The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding families to put safety first this holiday season. The CPSC says to shop only from trusted stores and online retailers. It warns that unsafe or counterfeit products sold through unverified third-party sites can come from foreign countries such as China. The CPSC says these products can have devastating and sometimes fatal consequences for families.
The CPSC urges parents and caregivers who shop for young children to stay alert to prevent toy-related injuries and deaths. It also asks everyone to choose holiday decorations with care.
What Is the Hazard?
The CPSC points to three main holiday concerns. The first is unsafe or counterfeit products from unverified sellers. The second is toys that can hurt young children, including choking risks from small parts, balls, marbles and balloons. The third is holiday decorations, such as trees, candles and lights, that are not used properly.
Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman of the CPSC said that families can keep celebrations joyful and safe by shopping at trusted retailers, staying current on recalls and using holiday decorations properly. He said shoppers should be especially cautious about unsafe or counterfeit products sold from foreign countries that may not meet U.S. safety standards.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The CPSC says parents and caregivers shopping for young children should be especially watchful. Its toy tips focus on keeping small parts, balls and balloons away from younger children.
What Should You Do?
The CPSC offers these tips for gifts and decorations.
General shopping
- Know your seller. Buy toys from stores and online retailers you know and trust.
- Be wary of online deals that sound too good to be true. The CPSC says these toys may be hazardous or counterfeit.
- When you buy secondhand products online, check for recalls at CPSC.gov/recalls before you buy.
Toys
- Follow the age guidance and other safety information on the toy packaging. Pick toys that match each child's interests and abilities.
- Provide safety gear such as helmets for scooters and other riding toys. Make sure children use them each time they ride.
- Keep balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than three. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight.
- Look for choking-hazard warnings on toys with small parts, balls, marbles or balloons. They may be on the packaging or on the company's website.
- Throw away plastic wrapping and other packaging right after you unwrap gifts to prevent hazards.
Holiday decorations
- Water live Christmas trees. Look for the "fire resistant" label on artificial trees.
- Never leave candles unattended. Keep burning candles in sight and away from flammable items. Put them out before you leave the room. Use flameless candles whenever possible.
- Never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights. Never overload electrical outlets.
To report an unsafe product, go to SaferProducts.gov. You can also call the CPSC Consumer Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270) from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Source:https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Holiday-Safety
