Overview

Every second, an injury changes a life. Whether it’s a fall, a vehicle crash, or firearm-related harm, preventable injuries remain one of the leading causes of death and disability. But they don’t have to be. Injury prevention isn’t just about awareness-it’s about action. At Cape Fear Valley, we don’t wait for emergencies to happen; we work to stop them before they begin. Through evidence-based education, community partnerships, and innovative safety programs, we empower individuals, families, and organizations to make informed choices that save lives. Because safety isn’t a privilege-it’s a responsibility we all share.

Fire Safety & Prevention

Home fires can escalate rapidly, often leaving mere minutes to evacuate safely. In 2023, the U.S. experienced over 350,000 residential fires, resulting in more than 2,500 deaths and $7 billion in property damage. Many of these tragedies are preventable through proactive safety measures.​

In Fayetteville, the Fire Department offers free smoke alarm inspections and installations to residents. Ensuring your home has working smoke alarms is a critical step in safeguarding your family. ​

To request a smoke alarm inspection or installation, please contact:

Fayetteville Fire Department

Phone: 910-433-1730

Online Request Form: Smoke Alarm Request

Key Prevention Strategies

  1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms
    1. Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually. Replace the entire unit every 10 years.
  2. Create a Fire Escape Plan
    1. Develop a plan that includes two exits from every room and a designated meeting spot outside. Practice the plan with all household members twice a year. ​
  3. Cook with Caution
    1. Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from the stove and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves while cooking. ​
  4. Use Electrical Equipment Safely
    1. Avoid overloading outlets and replace damaged cords immediately. Use extension cords only temporarily and never run them under rugs. ​
  5. Practice Candle Safety
    1. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Never leave candles unattended and extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep. ​

Special Considerations

For Families with Children

Educate children about fire safety through interactive resources like Sparky the Fire Dog, which offers games, videos, and activities designed to teach fire prevention in a fun and engaging way.​

For Older Adults

Older adults may have mobility challenges that make escaping a fire more difficult. Ensure that escape plans account for these challenges and that smoke alarms are installed in accessible locations. ​NFPA

Resources

Gun Safety

Gun violence is a significant public health concern in North Carolina. In 2022, firearms became the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children and teens aged 1–17 in the state. On average, one person is killed by a firearm every five hours in North Carolina, with gun violence costing residents over $20 billion annually.

Gunshot wounds are among the most common injuries treated. Recognizing the critical need for immediate response, we offer “Stop the Bleed” training to empower community members to control life-threatening bleeding before professional help arrives.

For more information or to enroll in a “Stop the Bleed” course, please contact:

Mark Gooden

Phone: 910-615-4765

Email: stopthebleed@capefearvalley.com

Safe Storage Practices

  • Secure Storage: Always store firearms unloaded and locked away, with ammunition stored separately. 
  • Use of Safety Devices: Employ gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Community Resources: Cumberland County’s Firearm Safety Team will  provide free gun locks and safety education.

Educating Families and Children

  • Teach Children: Instruct them never to touch firearms and to inform an adult if they encounter one.
  • Model Behavior: Demonstrate responsible gun handling and storage.
  • Community Initiatives: Programs like Be SMART (https://besmartforkids.org/) offer guidelines for discussing gun safety with children and other families.

Addressing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Firearms are involved in over half of all suicides in North Carolina. Safe storage can be a critical factor in preventing such tragedies:

  • Talk openly with family members, especially children, about gun safety.
  • If someone in your home is experiencing depression, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, consider temporarily removing firearms from the home. More information available here (https://afsp.org/understanding-firearms-and-suicide-prevention/)
  • Encourage friends and relatives to safely store or secure any firearms in their homes when children are visiting.

Community Engagement and Resources

Our commitment extends beyond the hospital:

  • “Stop the Bleed” Training: We provide courses to teach bleeding control techniques.
  • Gun Lock Distribution: Free gun locks are available through the Cumberland County Firearm Safety Team (Firearm Safety) 
  • Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with organizations like NC S.A.F.E., Fayetteville Police Department, The Group Therapy, and many more to enhance community outreach.
  • Enroll in “Stop the Bleed”:
  • Request a Free Gun Lock: Cumberland County Firearm Safety Team
  • Learn More About Safe Storage: NC S.A.F.E. Initiative

Resources

Motor Vehicle Crashes

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in North Carolina. In 2023, there were over 1,500 traffic fatalities across the state, with more than 114,000 injuries reported as a result of vehicle collisions. These crashes not only result in personal loss but also strain emergency services and impose significant economic costs on communities. While the number of fatalities decreased compared to 2022, the overall rise in crashes and injuries underscores the ongoing need for effective prevention strategies.

These numbers are a sobering reminder that every decision behind the wheel matters—and that prevention begins long before a crash ever occurs.

Key Prevention Strategies

1. Buckle Up Every Time

Seat belts have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for front-seat passengers. Ensure all occupants are properly restrained, regardless of seating position. 

