As the holiday gift-giving season is upon us, so begins our shopping for the toys we enjoy giving the special children in our lives. Selecting the right toy can be a challenge as there are millions from which to choose and new ones appearing on the shelves each year. Although toys are intended to be fun, they can be pose hazards to their users if not soundly designed and constructed or if the toy is not intended for the age of its user.
Visit www.cpsc.gov for information.
Nationwide, nearly 181,500 children (ages 14 and under) were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries last year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Do you know what toys are safe for your child? When evaluating the ones you are considering this year, remember to:
- Consider the child’s age, interests and skill level. Look for quality in design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
- Consider purchasing a small parts tester (also known as a choke tube) to determine whether small toys may present a choking hazard to children under the age of three. Small parts testers or choke tubes can be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores.
- Check the National Safe Kids Campaign web site, www.safekids.org, for updates and information on recent toy recalls.
- Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud sounds, or projectiles (ie. darts, firing rockets).
- Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than seven inches that may pose a risk for strangulation.
- Avoid electric-powered toys with heating elements for children under the age of eight.
- Avoid cap guns as the caps they use can be ignited by the slightest friction and can cause serious burns.
Article provided by Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, Washington Township Fire Department.
Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS (Liaison to the Fire Department Community) – Alan’s career in the fire service spans more than 30 years. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of numerous similar safety organizations. Alan consults with numerous fire departments throughout Ohio and in 2005 was chosen by the Ohio Department of Health as the fire service member on the Ohio School Inspection Advisory Committee. He was also awarded Ohio Fire Official of the Year in 2009 by the Ohio Building Officials Association. Alan is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department in Dublin, Ohio.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses.
