Injury Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions

The Injury Prevention Program is a program within the Health Department's Environmental Health Services Unit that focuses on preventing avoidable injuries such as home fires, slip and fall injuries, head injuries from bicycling, child safety in a motor vehicle, and gun safety.

How do I receive a Child Car Safety Seat?

You are required to call our office in advance at 215-685-7485 and arrange for an appointment with the Child Car Safety Seat Technician. Upon arriving at the office, you must complete a loaner application, provide a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License, and proof of City of Philadelphia residency. You must also pay a $10 refundable deposit. In addition, you need to bring with you a registered vehicle in which the seat will be installed. You are then required to view a mandatory instructional video in the proper installation and use of a Child Car Safety Seat. After that, the technician will observe you installing the seat in your vehicle to assure that it was installed properly.

What does a Home Safety Inspection involve?

A home safety inspection checks out the following: a properly operating smoke detector, carbon monoxide levels, hot water temperatures, improperly placed electrical extension cords and overloaded electrical outlets, loose carpeting, loose stairs, handrails on stairways and grab bars in bathrooms, slippery bathroom surfaces, and improperly placed medication and cleaning chemicals.

Will the Injury Prevention Program inspect a home in any part of the city?

Yes. Although the program is obligated to carry out its tasks in specific target areas of the City, we have completed much of those areas and are gradually expanding our program to cover the entire city.

Health Hazards
Insects
New Business/New Home
Pets and Pests