Hello and welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. Our school resource officers assisted with this week's Corner. They were able to give us a number of tips to think about when choosing and purchasing presents for our children.
We all know how excited children are at this time of year. We also know that with this seasons arrival comes worry's about dangerous or defective toys. Even so, thousands of children are injured each year from toy related accidents.
So here are some safety tips to consider when making that important decision as to which toy or game to buy. Read the packaging, toy companies in most cases, place "age appropriate" labels on their toys. Select the toy that will stimulate your child at their age and skill level. Often toys that are too advanced may pose safety hazards. Always check small items. Never let your toddler have toys that they can put in their mouths and possibly choke on. Avoid toys with sharp parts or edges as these toys can cut or puncture your childs skin. Make sure projectile toys use projectiles that can't injure your child or damage property. Toys with strings or cords can present a potential strangulation hazard. It's important to maintain toys as they age. Edges can sharpen or break causing a hazard you may not know about immediately.
Lastly, if a toy triggers your instincts or common sense and you think a toy might have a problem, don't buy it. In this case, better safe than sorry.
Next, we have a large number of extra bicycle safety helmets. We have many colors but only sizes small and medium. We'd like to make these helmets available to anyone needing a helmet for their children. They are free of charge and will be given away on a first come first serve basis. If you'd like to get a helmet give Sean Mullins or any of the school resource officers a call at 352-486-5111 and make arrangements to come get your helmet.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I hate to have to give you all of these don'ts and warnings at this time of year, but criminals don't stop and we want you and yours to be safe. CRIME STOPPERS: 1-877-349-8477 | 