Written by: Sarah Ermer, MPH, CHES, Prevention Specialist at Tillamook Family Counseling Center
Whether we consciously think about it or not, we take small steps every day to create safer homes. Locking the doors, blowing out candles before leaving the house, and installing smoke alarms are well-established ways that we take protective steps to avoid potential danger. Unfortunately, some risks, like unsecured medications or firearms, can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
The Safer Homes approach is all about reducing preventable harm, whether that means ensuring young children don’t accidentally ingest medications or keeping teens and adults from accessing dangerous items in a moment of crisis. That’s why Tillamook Family Counseling Center and Tillamook County Public Health are inviting you to join us for a free “Safer Homes” event where you can pick up simple, life-saving tools to make your home a safer place for everyone!
“Safer Homes” free event:
- Friday, August 1, 2025
- 3:00-6:00pm
- Pastega Activity Center (3705 3rd St. Tillamook, OR)
- Free food for the first 100 attendees
- Free bowling for all!
Free materials available at the event include:
- Medication lock boxes: Accidental ingestion is one of the leading causes of emergency room visits for young children. Keep young children safe from poisoning, and protect teens and adults from prescription medication misuse
- Medication disposal pouches: Safely dispose of unused or expired medications
- Firearm locks: Reduce the risk of accidental injury or suicide by ensuring guns are properly locked and stored
- Naloxone (Narcan): Lifesaving medication to reverse opioid overdose
- First aid kits: Simple first aid kits with band-aids and sanitizing wipes for minor cuts and scrapes
Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or someone living on your own, taking these small safety steps can make a huge difference. Creating a safer home can be simple, and it could save a life. Come out, grab some free food and family fun, and leave with the tools you need to protect the people you care about most!
Can’t make it to the event? Pick up a free “Safer Homes” bag from the Tillamook YMCA, North County Recreation District, or the Kiawanda Community Center. Each bag includes a medication lock box, medication disposal pouch, “Mr. Yuk” poison labeling stickers, and a first aid kit. Naloxone is also available for free at Naloxboxes throughout the county, including at Tillamook Public Health and at the Tillamook Library.
One home at a time, we can create a safer community!