Health officials in two Indiana counties are reporting their first deaths from the swine flu.

Hamilton and Allen counties in Indiana have reported both had one swine flu death. Hamilton County Health Department confirmed a pregnant woman in her 20s died from the H1N1 virus. Allen County reported a middle-aged woman died in the northeastern Indiana county from the illness. At time of reporting, Indiana had recorded 10 swine-flu related deaths.

Source

Maryland health officials confirmed another swine flu death Friday, bringing the state’s tally to 13 deaths associated with the H1N1 virus.

Philadelphia declared a public health emergency yesterday, an administrative action that mainly gives hospital emergency rooms more flexibility in dealing with increasing numbers of swine flu patients, most of whom are not seriously ill. If you have mild flu symptoms – do NOT go to the emergency room!

Symptom listed below are in order first being cold – second being swine flu

Fever

• Fever is rare with a cold.
• Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.

Coughing

• A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
• A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches

• Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
• Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Stuffy Nose

• Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
• Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

Chills

• Chills are uncommon with a cold.
• 60% of people who have the flu experience chills .

Tiredness

• Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
• Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Sneezing

• Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
• Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Sudden Symptoms

• Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days .
• The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache

• A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
• A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat

• Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
• Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest Discomfort

• Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
• Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

RECOGNIZE SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS! DEFEND YOURSELF

High Risk Groups
· Children below 5 years  
· Senior persons above 65 years
· HIV infected persons
· Diabetic patients
· Pregnant Women
· Lung & Heart patients
· Obese persons
Warning signs for children
§ Troubled or abnormal breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Lessened intake of water/fluids
§ Extended sleep or lack of interaction
§ Irritable
§ Fever with rash
§ Flu-like symptoms recede, but return with fever and worsened cough
Warning signs for adults
· Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain/pressure in chest/abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
No vaccine is available for Swine Flu. Seasonal flu vaccines or past immunizations DO NOT provide protection against the H1N1 virus
Please visit a qualified physician if you suspect Swine Flu symptoms. Avoid self-treatment
* Persons infected with the H1N1 virus may be able to pass it on 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after infection

 Clothing Irons Recalled by Conair Corporation Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Conair Corporation, of Stamford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 Clothing Irons. The clothing iron can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Yamaha Motor Corp. Offers Free Repair For 450, 660, and 700 Model Rhino Vehicles; CPSC advises consumers not to use the off-road vehicles until repaired

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif., is announcing a free repair program to address safety issues with all Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model off-highway recreational vehicles. Yamaha has also agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of these models immediately until repaired. Consumers should immediately stop using these popular recreational vehicles until the repair is installed by a dealer.

Central Fireplace Recalls Fireplaces Due to Laceration Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Central Fireplace, of Greenbush, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 760 Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces. Excess gas can accumulate in the firebox if the pilot light is not lit or has gone out. When consumers relight the pilot light, the accumulated gas can ignite with force and shatter the glass fireplace doors posing a serious laceration hazard.

Outerwears Inc. Recalls Filters Used in Fuel Funnels Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Outerwears Inc., of Schoolcraft, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 500 Outerwears Funnel Pre-Filters. The Funnel Pre-Filters can create a flash when they are removed from the fuel tank posing a fire hazard.

Lenovo Recalls ThinkVision Speaker AC Adaptors Due to Shock Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lenovo (United States) Inc., of Morrisville, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 230 AC Adaptors used with ThinkVision Soundbars. The plastic shell of the AC Adaptor can crack, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers.

Cordless Stick Vacuums Recalled by Electrolux Home Care Products Due to Bursting Batteries

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Electrolux Home Care Products Inc., of Bloomington, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 320,000 Ergorapido, Pronto and Precision Vacuums. The vacuum’s battery can expand and burst, posing a risk of injury to the user and bystanders.

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Rusty North America Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Rusty North America, of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling 635 Hooded Fleece Sweatshirts. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by MM Compound Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with MM Compound LLC (also known as Metal Mulisha Clothing), of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2,200 Hooded Fleece Sweatshirts. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

Children’s Fishing Poles Recalled by Zebco Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings Inc., doing business as Zebco Brands, of Tulsa, Okla., is voluntarily recalling about 2,700 Children’s Fishing Poles. The paint on the reels of these fishing poles contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Holiday Lights Recalled by Four Star Group USA Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Safeway Stores

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Four Star Group USA Inc., of Hopkinton, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Fresh Décor 10 Count LED Star String Lights. Electrical wiring in the lights can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Dysfunctional Clothing Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dysfunctional Clothing LLC, of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 450 Hooded Fleece Sweatshirts. The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

La Jolla Sport Recalls Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with La Jolla Sport USA, of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 9,700 O’Neill Children’s Sweatshirts with Drawstrings. The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which poses a strangulation hazard.

Children’s Hooded Fleece Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Golden Grove Trading Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Golden Grove Trading Inc., of Covina, Calif. d/b/a Crystal Castle®, is voluntarily recalling about 6,100 Children’s Hooded Fleece Jackets. The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

Pacifiers Recalled by OKK Trading Due to Choking Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with OKK Trading, of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2,900 Baby Necessities pacifiers. The pacifiers are banned under federal law. They failed federal safety tests when the nipples separated from the base. This poses a choking hazard to young children.

