December 13, 2011

The Ups and Downs of Decorating…

During November and December 2010, more than 13,000 people were treated in emergency departments nationwide due to injuries involving holiday decorations. Although the number of deaths and injuries related to Christmas tree and candle fires were down, reports of falls from ladders while stringing lights and hanging decorations, lacerations from broken glass ornaments, and other holiday related injuries were up.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides safety tips for holiday home decorating. Cut, paste, print and hang these with care, so families in your neighborhoods can read and follow them.

…and Toy Shopping

New toy safeguards and safety-conscious steps taken by many toy makers and sellers have contributed to a continued decline in toy recalls since 2008 but with the number of children injured in toy-related incidents still high – 180,000 per year – CPSC encourages consumers to remain alert and knowledgeable about toy safety.

 Make sure the Santas in your community check this list of gift-giving safety tips this season:

 ·        Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than 8 years old and discard broken balloons at once. Deflated or broken balloons can choke or suffocate a child.

·        Avoid small balls and other toys with small parts for children younger than age 3. The small items can cause choking.

·        Ensure those using scooters, skateboards, in-line skates and other riding toys wear helmets and safety gear properly. The helmets and gear should be sized to fit and worn properly at all times.

·        Avoid building or play sets with small magnets for children under age 6. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, the child can be seriously injured or can die.

Click here for information about what to do once the gifts are open.

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Here are free posters to download and share with safety tips  to help you give your community the gift of safe holiday homes:

 Holiday Decorating Safety – Help families use safe practices while making their Yuletide merry  English   Spanish

 Shop Smart, Shop Safe – Show moms and dads which hazards to avoid when toy shopping  English   Spanish

 Use Your Head – Teach parents how to fit and wear a bicycle helmet

 Helmet Head – Help parents know which helmet is right for their child’s activities  English   Spanish

 Magnet Warning – Remind parents to avoid toys with small magnets

 Button Battery Dangers – Remind shoppers what type of products contain these dangerous batteries  English   Spanish

 Thanks again for spreading the word in your community. Happy Holidays.