Guest Author - Paula Petrie

The CPSC states that by simply being aware of these hidden home hazards, lives can be spared and life-altering injuries avoided:

#1 - Magnets

Since 2005 there has been 1 Death, 86 Injuries, and 8 million magnetic toys have been recalled.

Today's rare-earth magnets can be very small and powerful making them
popular in toys, building sets, and jewelry. As the number of products
with magnets has increased, so has the number of serious injuries to
children.

There have been several hundred incidents in which magnets have fallen out of toys and been swallowed by children.

If two or more magnets, or a magnet and another metal object are
swallowed separately, they can attract to one another through intestinal
walls and get trapped in place. The injury is hard to diagnose. Parents
and physicians may think that the materials will pass through the child
without consequence, but magnets can attract in the body and twist or
pinch the intestines, causing holes, blockages, infection, and death, if
not treated properly and promptly.

Watch carefully for loose magnets and magnetic pieces. Keep them away from younger children (less than 6). If you have a recalled product with
magnets, stop using it, call the company and ask for the remedy.


#2 - Recalled Products

Each year there about 400 recalls.

CPSC is very effective at getting dangerous products off store shelves,
such as recalled toys, clothing, children's jewelry, tools, appliances,
electronics and electrical products.

However, once a product is in the home the consumer has to be watchful. Consumers need to be aware of the latest safety recalls to keep dangerous recalled products away from family members.

Sign up for free e-mail notifications at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx - an e-mail from CPSC is not spam - it could save a life.

#3 - Tip-overs

An average of 22 deaths per year; 31 in 2006 and an estimated 3,000 injuries.

Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and crush young children. Deaths
and injuries occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull
themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks,
and chests. TVs placed on top of furniture can tip over causing head
trauma and other injuries. Items left on top of the TV, furniture, and
countertops, such as toys, remote controls and treats might tempt kids
to climb.

Be sure that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor
it to the floor or attach furniture to a wall. Free standing ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets.

#4 - Windows & Coverings

Window cords cause an average of 12 deaths annually. An average of 9 deaths and an estimated 3,700 injuries occur to children annually from window falls.

Children can strangle on window drapery and blind cords that form a
loop. Parents should use cordless blinds or keep cords and chains
permanently out of the reach of children.

Looped cords should be cut, with a safety tassel installed at the end of each pull cord, or use a tie-down device and install inner cord stays to prevent strangulation.

Never place a child's crib or playpen within reach of a window blind.

Kids can be injured or die when they fall out of windows. Do not rely on window screens. Screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep kids in.

#5 - Pool & Spa Drains

15 injuries, and 2 fatalities between 2002-2004.

The suction from a pool drain can be so powerful that it can hold an
adult under water, but most incidents involve children. The body can
become sealed against the drain or hair can be pulled in and tangled.

Missing or broken drain covers are a major reason many entrapment
incidents occur.

Consumers can consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), which detects when a drain is blocked and automatically shuts off the pool pump or interrupts the water circulation to prevent an entrapment.

Every time the pool or spa is in use, inspect it for entrapment hazards.
Check to make sure appropriate drain covers are in place and undamaged.