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December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and as the holidays approach, it’s important to keep toy safety in mind. Opening gifts can be an exciting part of the holiday season for children,...
Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
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Wanamassa First Aid Squad was pleased to host the Cub Scouts this evening and give a lesson in first aid and an ambulance tour.
Tuesday, November 21st, 2023
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Today Wanamassa First Aid Squad stopped by 95.9’s The WRAT tent over at the ShopRite in Neptune! Not only did the squad donate two turkeys, the WRAT gave it right back and provided multiple jack...
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Drivers reminded to Move Over for stopped emergency and work vehicles (Trenton) – As part of National Crash Responder Safety Week, November 13 – 17, New Jersey Department of Transportation...
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WANAMASSA FIRST AID SQUAD 

Squad 37-22

Wanamassa First Aid Squad 37-22 is a licensed EMS provider staffed by full-time EMTs 24/7 serving in Monmouth County, NJ

1401 Wickapecko Drive
Ocean, New Jersey 07712
Monmouth County

Proudly Serving the Township of Ocean Since 1928

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

DIAL 911

Need Help?

If you, or someone you know, needs help to stop using substances, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use the SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to get help.

If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, don’t remain silent. Talk to someone you can trust. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

                              

Click on the links above


 



 

Safe Toys and Gifts Month – December 2023

U.S.

Timeline

Importance

Observe

It’s the holiday season, and that means toy-sharing and gift-giving are in full swing. But before you give that special child a new toy, it’s important to stop and consider: Is this toy safe and age-appropriate? Unfortunately, thousands of children are hurt or even killed each year due to an interaction with an unsafe or developmentally inappropriate toy. December is known as Safe Toys and Gifts Month in order to create a happy, healthy, and safe gift-giving experience for all involved.

 

SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH TIMELINE

2012

Minnesota took a stand

Minnesota law states that all toy manufacturers provide a report of children’s products that contain chemicals like lead, formaldehyde, and cadmium.

2010

ER visits jumped

Hospital emergency rooms treated more than a quarter of a million people due to unsafe toys (72 percent were less than 15 years old).

2008

CPSIA was passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act imposed what are arguably the toughest toy-making standards in the world.

2007

Massive toy recall Manufacturers recalled more than 19 million toys due to safety concerns like small magnets and lead paint.

1988

Lawn darts were bannedThe Consumer Product Safety Commission took action after three children died while playing with them.

 

HOW TO OBSERVE SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH

  1. Inspect toys before purchasing

    Look for sharp points, edges, and parts that can fly off. Also, check for durability should a child attempt to break, crush or pull toys apart. Furthermore, do not give toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements — and make sure crayons and markers are labeled “nontoxic.” Finally, it is important to NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button” batteries. These can cause serious injury or even death if ingested.

  2. Make sure the toy is age-appropriate

    Not every toy is meant for every child. Keep in mind the child’s age and development level (most toys offer an age range for guidance). If shopping for infants and children with special needs, look for toys that appeal to the senses (sound, light, movement, texture, etc.) And, finally, remember the rule: If the piece can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is not meant for children under 3 years of age.

  3. Spread the word

    Even the best parents can get it wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to share your knowledge about unsafe toys with fellow parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc. You can also use the hashtag #safetoy on social media.

 

3 TOY SHOPPING TIPS TO REMEMBER

  1. Toy hazards are real

    Every year, more than 40,000 accidents occur involving unsafe toys (and that’s just in the UK).

  2. The manufacturer isn’t the only one to blame

    Faulty design isn’t the sole cause of toy-related deaths and injuries. Usage and chance also play significant roles in these incidents.

  3. And the winner is…

    Every year, a TOTY (Toy of the Year) Award is presented to the top toys and games. These awards are known as the “Oscars” of the toy industry.

     

WHY SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

  1. It alerts us to choking hazards

    Choking is a major risk for children when playing with toys — specifically when they're under 3 years old. Let's thoroughly inspect the level of choking risk for each toy we give.

  2. It emphasizes child supervision

    Toy manufacturers have come a long way in making their products safe for kids to enjoy. However, the best way to manage and reduce risk is to have an attentive adult watching.

  3. We're more likely to pay attention

    Buyers will want to make sure the toys have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) label. This means that the toy has met the national safety standards.

    Courtesy of National Today @ https://nationaltoday.com/safe-toys-and-gifts-month/


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© 2023 Wanamassa First Aid Squad