Environmental Strategies for Prevention
A Guide To Helping the Prevention Professional Work Effectively in the Community

Module 1: An Introduction to Environmental Strategies - Page 6 of 21

What Are Some Examples of Environmental Strategies?

Let's take a look at a typical Prevention, U.S.A. community for illustration.

Meet Joe and Jane Prevent.

Joe, Jane, and their two children live in a wonderful neighborhood within walking distance of work for both parents. New housing developments and a boost in businesses have made dramatic changes to the Prevent's neighborhood. The once quiet street has become a major artery for commuters at peak times when pedestrians are also trying to get to work and school safely. Crashes and injuries are common, especially at an intersection where the busiest roads meet.

People in Joe and Jane's neighborhood worked together to increase public safety. They helped distribute information about the number of automobile-related injuries at the corner. They got their local officials involved and helped replace a stop sign with a traffic light at the intersection. Joe and Jane and their neighbors are still involved in the traffic safety issue. The coalition they formed has begun to look at other problems in the neighborhood, such as an increase in crime and problem with substance abuse among youth.

As this hypothetical example shows, by working together -- sometimes one corner at a time -- people can make changes to the environment that will dramatically affect the public safety for the entire community.

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