[Speaker: Selina Patten]

Hi, my name is Selina. I'm a mother of four children, three boys and one girl. I'm also a full-time day care provider in my home.

On February 23rd around 5pm, as I was taking my children out to meet the parents, I turned around and my little girl was standing there with a plastic toy nail in her mouth. I noticed that she was turning blue, went to her immediately and realized the toy was not coming out of her mouth easiily.

I then put my hand on her forehead and the other hand on her lower jaw to lower it down, and forcefully had to remove this toy nail from her mouth. She suffered some superficial wounds to the roof of her mouth, but I'm glad to say that all is good and she's back to her little self.

On Monday, I contacted the toy company to let them know what had happened. They then proceeded to ask me if I had known about the recall on this particular item. My answer to them was no. I was appalled. I was the parent, I was the day care provider. Why were these people asking me a question like this?

I am the one who goes on the Web sites, looks for the recalls, and checks the stores, looks for the recalls. I did not know about the recall on this item. I suffered a great amount of pain that day. I almost lost one of my children.

I did some research on the computer and found out there was a Web site that I could register on to receive immediate press releases or recalls on any item in my home, including toys. It only took me a second to register. I literally put in my e-mail address. That was it. I have since received e-mails on particular toys that have been recalled.

I'm asking you parents to please take the time, look around your house, check for items that are possibly not safe for your children. Make sure these items are not on a recall list. Go to your local retailers, make sure there are no new postings on recalls on toys. But most of all, register with CPSC. Get that e-mail that may save your child's life. Thank you.

End.