Injury Prevention

How do I choose a helmet?

Helmets come in many varieties and sizes. Choose a helmet to match the activity. Bicycle helmets can be used for bicycling, in-line skating and scooter-riding. Skateboarders need a skateboarding helmet.

Multi-sport helmets can be used for more than one activity.

What is the right size of helmet for my child?

Ask your child to try on the helmet and then shake her head from side to side and then nod up and down. A helmet that is the proper size will not move when her head moves. Add the foam padding that comes with the helmet to ensure a snug fit.

What is the proper way to wear a helmet?

Follow the “2V1” rule to make sure your helmet fits right:

• Two fingers above your eyebrows: The helmet should cover the top of the forehead and should rest about two fingers' width above the eyebrows.
• Straps form a V under your ears. The side straps should fit snugly around the ears in a "V"shape. The buckles on the side strap should fit right under the ear.
• Place one finger between the helmet’s strap and the chin. Buckle the chin strap. Tighten it until you can fit only one finger between the strap and the chin.

Visit Parachute Canada’s Website to download the “2V1” bookmark:

• Follow the “2V1” Rule(link is external)

Contact your local public health unit or health center for more information on safe cycling and helmets. 

By law, children in the NWT must be buckled-up in a seat made for their weight.

To learn how to install your car seat correctly, contact a certified car seat technician by calling your local health center, Healthy Family Program or public health unit.

Three Quick Tips on Keeping Your Child Safe in a Car Seat:

• The safest place for children 12 and under is the back seat of your vehicle.
• Always replace a child seat that was in a car that had a crash. Even if your child wasn’t in the child seat when the crash happened, the child seat could be damaged.
• Child seats have expiry dates. The date will be shown on the car seat. Do not use, buy or donate a car seat past the expiry date.

The Government of Canada’s website has information on how to keep children safe in car seats:

• Child car seat safety

Falls are the most common cause for hospital admissions due to an injury. The good news is that falls can be prevented.

Here are a few facts and tips on preventing falls:

• Falls are more likely to happen inside your home than outside. It is important to keep your home safe by getting rid of small rugs and clutter. Contact your Community Health Representative or Homecare unit for a home safety check.
• Keeping active helps to prevent falls. Exercises for better balance and to keep muscles strong can prevent falls. The NWT “Elders in Motion” exercise program helps to prevent falls. Contact your local health center, Homecare program or the NWT Recreation and Parks Association (867-669-8381 or admin@nwtrpa.org(link sends e-mail)) for more information on “Elders in Motion.”
• Know the side effects of your medications. Some medications can make you dizzy or sleepy, which may cause a fall. Ask a pharmacist, nurse, nurse practitioner or doctor to check your medications.
• Get your eyes checked. Poor vision is another reason for tripping and falling.

For safety information for older adults, please read the following:

• NWT Caregivers Guide

For information on the Elders in Motion program, visit:

• Elders in Motion(link is external) (NWT Recreation and Parks Association)