Kankakee, IL – The holidays are known to be the busiest time of the year and as you shop for your loved ones, it’s important to always remember safety. December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month and according to the latest report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms nationwide treated more than 251,000 toy-related injuries in 2017.

"We see an increase in toy injuries in the emergency department during the holiday season. Toys are wonderful, but they can be dangerous. Ninety-five percent of toy injuries were treated and discharged, but there were 13 fatalities. Fifty-four percent of the deaths involved riding toys and the rest were airway obstructions from swallowed balls or toys. The best safety tip is to supervise your children while they play. Follow age and ability guidelines. If there are children of various ages in the household, keep toys separate. Always wear a helmet with any riding toy. We at AMITA Health St. Mary's emergency room are always here to assist you and your family, but please have a wonderful and safe holiday season,” said AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director, Patricia Kahn, DO, MPH.

“When I think of National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, I think of my grandsons. I have a 7-year-old and a 15-month-old who love playtime. Any parent, grandparent or family member would agree that when it comes to our children, it is our sole responsibility to keep them safe. As we shop this holiday season, I appreciate the awareness National Safe Toys and Gifts Month brings to our attention,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Here are a few tips for toy safety:

1. Always inspect toys before you purchase them and read the instructions.
2. Check to see if the toy has the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) label. This label means the product meets the national safety standards.
3. Avoid toys with sharp edges and parts that can easily be pulled off.
4. Make sure the age and skill level displayed matches the age of the child.
5. Make sure the child has supervision.

Toy makers recalled more than 19 million toys due to safety concerns. To find the latest list of recalls including toys, visit www.cpsc.gov/recalls.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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