December 8, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The holidays are an exciting and busy time, filled with feasting, celebrating, exchanging gifts, and visiting family and friends. But with all the joys of the holiday season come potential safety hazards that can cause injury and even death. The following safety tips are presented by the UAB Injury Control Research Center, the American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Safe Kids Campaign.

Shop ‘til You Drop

• Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
  
  
• Keep children under age four in a stroller or supervise them closely.
  
  
• If you place your child in a shopping cart, always use the safety belt. Stay close to the cart. Never let your child stand in or push a shopping cart.
  
  
• Don't be an easy victim for violent crime. Stay alert at all times and pay attention to your surroundings. Park in a well-lit space away from decorative bushes. Lock your car, roll up the windows, and hide packages in the trunk or under a blanket.
  
  
• Be especially alert in parking decks and underground garages. Don't overload yourself with packages. Have your car keys in hand before heading to the parking lot.
  
  
• Be careful when riding on escalators. Make sure no one in your group has loose shoe laces, drawstrings, scarves, or mittens that could get trapped in the escalator. Hold your child's hand, face forward, and keep feet away from the edge of the steps. Never bring strollers, carts, or walkers on an escalator.
  
  
• Where possible, cross the street at designated crosswalks. Before you step off the curb, make sure approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop.

The Joy of Giving

• Make sure the toys you give children are safe for them. Read package labels and follow age recommendations.
  
  
• Do not give children under age three toys that contain small or metal parts or toys that break easily.
  
  
• Do not give children under age eight toys that have sharp edges, points, or heating elements.
  
  
• Avoid toys that shoot small objects into the air.
  
  
• Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noises.
  
  
• Include helmets and other protective gear (such as elbow, knee, and wrist pads) when giving bicycles, skates, skateboards and the newest rage — the scooter.
  
  
• If you're considering buying your child a BB or pellet gun, make sure your child knows the proper way to use it. Supervise your children when they use these guns.
  
  
• Do not throw gift-wrappings in the fireplace. They can cause a flash fire.
  
  
• Throw away all toy packaging right away so it doesn't become a choking or suffocation hazard.
  
  
• Keep batteries away from children. They are toxic if swallowed.