Safe Holiday

Ensure a Safe Holiday: Protecting Our Youth Starts at Home and on the Road

When our children are little, we babyproof our homes to keep them safe. As they grow, it’s just as important to continue safeguarding their lives.

Holiday Season Danger: Traffic accidents caused by impaired drivers (alcohol and drugs) pose a significant threat.

2022 Statistics in Georgia:

1,786 automobile fatalities.
128 caused by impaired underage drivers.

These numbers remind us of the importance of vigilance, especially during the holidays. Let’s work together to create safer roads and a brighter future for our children.

JOIN OUR SAFE HOLIDAY DRIVING CHALLENGE

Don’t drive impaired.

Have a designated driver.

Post & share on social media that you’re taking the Safe Driving Challenge this holiday season.

Alcohol Awareness

Set a positive example and avoid social hosting. Understand the risks of underage drinking. Stay involved in your children’s lives, providing them with support and room to grow.

For more tips, supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, check out: What You Can Do To Prevent Your Child From Drinking.

DRUGS

Lock Up Your Medications

Most young people get their drugs from the home medicine chest. Free medication lock boxes are available in nearly every community. Send us a message at info@avpride.com to receive a free medication lock box.

Fentanyl Awareness

Most street drugs are laced with Fentanyl. Know the difference between real and fake medications. Remember: One Pill Can Kill.

Naloxone Kits

If you or a family member is at high risk of overdose, you may be able to receive a naloxone kit and be trained in its use. Request a Naloxone Kit.

Coweta FORCE Resources

Coweta FORCE offers many resources, including Fentanyl test strips, drug lock boxes, and items for disposing of unwanted medications. For more information about substance misuse, visit DrugFreeCoweta.org.

Medical Marijuana Education

With the opening of medical marijuana dispensaries in Georgia, parents need to be especially cautious about THC and Delta-8 products that look like candy or snacks. Click here to read more.

Often, these products contain potentially dangerous amounts of drugs that can harm children. Learn more in this article about THC and Delta-8.

Georgia Prevention Project

The Georgia Prevention Project distributes lock boxes and other resources. Contact kmerchen@georgiapreventionproject.org.

Protecting Children

For tips on protecting children, visit 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC.

AUTO ACCIDENTS

Auto accidents have been the leading cause of death for teens for 60 years, with the leading causes being inexperience, distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, no seat belts, and tired driving. According to a study by the University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety, the days just before Christmas are the most dangerous times to operate a vehicle. The study analyzed data during six-day periods surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, and found that while the days before and after Thanksgiving and New Year’s are dangerous driving times, the days just before Christmas are the most perilous. Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts

Safe Kids Georgia also encourages getting routine car seat safety checks and knowing the laws of passenger safety and car seats for younger passengers. Georgia Car Seat Safety Guide

GUNS

From 2019 to 2020, gun deaths increased 30% for 1- to 19-year-olds. Keep your firearms locked securely and make your children aware of the risks of having them in your household. “Though mass shootings, which have drastically increased over the past 30 years, are clearly part of the problem, the vast majority of kids are killed by guns in smaller, day-to-day incidents.” Read more.

SUICIDE

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-24 year olds. Dialing 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to speak with someone now. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

SUMMER SPORTS SAFETY

Participation in summer sports keeps your kids busy while school is out, but it’s important to be mindful of the dangers of injury and dehydration. Proper warmups and equipment as well as good hydration practices are a few steps you can take to keep your active kids safe this summer. Sports Safety Tips

INDEPENDENCE DAY

About 11,500 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2021, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. At least 9 of them died. Children under 15 years old accounted for 29% of these injuries. 4th of July Fireworks Safety: Tips for Families

Enjoy the 4th of July holiday with beach, fireworks and picnic safety tips from the Red Cross: Click here.

FIRE SAFETY

Holiday Fire Safety Tips
10 Ways to Stay Safe as You Deck the Halls This Holiday Season

Nearly eighty-seven percent of all fire-related deaths are due to home fires, which spread rapidly and can leave families as little as two minutes to escape once an alarm sounds. During the holiday, fire safety is particularly important. Check your lights! Water your tree! Remember what’s in the oven! If you deep-fry turkeys, watch safety videos and use caution to avoid a holiday catastrophe! Read more.

INTERNET SAFETY

For cool-off time in the hot summer months, many kids turn to the internet, from streaming to gaming to social media browsing. The Federal Trade Commission has many tips to keep your children safe on the internet this summer, including cyberbullying awareness, safe texting, and choosing appropriate shows to watch and websites to visit. Learn more.