This website is a great source of verified health information for parents on a wide range of health topics, such as healthy living, family life, immunizations, child development, and medical conditions. They offer articles with topics including safety, disaster preparedness, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse, emotional wellness, psychiatric medications, grief and more. You can also use the website to find a pediatrician in your zip code.
healthychildren.org
Has information from pediatricians on a range of safety topics. Visit the website for guides on buying and safely installing a car seat, flying with babies, booster seat safety, baby carrier safety, and more.
healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go
The publisher for the official guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). Use the website to find CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) trainings near you, or to purchase training materials. They also have helpful information on heart-healthy living (such as eating, fitness, quitting smoking), heart conditions (heart attack and stroke symptoms, congenital heart defects, and more), and tools for healthcare professionals and educators.
(800) 242-8721
Main Website: heart.org
CPR Classes: cpr.heart.org
Provides shelter, food, healthcare, and mental health services for victims of disaster; disaster preparedness and lifesaving skills training; blood drives, and specialized services for members of the military and veterans. The Central & Southern Ohio Region includes Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.
24/7 Disaster Services: (800) 733-2767
Columbus Office: 995 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-2740
redcross.org/local/ohio/central-and-southern-ohio.html
If you are bitten by a dog, cat, or wild animal:
An app that allows parents to monitor their child’s texts, email, YouTube and 24+ social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying, suicidal thoughts, sexual predators, drug use and more. The app allows parents to manage screen time, block websites and apps, and track their child’s location. The app offers a free trial and starts at $14/month.
bark.us
Offers swim safety classes for swimmers of all ages and experience levels, with a variety of programs for children ages 3 months to adults. Their three-part curriculum teaches the skills needed for water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development. Swimmers progress from learning how to be safe in the water to mastering swimming strokes. Families pay a monthly fee for services. They offer Hope Floats scholarships for low-income families and accept payments from Ohio RISE. Visit the website to find locations across the country. Columbus locations are listed below.
LA Fitness Grandview: 850 Goodale Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212
Wesley Glen Retirement: 5155 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 545-6350
britishswimschool.com/columbus-region
Provides information on emergency preparedness to help protect you and your loved ones. They also provide resources for emergency health professionals and information on recent national incidences. The website has information on natural disasters, school preparedness, and more.
(800) 232-4636 or (888) 232-6348 TTY
cdc.gov/emergency/index.html
Provides poisoning prevention, assessment and treatment. Anyone can call the 24/7 Poison Center for confidential help responding to suspected poisoning or general questions about poisonings. There are many poison centers across the county, and the Central Ohio Poison Center is based at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
24/7 Poison Emergency Hotline: (800) 222-1222
Central Ohio Poison Center: nationwidechildrens.org/poison-center
National Website: poisoncenters.org
Neighborhood Pride Centers are one-stop shops to access city services in one place. Neighborhood Liaisons serve as a direct link to city services to help address neighborhood issues and help Columbus neighborhoods thrive. They can help residents find programs for New Americans, sanitation services, supportive services for families, job fairs, community events, and more.
Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
311 Customer Service Center: (614) 645-3111
columbus.gov/Community/Department-of-Neighborhoods/Area-Commission-Map/Neighborhood-Liaisons
Smoke Alarms Saves Lives! campaign from the Columbus Division of Fire. Households in Columbus can call the Smoke Alarm Hotline to request a free smoke detector/alarm.
3639 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 724-0935
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Safety/Fire/Safety-Information/Smoke-Alarms-Save-Lives
Provides car seats and booster seats at a reduced cost to income-eligible families in Franklin County. Visit the website to schedule an appointment. Families outside of Franklin County can visit the Safe Kids website to find car seat assistance and inspection programs.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7748
Columbus Public Health Website: cphsystems.org/car-seats
Find Other Safe Kids Programs: safekids.org/find-your-safe-kids
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated annually and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List
The Community Crime Map improves public safety by making crime tracking technology used by law enforcement available to the public. Anyone can use to tool to find crime data based on location, such as tracking known sex offenders, assault, theft, traffic incidents, and more. You can also use the website to sign up for crime alerts.
communitycrimemap.com/?rms=CrimeTracker10&address=Columbus,OH
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has safe and secure drop box locations to appropriately dispose of any unused or expired pain reliever medications. Visit the website to find a safe disposal location.
