Their bodies are smaller, and they do not always understand danger. Here are some of the most important things you can do to protect children in your care.

Always use a car seat

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children. A correctly installed car seat is your child’s best protection.

Wear a helmet every time

A single bike crash without a helmet can cause permanent brain injury. Make helmets a rule, not a choice.

Lock up medications

Children can be poisoned by medications that are left within reach. Store all medications in a locked cabinet, including vitamins and over-the-counter products.

Water safety

Children can drown in very shallow water. Never leave a child alone near water: not in a bathtub, bucket, pond, or pool. Drowning is quiet and fast.

Teach 911

Children as young as 4 can learn to call 911. Practice with them so they know your address and what to say in an emergency.

Sports and outdoor safety

Helmets, pads, and proper footwear prevent injuries in sports and outdoor activities. In northeast Colorado, sun exposure and dehydration are also real risks for active kids.

Request a Free Program

NCRETAC can bring injury prevention programs to your school, workplace, church, or community group. Programs are free and can be tailored to your audience. We serve all nine counties in the region.

Car Seat Checks

A trained technician will check your child’s car seat and show you how to install it correctly. Free for all families.

Helmet Fittings

Free bicycle helmets and fittings for children at community events across the region. Ask us about upcoming dates near you.

Stop The Bleed

Free bleeding control training for any group. Schools, businesses, and community organizations welcome.