Medication Safety During Cold & Flu Season

Cold and flu season often brings a cabinet full of medications—over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements—all aimed at helping us feel better fast. While these medicines can be helpful, improper use can lead to serious injuries, especially for children, older adults, and people taking multiple medications. Understanding how to use medications safely during cold […]

Emergency Preparedness for Snowstorms & Power Outages

Winter storms can arrive quickly and leave lasting impacts—heavy snow, ice, and strong winds often bring power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and limited access to emergency services. Being prepared before a snowstorm hits can protect your family, reduce stress, and help prevent injuries. Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated; a few thoughtful steps can […]

Preventing Winter Slips and Falls: Staying Safe When Temperatures Drop

Winter brings snow-covered sidewalks, icy parking lots, and wet indoor floors, conditions that significantly increase the risk of slips and falls. Each year, winter weather contributes to thousands of fall-related injuries, many of which lead to emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and long-term loss of independence. Older adults, children, and individuals with mobility challenges are especially […]

Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Protecting Your Home This Winter

As temperatures drop and homes rely more on furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure rises dramatically. Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. Each winter, emergency departments across Pennsylvania treat individuals who unknowingly inhaled dangerous levels of CO—often […]

Kids and Cars Safety: Protecting Children During the Winter Months

Winter brings unique hazards when it comes to children and vehicles. Cold temperatures, snow, and reduced visibility can turn everyday routines—like warming up the car or backing out of the driveway—into dangerous situations. Each year, preventable injuries and fatalities occur when children are left unattended in or around vehicles, even during the winter months. Understanding […]

Stay Warm and Safe: Home Heating Safety Tips for Winter

As winter sets in, keeping your home warm becomes a priority—but safety should always come first. Each year, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires and carbon monoxide (CO) incidents during the colder months. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a cozy home without putting your family at risk. Common Winter […]

Safe Holiday Decorating: Keeping the Season Merry and Bright

The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and festive decorations—but it’s also one of the most common times of year for preventable injuries. From falls while hanging lights to fires sparked by dry trees, holiday decorating can pose hidden dangers. With a few safety precautions, you can keep your celebrations cheerful and injury-free […]

National Injury Prevention Day: Shining a Light on a Safer Future

Every year, injuries claim hundreds of thousands of lives and leave millions more facing long-term recovery. Yet, so many of these tragedies are preventable. On National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD), communities across the country come together to raise awareness, share solutions, and take action to prevent injuries before they happen. This year, the American Trauma […]

Hunting Safety in Pennsylvania: A Safe Season Starts with Smart Choices

As fall turns to winter, hunters across Pennsylvania head into the woods to enjoy one of the state’s most time-honored traditions. Hunting provides opportunities to connect with nature, practice conservation, and spend time with family and friends, but it also comes with risks that require preparation, awareness, and respect for safety. The American Trauma Society, […]

Safe Cooking for the Holidays: Keeping Your Family Safe in the Kitchen This Season

The holidays bring families together, and often, they bring everyone into the kitchen. Between the bustle of preparing meals, greeting guests, and keeping traditions alive, safety can sometimes take a back seat. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most common times of year for kitchen-related injuries and fires. The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division […]