Toy Safety & Children’s Fire Safety
Safety & Awareness | November 1, 2022
Safe Kids Safety Tips By Kelly Hanink, Assistant Fire Chief / Fire Marshal, SafeKids Fox Valley Coalition Member
Holiday season and gift giving time are coming up fast, and toys are a big part of the season.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated 198,000 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2020. Of these injuries, 40 percent happened to children four years of age or younger. Toys categorized as “building sets” were estimated to cause the most injuries in that age group. Fortunately, ninety-three percent of the injury victims were treated and released. To prevent toy-related injuries for the children around you, here are some tips from SafeKids Worldwide® and the CPSC.
Find the Perfect Toy for the Right Age
- Keep in mind the child’s age, interests, and skill level when choosing toys.
- Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages.
- Read the directions and warning labels to make sure the toy is just right. Heed age recommendations.
- Check to make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards before you settle on the perfect toy.
- Separate toys by age and keep a special eye on small game pieces that may be a choking hazard for young children. Toys intended for older children may pose a risk to younger, curious siblings.
Don’t Forget a Helmet for Riding Toys
If a child has their heart set on a new bike, skateboard, scooter or other riding equipment, be sure to include a CPSC certified helmet to keep them safe while they’re having fun.
Store Toys After Play
- Teach children to put their toys safely away after playing to prevent trips and falls, especially where aging adults live.
- The best toy containers have a lid that will stay open in any position to which it is raised.
- Ventilation holes in large containers are an added safety feature. Look for sharp edges that could cut or hinges that could pinch or squeeze little fingers.
Teaching Children Fire Safety
While on the subject of toys, teach children that fire and the means to start it are not toys. Some children are curious about fire. Model respect for fire and its danger for the children in your lives to avoid injury or a destructive fire.
These are simple steps you can take to keep you and the people you love safer from fire and burns.
- Teach young children that matches and lighter are tools, not toys.
- Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place.
- Never play with lighters or matches when you are with children. Children may try to do the same things they see you do.
- Keep children 3 feet away from anything that can get hot. Space heaters and stove tops can cause terrible burns.
- Talk about what to do if there is a fire. Make a fire escape plan. Include a safe meeting place in the plan.