Fisher-Price Recalls 3-in-1 High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 24,000 3-in-1 High Chairs. The seat can fall backwards from high chair frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the product. Also, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children.

Aviva Sports Recalls Trampolines Due to Fall Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Aviva Sports, Inc. of Camdenton, Mo., is voluntarily recalling about 14,000 Aviva Leaps and Bounds Folding Trampolines with Safety Pad (“L&B”) and Aviva Pirate Jump ‘N Play Trampolines (“Pirate”). The metal support legs of the trampoline can bend or break and the bungee cords that secure the mat to the frame of the trampoline can fray or break, posing a fall hazard to the user.

Desktop Computers Recalled By Acer America Corp. Due to Overheating, Burn Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Acer America Corp., of San Jose, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 215 Acer Predator Desktop Computers. The insulation on the computer’s internal wiring can become bent or stripped, causing the wires to overheat while the product is in use. This poses a burn hazard to consumers.

CPSC Warns that 9 Out of 10 Unintentional Child Poisonings Occur in the Home

Each year, unintentional poisonings from consumer products commonly found in the home kill about 30 children and prompt more than 2 million calls to the nation’s poison control centers. More than 90% of these calls involve poisonings in the home. On average, each year an estimated 80,000 children are treated in hospital emergency departments for unintentional poisonings.

Educational Craft Kits Recalled by FloraCraft Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with FloraCraft Corp., of Ludington, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 930,000 Solar System Kits and DNA Kits. The surface coating on the educational kit’s wires can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Human Touch Recalls Perfect Chair to Fix Screw Drive Due to Entanglement Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Human Touch LLC, of Long Beach, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Human Touch LLC “Perfect Chairs”. The screw on the underside of the Perfect Chair recliner can cut or entangle children or pets.

Montessori N’ Such Recalls Metal Vases, Pails and Other Containers Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Montessori N’ Such, of Sterling, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 various containers used in instructional kits. Surface paints on the products contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Gas Generators Recalled by Sycamore SCS Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sycamore SCS, of Louisville, K.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 1,500 Sycamore Pro Gas Generators. A plastic sediment cup attached to the bottom of the fuel valve can crack during shipping and handling and cause fuel leakage or spillage, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Nordstrom Recalls Girl’s Shoes Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Nordstrom, of Seattle, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 31,000 pairs of Girl’s Shoes. Surface paint on the outer sole of these shoes contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

State Farm® Recalls Good Neigh Bears® Due to Choking Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with State Farm, of Bloomington, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 800,000 (in the United States) and 27,000 (in Canada) State Farm Good Neigh Bears. The eyes on these bears can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Cannondale Recalls Road Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, of Bethel, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 1,300 2009 Six 5, Six 6, Six Carbon 5 and Six Carbon 6 Bicycles. The bicycles fail to meet the federal safety standard for bicycles. Spoke protector discs, required on bicycles to prevent the bicycle chain from interfering or suddenly stopping the wheel, are missing from these bicycles. This poses a fall hazard to the rider.

Kubota Recalls Riding Mowers Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Kubota Manufacturing of America Corp., of Gainesville, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 9,500 Kubota Zero Turn Riding Mowers. The carburetor can fail allowing fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Seattle Cotton Works Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Seattle Cotton Works, LLC, of Bellevue, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 Hooded sweatshirts. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood that can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

Tippmann® A-5® Paintball Markers Recalled for Repair Due to Risk of Injury

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Tippmann Sports LLC, of Fort Wayne, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Tippmann® A-5® Paintball Markers. The end cap assembly on the rear of certain A-5® markers can break and eject during use, posing a risk of injury to the operator.

Valero Marketing & Supply Co. Announce Recall to Inspect Propane Gas; Can Pose Fire and Burn Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Valero Marketing & Supply Co., of San Antonio, Texas, is voluntarily announcing a recall to inspect about 919,000 barrels of propane (LP) gas. An odorant is added to propane to help alert customers to a propane gas leak, but this propane might not have the recommended level of odorant. Failure to detect leaking gas can present a fire, explosion or thermal burn hazard to consumers.

Kidde Recalls to Replace Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Operate

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 167,000 Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers. The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.

Pure Fishing Recalls Children’s Fishing Games Due to Violation of Ban on Lead in Paint

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Pure Fishing Inc., of Columbia, S.C., is voluntarily recalling about 2,600 Shakespeare Casting Game and Fishing Kits. The label on the fishing rod contains a surface coating containing high levels of lead in violation of the ban on lead in paint.

On Tuesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Peanut Corporation of America issued a safety recall of Disney’s Hannah Montana Peanut Chocolate Granola Bars due to possible salmonella contamination.

The snack, contained in a box bearing the image of actress Miley Cyrus, contains nut products that are part of the wider peanut recall from earlier this year.

Here are the specifics of the recall:

Disney Hannah Montana Peanut Chocolate Granola Bar Boxes of 6 or 18 bars, 22 g each with the UPC codes 0 53847 20587 9 *, 0 53847 24451 9 *, 0 53847 20610 4 *. 1H001 through 3H365; 1J001 through 3J365; 1K001 through 3K029.

