Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 6, 1994 TAG: 9412060064
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Prevent Blindness Virginia reported nearly 14,000 eye injuries associated with toys last year, and 90 percent of the injuries were preventable.
Most toy manufacturers follow mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines, but a few do not. Prevent Blindness Virginia recommands the following tips for choosing fun, educational and safe toys:
Avoid impulse buying.
Consider ability rather than just his age.
Read age, instruction and safety labels.
Avoid toys with sharp or rigid points, rods and edges.
Inspect toys for durability.
Avoid toys with parts that shoot or fly off.
Look for the symbol "ASTM F396," indicating a product that meets standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Once the gift has been purchased, keep safety in mind and: explain how to use the toy properly; help the child store the toy safely; repair or throw away damaged toys; keep toys intended for older children away from younger kids; don't let the child use a toy in unintended ways; store or give toys away that a child has outgrown; make sure the child plays in a safe area; and create a list of safety rules.
Write to Prevent Blindness Virginia, 3820 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230, or call (804) 355-0773.
by CNB