2. Never Drive Impaired

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times. North Carolina's "Booze It & Lose It" campaign emphasizes the importance of sober driving. Always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation.​

Sober Advice from Billy the Buck - Booze It & Lose It - NCDOT Governor's Highway Safety Program

3. Eliminate Distractions

Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone, significantly increases crash risk. Stay focused on the road and avoid multitasking while driving.​

4. Obey Speed Limits

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes and increases the severity of crashes. Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust speed according to road conditions.​

5. Practice Defensive Driving

Anticipate potential hazards, maintain safe following distances, and be prepared for the unexpected actions of other drivers. Defensive driving courses can enhance these skills.​

Special Considerations

Teen Drivers

Teen drivers are at higher risk due to inexperience. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs help by gradually introducing driving privileges. Parents should monitor and guide their teens’ driving habits.

Older Adults

Aging can affect vision, reaction time, and cognitive abilities. Regular health check-ups and self-assessment can help determine driving fitness.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

In North Carolina, over 2,000 pedestrians are involved in vehicle crashes annually, with 150–200 fatalities. Drivers should remain vigilant, especially in areas with high foot traffic.​

Resources

Sources

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)​
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)​
  • AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety​
  • North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)​
  • University of Michigan Injury Center ​Injury Center

Water Safety & Drowning Prevention

Water activities are a source of fun and recreation, but without proper precautions, they can quickly turn dangerous. Drowning is a top cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1–4 and remains a significant concern across all age groups. Many of these tragedies occur in familiar places—backyard pools, lakes, and even bathtubs—and happen in seconds, often silently.

Educating families and communities on water safety is one of the most effective ways to prevent these incidents before they happen.

Key Prevention Strategies

  1. Constant Supervision
    1. Always keep a close eye on children in or near water. Designate a “Water Watcher”—a responsible adult who avoids distractions and is focused solely on monitoring swimmers. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble quickly.
  2. Learn to Swim
    1. Enroll children and adults in swimming lessons. Formal swimming instruction significantly lowers the risk of drowning. Many community centers, including local YMCAs, offer affordable or free classes.
  3. Use Life Jackets
    1. Use properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating, kayaking, or swimming in open water. Water wings, noodles, and inflatables are not substitutes for real flotation devices.
  4. Install Pool Barriers
    1. Backyard pools should be fenced on all four sides with self-latching gates. Alarms and pool covers can add an extra layer of protection.
  5. Learn CPR
    1. In a water emergency, every second counts. Immediate CPR can make the difference between life and death.
    2. Cape Fear Valley Heart & Vascular Center offers FREE hands-only CPR training to the community.
      If you have a church, school group, or individual who would like to learn this life-saving skill, please contact:
      Ben Beason at bbeas@capefearvalley.com or call 910-615-8294.

Special Considerations

Infants & Toddlers

Never leave young children unattended near any source of water, even buckets or bathtubs. Just one inch of water can pose a drowning hazard.

Open Water Awareness

Unlike swimming pools, open water has unpredictable currents, debris, and sudden drop-offs. Swim only in designated areas and always with a buddy.

Home Water Safety

Empty tubs, kiddie pools, and containers after use. Install toilet locks and keep bathroom doors closed if toddlers are in the home.

Resources

Take Action

Motorcycle Safety & Awareness

Motorcyclists face heightened risks on the road due to their exposure and the challenges of visibility. In 2022, North Carolina reported 220 motorcycle-related fatalities, making it one of the deadliest years for riders in the state. These numbers highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, safer riding practices, and shared responsibility between riders and drivers. ​

Key Safety Strategies

  1. Always Wear Protective Gear
    1. Utilize DOT-approved helmets, gloves, jackets, pants, and boots to minimize injury in the event of a crash. Proper gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries.​
  2. Stay Visible
    1. Wear bright or reflective clothing and keep your headlights on, even during the day. Position yourself in lanes where you're most visible to other drivers.​
  3. Ride Sober
    1. Never operate a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impairment significantly increases the risk of accidents.​
  4. Follow Traffic Laws
    1. Obey speed limits, use turn signals, and adhere to all traffic regulations. Defensive riding can help anticipate and avoid potential hazards.​
  5. Regular Maintenance
    1. Ensure your motorcycle is in good working condition. Regularly check brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels to prevent mechanical failures on the road.​

Rider Education Programs

  • Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)
    Offers comprehensive rider training programs, including the Basic RiderCourse, which covers essential riding skills and safety strategies. Find courses near you at msf-usa.org.​
  • North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program (NCMSEP)
    Provides state-approved training courses for riders of all experience levels. Courses are available at various community colleges across North Carolina. Learn more at ncmsep.org.​
  • Bike Safe NC
    A partnership with law enforcement agencies offering Rider Skills Days, which include assessments and feedback from professional motor officers. Register for a class at bikesafenc.com.​

Resources