PHILIPSBURG–The Health Ministry’s Collective Prevention Services (CPS) has offered a number of safety tips to consumers as the holiday season fast approaches.
CPS said in a press release that the number one priority this holiday season should be to ensure that whatever gift is purchased for a child is safe. CPS urged consumers to shop smart, shop safe and to check the safety information of toys before purchasing them.
CPS says that before purchasing or giving any gift, particularly any intended for a child, one should double check to make sure the gift does not pose a hazard or put the child at risk of danger. Consumers should carefully read the safety instructions and conditions attached to the gift.
CPS also urged consumers to select toys suitable for a child’s age, abilities, skills and interest level; for infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age eight; do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age eight; read the labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide in your holiday shopping.
For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur. For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit and worn at all times when operating riding toys.
Help instil safety discipline. Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and slingshots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
CPS said one of the most important gifts of all to give a child is time spent with you as a parent this holiday season.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/83194-cps-offers-safety-tips-for-holidays
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