December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about choosing safe and age-appropriate toys to prevent accidents and injuries.
Safe Gift-Giving Guidelines
Follow these tips to prioritize safety when selecting toys:
- Check Age Recommendations: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended age range on toy packaging. Toys intended for older children may have small parts or other features that pose risks to younger ones.
- Inspect for Hazards: Avoid toys with sharp edges, small detachable parts, and strings longer than 7 inches, too. These strings could pose strangulation risks.
- Choose Non-Toxic Materials: First verify that the toy is made from non-toxic, lead-free materials. This is especially important for younger children who are likely to put objects in their mouths.
- Look for Quality Certifications: Check for labels like “ASTM” or “CE” that indicate compliance with safety standards.
Despite best efforts, accidents can still happen. This is where liability insurance becomes crucial. If a child is injured by a defective toy or due to negligence, liability insurance can cover medical expenses, legal fees, and other costs associated with the incident, as well.
The Role of Liability Insurance in Toy-Related Accidents
For Manufacturers and Retailers:
- Product liability insurance protects businesses from claims related to defective or unsafe products. This coverage ensures financial stability and while safeguarding their reputation in the event of a lawsuit.
For Parents and Gift Givers:
- Personal liability coverage is often included in homeowners or renters insurance policies. It can offer protection if you’re ever held liable for an injury involving a toy you gifted.
In short, be sure to follow these safe toy-giving guidelines. We want to ensure that the holidays remain a time of joy, not accidents.
At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we always go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most to you. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.