Drop-Off Location Search: apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e2s1
More Information from the DEA: dea.gov/everyday-takeback-day
Works to end gun violence and build safer communities through education and advocacy. The website provides information on ways to prevent gun violence, the “issues” surrounding gun violence and other resources. Visit the website for contact information.
everytown.org
FEMA is responsible for organizing government-wide relief efforts after a disaster. Visit the website for a list of federally declared disasters, resources on how to prepare your family for emergencies, and information on response and recovery efforts. Use the Disaster Assistance website to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and to check the status of your application.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: (800) 621-3362
Disaster Assistance Application Website: disasterassistance.gov
Find Your Regional FEMA Office: fema.gov/about/contact
FEMA website: fema.gov
This federal website provides important information on credit and debt, loans and mortgages, shopping and donating, online security, and avoiding scams.
consumer.ftc.gov
FCEM&HS coordinates and prepares for all-hazards disaster planning, education, warning, response, and recovery efforts in Franklin County for natural and man-made disasters. Visit the website for information on how to keep your family prepared for disasters and emergencies. Sign up for ALERT Franklin County or FCREADY texts to get severe weather and emergency notifications straight to your phone.
5300 Strawberry Farms Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43230
General Questions: (614) 794-0213
FCREADY: Text FCREADY to 888777
ALERT Franklin County: alertfranklincounty.org
fcemhs.org
Find lots of educational resources and city services on their website. FCPH offers many services and resources, including:
280 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3160
Weekend, Holiday and After Hours Emergency Hotline: (614) 525-3965
Telecommunications for the Deaf: 711 or (800) 750-0750
Infectious Disease Reporting: (614) 525-8890
myfcph.org
Incidents of foodborne illness (food poisoning) should be reported to your local public health office. In Franklin County, FCPH investigates cases of foodborne illness to correct problems and prevent future illness. Consumers and business owners can visit the website to file a complaint, find food safety manuals, and find food license applications.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-7462
myfcph.org/food-safety
A community bike shop specializing in bicycle repair and refurbishment. The Open Shop provides access to work stations and tools for ages 16+ to come and repair their bike for free, with help from volunteer mechanics. They sell new, used, and electric bikes at a variety of price points, and new and used bike parts at an affordable rate. They also offer free bike maintenance courses and programs for youth. Visit the website for shop hours or to shop online.
897 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 228-1852
franklintoncycleworks.org
Provides education for teens and their safe adults on the characteristics of healthy relationships. Visit the website to find helpful information on teen dating topics like relationship myths, healthy boundaries, and digital rights. Anyone call call, text, or chat with the Green Flags Pro team with questions about relationship concerns. The Green Flags Pro team are a specially trained team of experts to address teens’ questions or concerns about relationships and dating abuse. Green Flags also provides parents, guardians, educators and other trusted adults in the Central Ohio community resources to help support and talk to teens in their lives about healthy relationships and dating safety.
The Center for Family Safety and Healing: 655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Call: (844) 234-5463
Text: (844) 283-3393
greenflags.info
The websites below offer helpful health information from reputable sources on topics such as healthy lifestyle, diseases, prevention, and treatment.
Offers information about hearing and hearing loss. Use the Find a Clinic tool to find hearing checks and hearing care providers across the country. They also have a free, online hearing test. The website has information on topics including hearing loss in children, hearing conditions, consumer safety, assistive listening devices, and navigating insurance and financial help.
(800) 567-1692
healthyhearing.com
Find free, high-quality, educational videos on K-12+ topics by subject or by grade. Topics include math, science, computing, arts and humanities, economics and finance, music, philosophy, and more. The Life Skills section includes internet safety, social media literacy, personal finance, college admissions, and social-emotional learning. They also provide free test prep tools for AP tests, SAT, MCAT, and LSAT. Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app for kids ages 2-8 with fun games, videos, printables, and more. The Khan Academy website can be translated into many different languages. Teachers can sign up for additional resources.
Agency in Central Ohio with comprehensive health programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families. They operate in Franklin, Champaign, Logan, Marion, and Madison counties. Individuals can be referred by a professional or refer themselves by completing the online referral form. Programs in Franklin County include:
Administrative Office, Travel Vaccines & Wellness Services: 1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 278-3130
Carrie’s Cafe & Senior Nutrition Programs: 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 437-2987
lifecarealliance.org/programs
MORPC is responsible for the Central Ohio region’s transportation planning process. Visit the website to find information on current policy updates, find a community forum, and information for bicycle commuters. The commission offers consulting services for local communities to navigate zoning codes and long-term development activities. They also offer free home weatherization services for income-eligible households to make efficiency improvements such as replacing a furnace, insulation, home energy inspection, and appliance safety checks. Use the link below to sign up for Air Quality alerts by email or text to stay informed when pollution levels are high.
