CPSC Unveils 'You'd Better Watch Out"" Ad Campaign For Holidays

You'd better watch out. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is sounding this familiar holiday warning this year, but the message has nothing to do with being naughty or nice.

Instead, it has to do with electrical and fire hazards, broken ornaments, dangerous toys, flimsy tree stands and unscreened fireplaces -- hazards that could cause serious injury or death.

"This may be the most important message consumers receive this holiday season," Commission Chairman S. John Byington said today in Atlanta at a news conference announcing the campaign. "It takes only a few moments to check for such hazards as frayed wiring on holiday lighting or sharp edges on toys, but it could mean the difference between a joyous or tragic holiday."

Byington said the campaign was conceived and developed by McDonald and Little, an Atlanta advertising agency. It will run in magazines and on radio and television across the country beginning in early November. Byington said these are among the most common holiday hazards you'd better watch out for:

Make sure none of the wiring or the decorative lighting is frayed or exposed. Test the lights and replace any burned out bulbs before putting them in some hard-to-reach spot on your tree. Always turn lights off before you leave the house or go to bed.

Burning candles can be a serious fire hazard when placed near flammable materials such as wrapping paper or decorative greenery.

If you have glass ornaments, make sure they're not cracked or broken. And if you have children or pets, put breakable decorations well out of their reach.

Make sure your tree stand is sturdy and big enough to handle your tree. If you have a real tree, make sure your stand is always full of water -- a dry tree is an extreme fire hazard.

Make sure the toys you buy aren't too complicated for your child. Don't buy toys with sharp points and edges. Don't buy poorly made electrical toys; they can shock or burn.

Always use a fireplace screen, and be careful if you're burning artificial logs -- they can overheat and cause fire damage. And don't burn your discarded holiday wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Byington said the consumer may obtain more information on these and other holiday season hazards by writing to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207, or by calling the Commission's toll-free hotline, 800/638-2772.