Safe Toy Chests
Since 1973,at least 33 fatalities and two incidents of permanent
brain damage have resulted from the lids of chests used to store
toys falling on children’s heads or necks.These have included
chests specifically manufactured for toy storage,trunks,wicker
chests,wooden storage chests,and similar items. Most of the victims
in these accidents were under two years of age.Accidents occurred
when children used the chest to pull themselves up—causing
the lid to fall from the upright,open position—or when they
attempted to open the lids themselves.Children were reaching over
and into the chest when the lid dropped and either fell on their
heads or trapped them at the neck between the lid and the edge
of the toy chest.
Another potentially fatal,but less frequent hazard is suffocation,which has resulted in the deaths of several children.These accidents happened when children climbed into toy chests to hide or sleep.Because the toy chests were not adequately ventilated,the victims suffocated in the enclosed space. If you already own a toy chest or trunk with a freely falling lid, REMOVE THE LID.
If You are Buying a New Toy Chest
*Avoid chests with hinged lids. *Look for a toy chest with ventilation
holes that will not be blocked if the chest is placed against
the wall.
*Make certain that the lid of the toy chest does not have a latch.