111 Liberty Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Main Office: (614) 228-2663
Home Repair & Energy Efficiency Services: (614) 621-1171
Main Website: morpc.org
Sign Up for Air Quality Alerts: mailchi.mp/1d5b539be321/air_alerts
Columbus Metro Bike User Map: public-morpc.hub.arcgis.com/apps/38c3354989eb436184e41803fcabda7d/explore
The nation’s largest child protection organization with many programs and resources for exploited and vulnerable children and families:
Their website provides a lot of information about car safety ratings, choosing a car seat, product recalls, airbags, reporting vehicle theft, car seat laws, and finding a car seat inspection site. Enter your child’s date of birth, height and weight into the Car Seat Finder tool to find the right seat.
Regional Office Locations & Contact Information: nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa
Main Website & Car Seat Finder Tool: nhtsa.gov
Provides guidance from experts and researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Visit the website for helpful articles on safety topics including bicycle safety, burns, poison, driving, home safety, gun safety, sports, playgrounds, and more.
nationwidechildrens.org/injury-research-and-policy-injury-topics
A free, monthly e-newsletter written by pediatric specialists. Sign up to get expert insights on trending wellness topics straight to your inbox.
nationwidechildrens.org/e-newsletter-sign-up
Visit the website for information from pediatric experts on what opioids are, how to take medication safely, and how to dispose of medication safely.
If you have a concern about your child’s prescription pain medication, please call the Central Ohio Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
nationwidechildrens.org/opioid-safety
Provides educational resources to help kids avoid common injuries. Visit the website for information on how to safely fit a bike helmet, where to get car seat safety checks, and other initiatives for kids’ safety. They also have free printable coloring and activity pages for kids to learn safety topics.
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/resources-for-parents-and-kids/safety-for-all-seasons
This website from Nemours Children’s Health offers tons of important health information for kids, teens, and their parents. Kids can find fun videos on how the body works and approachable answers to questions like, how do casts work? The Teen website covers topics like depression, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, body image and much more. Parents can find medically-reviewed articles on how vaccines work, how to choose a car seat, developmental milestones, supporting kids’ emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, and more. Educators can also find free health-related lesson plans for PreK-12.
Kids: kidshealth.org/en/kids
Teens: kidshealth.org/en/teens
Parents: kidshealth.org/en/parents
Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children at any Deputy Registrar BMV location. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can also add their contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing. The fee is waived for children under age 17 with a disability.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Info: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office
Promotes statewide severe weather safety and preparedness. The website has helpful resources on safety precautions to take around your home and with loved ones to stay safe during extreme heat, winter weather, storms, tornadoes, fires, and more. They have helpful guides on keeping kids and senior citizens safe, how to build an emergency preparedness kit, current weather conditions, and more.
2855 West Dublin-Granville Road Columbus, OH 43235
weathersafety.ohio.gov
Provides car seats, booster seats, and safety education to income-eligible (WIC eligible) families in Ohio. Visit the website and contact the Ohio Department of Health office to find a program in your county.
Ohio Department of Health Childhood Passenger Safety: 246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/child-injury-prevention/child-passenger-safety
Provides public health lead investigations, case management, education, and lead data. The program addresses the needs of lead-poisoned children from birth through 6 years old. Children should be tested at age 1 and 2 years old. Children on Medicaid or in a high-risk zip code must be tested. Families can call or go online for information about lead testing, cleaning lead in the home, and tips for preventing lead poisoning.
246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 532-3723
Click Here for Blood Testing Requirements & Zip Codes
ODH Childhood Lead Poisoning Website: odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Childhood-Lead-Poisoning
Agency responsible for state-wide relief efforts after natural or man-made disasters. Visit the website for real-time tracking of weather and disasters, emergency preparedness resources, and Ohio emergency warning systems.
