[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           H. RES. 543, DESIGNATING JUNE AS HOME SAFETY MONTH

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                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be a consponsor of this of 
this legislation, which recognizes June as Home Safety Month.
  I would like to thank Congresswoman Halvorson for her leadership in 
introducing this resolution and her commitment to the safety of 
America's homeowners.
  At a time when we are encouraging homeowners to stay in their homes 
and increasing our efforts to spur new homeownership, we must also 
recognize the importance of ensuring the safety of homeowners within 
their homes.
  Each year, 20,000 deaths and an average of 21 million medical visits 
result from unintentional injuries in the home, according to the Home 
Safety Council. The top five causes of unintentional home injury deaths 
include, falls, poisoning, fires or burns, choking or suffocation, and 
drowning. Such home injuries can cost employers up to $38 billion 
dollars a year.
  Many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if 
homeowners were equipped with the knowledge of simple and inexpensive 
steps to reduce the injury of risk in each area of the home.
  Furthermore, children and older adults have increased rates of 
unintentional home injury. We must encourage adults, parents, 
caregivers to take greater actions to reduce unintentional injuries to 
protect the most vulnerable family members.
  H. Res. 543 encourages manufacturers to develop innovative safety 
products and features to help lessen home injuries and accidents and 
encourages all levels of government to support funding for critical 
home safety education programs to reduce the risks from home injuries.
  I strongly support H. Res. 543 and cannot stress enough how home 
safety education and awareness can help saves lives and money.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

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