The holidays are upon us, and December is National Safe Toys and Gifts month for a good reason. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 200,000 children visit the emergency room with toy-related injuries every year. Many of these injuries are due to choking and falls and can be prevented.  Use these tips to gift toys for the appropriate age and reduce the risk of injury to your loved ones.

Ages 0 -3

Choking is a prominent holiday hazard for infants. Over half of choking related emergency room visits each year are children age three and under. When purchasing a gift for an infant or toddler, always check the age-appropriate range provided by the manufacturer. Visually look at pieces to ensure they are safe for mouthing, generally larger than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long. Avoid toys with magnets or button batteries that could be swallowed. Sometimes toy packaging is just as appealing as the toy itself. When a toy is opened, make sure all packaging is thrown away immediately to avoid ingestion. …
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The holidays are a time of excitement and joy for most. Unfortunately, many of the seasonal activities we take part in can lead to injuries. Use the following tips to help avoid an accident and enjoy the holiday season to its fullest.

Slips and Falls

Falls are the third-highest cause of unintentional death in the United States. The risk of falling increases during the holiday season due to colder weather conditions, increased travel, and alcohol consumption. Use the following advice and avoid injury this holiday season.

• Keep sidewalks shoveled and free from ice. Don’t hesitate to ask a neighbor for help if needed.
• Go slow, walk flat-footed, and avoid looking at your phone when walking. Be aware that vehicles take longer to break in inclement weather.
• Walk with empty hands and arms to maintain balance.
• Exit your vehicle with two feet on the ground to avoid knee injuries.
• Cold muscles are tight muscles. Stretch before you walk.
• Check your boots for good tread.

Decorations

The CDC2 estimates that over five thousand people go to the emergency room due to a decorating accident every …
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Halloween is a fun time for kids of all ages. Dressing up as your favorite super hero or movie character while ghoulishly strolling around local neighborhoods with friends can make memories that last a lifetime. The goal, as always, is to score an abundant amount of sugary treats and return home safely.

The Doar, Drill, and Skow team want you to have a safe and fun holiday, so we’ve put together our TOP TEN SAFETY TIPS:

1. Use makeup instead of masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars.
2. Halloween safety starts with the costume. Costumes should be flame-resistant and should fit properly to prevent trips and falls
3. Avoid items such as over-sized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes
4. Be seen with brightly colored outfits and use reflective tape so drivers can see your children
5. Dress your child for the weather. Add layers if needed.
6. Use crosswalks and carry a flashlight or glow stick even at dusk. Stay on sidewalks that are well lit.
7. Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.
8. Use alternative to …
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