III. Build Community Awareness Through Media Attention (Television, Radio, and Print)

• Building Community Awareness through Media Attention.
• Public Service Announcements — Dog Bite Preven­tion Week.
• An Employee Event the Media Will Love.
• Media Advisory.
• News Release — A Different Kind of Chorus.
• Postmaster Newspaper Column No 1.
• Postmaster Newspaper Column No 2.
• Postmaster Newspaper Column No 3.

For information regarding the above media outreach opportunities, visit http://safetytoolkit.usps.gov/Resources.

This URL will also provide tips on promoting and plan­ning employee events that the media will love.

Dog Bite Prevention Background and Tips

The Victims

• More than 4.7 million people attacked annually.
• Children are the majority of victims and are 900 times more likely to be bitten than letter carriers.
• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report that small children, the elderly, and letter carriers, in that order, are the most frequent victims. Dog attacks are the most commonly reported child­hood public health problem in the United States.
• The AVMA also reports that the number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps, combined. Dog bite victims account for up to 5 percent of emergency room visits.
• Many of the OSHA recordable bites that were reported by letter carriers in 2007 came from dogs whose owners used those famous last words “my dog won’t bite.”
• According to the AVMA, as many as 800,000 people annually are admitted to U.S. emergency depart­ments with dog bite–associated injuries, and count­less more bites go unreported and untreated.

How to Avoid Being Bitten

• Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.
• If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye con­tact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, and then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.
• While letter carriers are discouraged from petting ani­mals, people who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the ani­mal.
• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.

How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

• Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation.
• When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.
• Don’t let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog’s instinct is to protect the family.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs.
• Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Insert your name]

[Insert Date] [Insert your phone number]

Internet: www.usps.com

Public Service Announcements
May 18–24 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Below you will find three public service announcements (PSAs) for your consideration. Spring is here, more people and dogs will be on the street, and this is the perfect time to participate in an education campaign aimed at reducing these painful and costly attacks.

For decades, the U.S. Postal Service^® has taken a leadership role in preventing animal attacks because letter carriers are the third most likely group to be bitten by a dog. Children and the elderly rank number one and two, respectively. More information is found on the Dog Bite Prevention Background and Tips sheet attached. [Attach Dog Bite Prevention Background and Tips sheet.]

Please join the Postal Service™ in this important public education campaign by using these public service announcements and by interviewing Postal Service, animal protection, and public health officials during National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

PSA 1

It’s that time of year again, and the Postal Service, health care providers, and animal protection professionals need your help. Last year, nationwide, 3,212 letter carriers sustained OSHA-recordable dog bite injuries. But that pales in comparison to the more than 4.7 million people — most of them children and the elderly — who are bitten by dogs each year. You can help protect your letter carrier, meter reader, newspaper delivery person, or neighbors’ children by making sure your pet is properly restrained. Be a responsible pet owner. Help prevent the injuries and deaths caused by animal attacks. This message is a public service of this station and your local Post Office™.

PSA 2

At this point in our nation’s history, even the comedians know that “dog bites man” is no laughing matter. That’s why the nation’s letter carriers, who suffered more than 3,000 dog bite injuries last year, are reminding pet owners to restrain their dogs to protect letter carriers, meter readers, children, and others who may come near their dogs. This message is a public service of this station and your local Post Office.

PSA 3

Pet owners, did you know that if your dog attacks a letter carrier, you could be held liable for all medical expenses and other costs, which can run into thousands of dollars? Don’t think your fence is the only protection you need — especially if a letter carrier or delivery person must enter your yard. The Postal Service is not anti-dog, but pro-responsibility. Responsible pet ownership includes making sure your pet is properly restrained. Last year, nationally, more than 3,000 letter carriers sustained OSHA-recordable dog bites while delivering the mail. Help your letter carrier deliver safely for you. This message is a public service of this station and your local Post Office.

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