One common holiday tradition is the giving of gifts to family and friends. When selecting electrical gifts for children, it is important to keep a few safety-focused tips in mind:
- Electrical toys and other electrical devices intended for use by children can be extremely hazardous if improperly used or used without proper supervision.
- An adult should supervise the use of any electrical product. Consider both the maturity of the child and the nature of the toy when deciding how much supervision is required.
- Do not buy an electrical toy, or any toy, for a child too young to use it safely. Always check the age recommendation on the package. Remember that this is a minimum age recommendation. The buyer must still take into account an individual child’s capabilities.
- Never give any child under ten years old a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, choose toys that are battery-operated.
- Make sure all electrical toys bear a fire safety label from an independent testing laboratory.
- Read the instructions accompanying the product carefully, and then review them with any child who will be using the product.
- Inspect all electrical toys periodically. Repair, replace, or discard deteriorating toys.
- Don’t allow children to play with electrical toys near water, and make sure they understand that water and electricity don’t mix.
- All electrical toys should be put away immediately after use in a dry storage area out of the reach of younger children.
Fast Facts:
- Each year, there is an estimated average of 60 electrocutions associated with consumer products.
- According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 70% of child-related electrical accidents occur at home, when adult supervision is present.