2855 West Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 889-7150
ema.ohio.gov
Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are networks of families and educators supporting children’s learning. The Ohio PTA offers annual $500 scholarships for high school seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, a technical certification, or Special Education degree. Students must attend a school in a district with official PTA status to apply. The National PTA offer additional awards and programs. Their website has tons of helpful information for parents and educators on topics like special education, state assessments, college readiness, summer learning, safety, and more.
40 Northwoods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 781-6344
Ohio PTA: ohiopta.org
National PTA: pta.org/home/family-resources
Click the links below for information on ways to combat bedbugs:
Offers resources for families with young children to cope in emergencies and other challenging times. Find videos and activities with familiar PBS characters and age-appropriate information on emergency preparedness, coping, and resiliency. Parents and educators can find helpful information and lesson plans written for adults.
pbskids.org/learn/when-something-scary-happens
Raises awareness about child injuries, offers solutions and provides resources to reduce child injury and death. They offer safety toolkits and dozens of downloadable safety plans to share with families and child advocates. Toolkit topics include sports, swimming, home hazards, bikes, product recalls, car seats, and more.
preventchildinjury.org
Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) helps schools across the country implement life-saving programs to make Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) readily available. They help prepare schools and communities for cardiac emergencies through advocacy, CPR and AED training, and sudden cardiac arrest education. Visit the website for checklists and tools to make your school, sports team, or community program Heart Safe.
(614) 722-8549
Project ADAM Ohio at Nationwide Children’s Hospital: nationwidechildrens.org/project-adam
National Website: projectadam.com/Adam
A national public service campaign to educate and empower people to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. Visit the website for helpful information on making a family emergency plan, safety tips, and signing up for emergency alerts. Ready Kids has age-appropriate information and games for kids to learn about emergency preparedness at home or at school.
Ready Kids: ready.gov/kids
ready.gov
Manages landfills, waste collection, and recycling in Franklin County. Use their website to find drop-off locations for recyclables and household hazardous waste, and FAQs on food waste, yard waste, and more. SWACO also hosts community events throughout the year, and landfill tours for students. The Recycle Right website has resources on how to get started with recycling, how to sort recyclables, and an interactive quiz for kids and families.
4239 London Groveport Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 871-5100
Recycle Right Website: recycleright.org
Main Website: swaco.org
This website contains free resources on internet safety, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention from The Department of Homeland Security and other partners at the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
staysafeonline.org
Provides grieving mothers and their families support by offering individual and group support and mentoring programs, outings, and events. This resource is focused on helping families who have lost a loved one due to violence.
(614) 597-0538
ssthealexanderproject.org
Provides no-cost eye safety wear to protect kids’ eyes during sports and other recreational activities. Sports leagues, schools, 4-H groups, and Girl Scouts troops may apply for baseball and softball helmets, sports goggles, and safety goggles for career-technical activities. Families who meet income guidelines or have a foster child may apply to receive free prescription sports goggles. Find eligibility details and apply online.
Ohio Ophthalmological Society: 4400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 527-6799
superspecs.org
This federal office oversees the safety of consumer products. Visit the website for product recall lists, safety education resources for all ages, or to report an unsafe product.
(800) 638-2772 or (800) 638-8270 TTY
cpsc.gov
This office oversees safety for food, dietary supplements, drugs, medical devices, vaccines, cosmetics, tobacco products, and some animal/pet products. Visit the website for helpful information on consumer safety, and current product recalls and advisories.
(888) 463-6332
Report a Problem with FDA-regulated Products: safetyreporting.hhs.gov/smarthub#
Main Website: fda.gov
Click here to view their “Parents’ Guide to Home Firearm Safety” handout on gun safety at home.
injurycenter.umich.edu
An official guide to federal information and services. Use the website to find helpful, easy-to-read information on topics like how the government works, government benefits, disability services, immigration and citizenship, taxes, legal issues and more. The website can also be used to register to vote, print tax forms or check on a tax refund, file a complaint, and other government-related tasks.
(844) 872-4681
usa.gov
Private company providing smart home technologies. Products include security cameras, sensors, smart locks, smart thermostats, and more. They also offer installation and 24/7 monitoring services with flexible financing options.
(866) 589-9607
vivint.com
A transportation and bicycle advocacy organization in Columbus. They offer a variety of free community bike rides to teach bicycle safety, tour the city, raise awareness, and have fun. They also offer bike parking consults for businesses. Visit their website to find upcoming community rides.
921 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 470-4220
yaybikes.com