Dallas Receives Reaccreditation as a Safe Community
The city was considered the nation’s first by the NSC 20 years ago
According to a news release, the NSC has reaccredited the city of Dallas as a Safe Community. This accreditation recognizes 20 years of initiatives that have helped reduce preventable deaths and injuries among Dallas residents.
Dallas became the nation’s first-ever Safe Community 20 years ago when the Dallas Safe Communities Coalition was formed.
“From the beginning, Dallas’s mission has been to create a community where all residents have the freedom to live to their full potential,” said Carrie Nie, director of Safe Communities America at the National Safety Council. “The Coalition has worked tirelessly to make that goal a reality. We look forward to continuing to work with individuals and organizations whose commitment to safety has made Dallas one of the nation’s safest places to live.”
Since the coalition formed, deaths and injuries from home fires have decreased 74 percent, and more than 34,000 smoke alarms have been installed through the Operation Installation program.
“Because of our commitment to evaluation, we have been able to determine which strategies are producing the desired results and which ones are not,” said Shelli Stephens-Stidham, director of the Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas and leader of the Dallas Safe Communities Coalition. “The strategies being implemented are more effective, which continues to make Dallas a safer city. We are so proud and honored to be part of making Dallas a safe city to live, learn, work and play.”
The city’s coalition plans to increase the number of people and bystanders trained in the future for stopping blood loss during disasters, as well as encouraging older adults to participate in Tai Chi programs to help with coordination and balance.