Safe Communities America Program Tools

Safe Communities Program Tools are provided to assist communities in preparing their application for designation. Program tools consist of an Excel spreadsheet and a
Word template.
The Excel spreadsheet can be used to compile information about your community safety promotion and injury prevention programs, injury data and evaluation results. The Word template can be used to complete the Internet Application Summary.

Becoming A Safe Community

Every community has its own unique personality, its own rhythm and vibrancy and its own unique challenges. The injury patterns and problems are also unique to each community. However, by determining which ones are most impacting our community, and designing injury prevention programs specific to your community, we can make a difference.

Your community may already have individuals, groups, and organizations who have committed their time and resources to make your community safer. Working together, in partnership, communities can reduce disabling injuries and save lives. It all starts with a commitment to making safety a priority for your community. Let Safe Communities America help you become a safe community.

Safe Communities America designation

The Safe Communities America designation is awarded to communities that have demonstrated leadership in promoting safety, reducing injuries, and preparing their citizens for natural and man-made disasters.

Communities seeking designation must meet the following six indicators established by the WHO Collaborating Center on Community Safety Promotion and Safe Communities America program:

  1. Demonstrate leadership based on partnership and collaborations with all community sectors that are responsible for safety promotion in their community;
  2. Long-term, sustainable programs covering both genders and all ages, environments, situations, and includes preparing their citizens for emergencies and disasters;
  3. Programs that target high-risk groups and environments, and programs that promote safety for vulnerable groups;
  4. Collect data on number and causes of injuries;
  5. Evaluate their programs, processes and the effects of change;
  6. Participate in national and international Safe Communities networks.

Designation Process

Designation is a three step process: submitting an application, a site visit from Safe Communities certifying representatives, and a ceremony celebrating your official designation.

Submitting an application

Your written application describes your community and highlights how your community meets the six Safe Communities program indicators.

  • Download the Safe Communities America Application for Designation
  • Request the Safe Communities America Program Kit CD Rom

Send your completed application to Safe Communities America program.

Site Visit

After review of your application, Safe Communities America program staff will schedule a site visit. The site visit is an opportunity to highlight your community and its safety promotion and injury prevention programs.

Designation Ceremony

Celebrate Your Success! The Safe Communities Designation brings international recognition to your community’s safety and injury prevention efforts. A Safe Communities America representative will be present to award your community this honor.