Created for children ages 14 and under, Risk Watch, addresses the number one health risk of children. This number-one health risk isn't drugs or disease: it's injuries. Each year, unintentional injuries kill more than 6,000 kids and permanently disable more than 120,000. In Canada, injuries are the leading cause of death for children over one year of age.

Every time a child is injured or killed by an unintentional injury, everyone suffers - the child, his or her family, classmates and friends, and the entire community. Sadly, the vast majority of these injuries are not random "accidents" - they are predictable and preventable. With education, motivation, and the support of caring adults, NFPA believes that children can learn to be much safer.

Risk Watch is the first comprehensive injury prevention program available for use in schools. Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) with co-funding from the Home Safety Council™ and in collaboration with a panel of respected safety and injury prevention experts, Risk Watch gives children and their families the skills and knowledge they need to create safer homes and communities.

Risk Watch is a school-based curriculum that links teachers with community safety experts and parents. The curriculum is divided into five age-appropriate teaching modules (Pre-K/Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, and Grades 7-8), covering various topics.

For more information contact Tammy L. Peavy with the Mississippi Fire Marshal's Office, 601-359-1061 or tammy.peavy@mid.state.ms.us.