Preventing unintentional pediatric injuries at evacuation centers.
Injury to children 1 to 14 years of age is the leading cause of death worldwide. The US has made concerted efforts to reduce the injury death rate to children by 45%. Such success depends on a multifaceted strategy that requires local, community coalitions and effective customized solutions. During a natural disaster, the risk of injury for children increases with the movement to a "safe environment." Implementation of low cost, effective injury prevention has a salutary impact upon the lives of children and can reduce the risk of preventable unintentional injury during a natural disaster.
Grabowski
Jurek G
JG
Department of Evaluation and Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20004, USA. jgrabowski@safekids.org
Simmons
Jacqueline D
JD
Eichelberger
Martin R
MR
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*