#United States #holiday shopping #Washington #Consumer Safety #Safety Commission

Prioritizing Safety During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season inches closer, shoppers are often caught up in the excitement of gift giving. However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds everyone to remain vigilant when purchasing gifts, particularly for children. This festive season calls for an acute awareness of safety hazards that tend to come with holiday shopping. Here are crucial tips to safeguard your family and friends from unsafe or counterfeit products.

Understanding the Risks

A substantial number of accidents and injuries related to holiday purchases stem from products that fail to meet safety standards. Many unsafe products often emerge from unverified online sources or third-party sellers who do not adhere to necessary safety regulations. Items made overseas, especially in countries with lax manufacturing standards, are frequently at the heart of these safety issues. The CPSC urges consumers to remain cautious, especially when it concerns toys for young children, as these can be particularly hazardous.

Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

Know Your Seller

• - Only purchase toys and gifts from reputable stores or well-established online retailers that you trust. This significantly reduces the risk of encountering counterfeit goods.
• - Be cautious of online discounts that seem too good to be true; these often correlate with inferior or unsafe products.
• - Before buying second-hand items online, check if there have been any recalls on those products at SafetyConsumidor.gov.

Choosing the Right Toys

• - Always adhere to the age recommendations on toy packaging, and select age-appropriate toys that cater to the child’s interests and abilities.
• - Provide safety gear, such as helmets for scooters and skateboards, and enforce that children use protective gear correctly at all times.
• - Store small balls and toys with small parts away from children under the age of three, and ensure that deflated balloons are also kept out of reach of children under eight.
• - Pay attention to choking hazard warnings on any toys, referring either to the packaging or the manufacturer's website to understand product risks better.
• - Dispose of the plastic wrapping immediately after unwrapping gifts to eliminate potential choking hazards.

Decorative Safety Measures

In addition to ensuring presents are safe, holiday decorations also require careful consideration:

• - Keep Christmas trees adequately watered if natural, or verify that artificial trees are labeled as "Fire Resistant."
• - Never leave lit candles unattended. Place them away from flammable materials and ensure they’re extinguished before leaving the room. Opt for flameless candles whenever possible.
• - Avoid connecting more than three strands of incandescent lights, and refrain from overloading electrical outlets to mitigate any fire risks.

CPSC Resources

The CPSC offers a variety of resources to help educate families on holiday safety:

• - Watch videos featuring safety tips shared by "Santa" through social media platforms.
• - Download posters highlighting safe holiday shopping practices and comprehensive safety guidelines during this festive period.
• - For more information on safe practices during the holiday season, visit CPSC's holiday safety resources.

Conclusion

This holiday season, let joy and safety go hand in hand. Follow the CPSC's safety advice, shop from trustworthy sources, remain updated on product recalls, and decorate responsibly to create a festive atmosphere that is as secure as it is celebratory. By being proactive and cautious when purchasing gifts, families can enjoy a joyous season free from the anxiety of safety hazards. Let’s prioritize safety amidst the celebrations!

Stay informed and safe this holiday season by keeping these essential tips in mind. For further assistance, you can reach out to the CPSC or consult their wealth of resources online. Happy holidays!