The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year for everyone, but it’s also a time when kids can be at risk for injuries.
Did you know?
- In 2012:
- An estimated 192,000 children were treated in an emergency room for a toy-related injury.
- 3,270 children 19 and under were seen in emergency rooms for injuries caused by nonelectric holiday decorations, like broken ornaments.
- 11 toy‐related deaths in children under the age of 15 years were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Each year in the United States, more than 2,800 kids are treated in emergency rooms after swallowing button batteries. That’s one child every three hours.
- Poison control centers reported 2,759 cases of kids 19 and under swallowing button batteries in 2013.
- In 2009, poison control centers reported 3,551 cases of carbon monoxide exposure among children ages 19 and under.
Safe Kids Georgia encourages all parents and caregivers to be prepared with these simple safety tips this holiday season:
Think about safety when decorating your tree and home.
- Kids are curious and will want to play with the ornaments on the tree, so you should prepare. Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children can reach them.
- Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources as well as making sure to water it regularly. Natural trees are great, but if they’re not properly watered, needles can dry out and pose a potential fire hazard. Make sure your tree has plenty of water by checking it daily.
- Check lights wherever they are decoratively displayed. Take a look at the ones on your tree and in and around your home for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets
- Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use.
- Keep holiday candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn, and don’t forget to blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Remember to always keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work, and be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Remember to choose toys that are age-appropriate.
- Consider your child’s age when purchasing a toy or game. It’s worth a second to read the instructions and warning labels to make sure it’s just right for your child.
- Keep a special eye on small pieces, including button batteries that may be included in electronic toys. While these kinds of games are great for older kids, they can pose a potential danger for younger children. Keep button batteries and any electronics that may contain them out of reach.
- Sign up to receive product recalls so you can stay up to date on which toys may be harmful or unsafe.
- Don’t forget to include a helmet for riding toys, such as bicycles, skateboards or scooters. Make sure you choose an appropriate helmet by using the Helmet Fit Test.
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