Montgomery County Launches Unsafe Toy Sweep To Ensure Safe Holiday For Children

db:toyswp.pr 96-425 Contact: Sue Rogan, (301) 217-7391
or Donna Bigler, (301) 217-6537

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LAUNCHES
UNSAFE TOY SWEEP TO ENSURE
SAFE HOLIDAY FOR CHILDREN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 1996

Standing in the midst of a Rockville toy store's holiday offerings, County Executive
Douglas M. Duncan today launched Montgomery County's second annual unsafe toy sweep.
Conducted by the County's Division of Consumer Affairs, the effort ensures that toys recalled
by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are not being sold in local stores this
season. Duncan was joined in his announcement by U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission Chairman Ann Brown.
"In Montgomery County, we want to give consumers one less thing to worry about
during the holidays," said Duncan. "We want them to have confidence that the toys they buy
are not currently on a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission list of unsafe and recalled
products. We will aggressively be checking the shelves of local stores to make sure all
recalls have been removed."
"The holiday season is a time when many of us buy toys for those special children in
our lives," said Brown. "The Consumer Product Safety Commission's job is making sure
those toys are as safe as possible."
(more)

COUNTY LAUNCHES UNSAFE TOY SWEEP 2-2-2-2

Brown offers these tips to consumers concerning holiday toy safety:

Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations
and use that information as a guide.

Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose, and other
potential small parts.

Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when
appropriate, to the child.

Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly
playthings. By using common sense and these safety suggestions, holiday
shoppers can make informed decisions when purchasing toys for children.

For more information about Montgomery County's Unsafe Toy Sweep or toy safety,
contact the Division of Consumer Affairs at (301) 217-7373. The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission hotline number is 1-800-638--2772 for information and to report
dangerous products or product-related injuries.
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