Electra Bicycle Company Recalls Bicycles with Front Trays; Trays Can Come Loose and Pose Fall Hazard to Riders

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Electra Bicycle Company LLC, of Vista, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 2009 Model Electra Bicycles with Front Trays. The front tray on the bicycle can come loose and contact the front tire, posing a fall hazard to riders.

Ice Skates Recalled by Pronto Sports Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Pronto Sports Inc., of Anoka, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 600 pairs of DBX Glide Boys Ice Skates. Surface paint on the ice skates contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Hair Dryers Recalled By Big Lots Stores, Inc. Due to Electrocution Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Big Lots Stores, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 31,000 Style Elements Hair Dryers. The hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection device to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Electric shock protection devices are required by industry standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers.

Infantino Recalls Infant Toys Due to Choking Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Infantino LLC, of San Diego, Calif., are voluntarily recalling about 172,000 (in the United States) and 12,000 (in Canada) Infant Toys. The infant toys have blue metallic fabric that can detach from the toy, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Maytag Recalls Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling about 1.6 million Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley® brand refrigerators. An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator’s compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

Replace Smoke and CO Alarm Batteries This Sunday for Daylight Saving Time

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to replace their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm batteries this Sunday as clocks are turned ahead for Daylight Saving Time.

Wall-Mounted Radiators Recalled by Rettig Belgium Due to Crush Hazard; Child’s Death Reported

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Rettig Belgium NV, of Belgium, is voluntarily recalling about 36 (in the United States, 113,000 worldwide) Radson Wall-Mounted Radiators. The radiator can come loose from the wall, and fall on people near it.

Off-Road Bike Engine Parts Recalled by Wiseco Due to Crash Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Wiseco Performance Products, of Mentor, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 420 Off-Road Dirt Bike Connecting Rods or Crankshaft Assemblies. Engine stress could cause the connecting rods to crack and the engine to lock up, posing a crash hazard.

 Ritchie Immersion Heaters Recalled By Springfield Wire Due to Shock Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Springfield Wire Inc. (SWI), of Springfield, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Ritchie Immersion Heaters. The outer cover of the immersion heater can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Holiday Lights Recalled by Universal Distribution Center Due to Shock and Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Universal Distribution Center LLC, of Edison, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 52,000 Holiday Ultra-Brite Lights. The lights have undersized wires that can easily pull out of the plugs and light sockets becoming exposed. This poses an electric shock and fire hazard to consumers.

All-Clad Recalls 4-Square Belgian Waffle Makers Due to Shock Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Williams-Sonoma

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC, of Canonsburg, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 All-Clad 4-Square Belgian Waffle Makers. Wiring inside the waffle maker can be damaged and contact the waffle maker’s metal body, posing a shock or fire hazard to consumers.

Nautilus Recalls Bowflex® Home Gyms Due to Risk of Injury

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Nautilus Inc., of Vancouver, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 78,000 Bowflex® Ultimate 2 Home Gyms (about 68,000 home gyms were recalled on December 6, 2007). The home gym’s horizontal seat rail is designed to be latched in a vertical position for storage. If the seat rail is not manually latched, it can fall unexpectedly on the user or a bystander, posing a risk of serious injury.

Children’s Flip Flops Recalled by Alpargatas Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Alpargatas USA Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 210,000 Children’s flip flops. Decorative paint on the sole of the flip flops can contain levels of lead in excess of the federal standard.

Seventh Avenue Recalls Tealight Candleholders Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Seventh Avenue, is voluntarily recalling about 430 Tealight Candleholders (imported by Berkeley Designs, of Hawthorne, Calif.). The faceted resin accents on the sides of the candleholder can ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Frontrow Recalls to Replace Rechargeable Batteries Sold with PA System Microphones Due to Burn Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Frontrow, of Petaluma, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 41,000 NIMH AA Rechargeable Batteries. The batteries can rapidly overheat, posing a burn hazard to the user.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Best Friends Yin Yang Necklaces Sets

Units: About 67,000

Importer: Claire’s Boutiques Inc., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled necklaces contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a set of two necklaces that have a silver-colored metal bead type chain and a lobster-claw clasp. One of the necklaces has a single, metal pendant with the word “Best” attached to a black, yin metal pendant. The other necklace has the word “Friends” attached to a white, yang metal pendant.

Sold at: Claire’s stores nationwide from April 2007 through August 2008 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled products away from children and return them to any Claire’s store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Claire’s at (866) 859-9281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web sites at www.claires.com

Note: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by the Illinois Attorney General.

Tags: claires boutique, lead recall, necklace recall, safety recall

Found in various rooms of the home, large furniture such as TVs, chests, armoires, and appliances are staples in our homes. But these items can tip over and crush children, causing injury or death. Last year, CPSC identified this issue as one of the “top five hidden home hazards.” A new data report (pdf) from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff shows at least 180 tip-over related deaths between 2000 and 2006, 80 percent involving children younger than 10. The report also indicates that between 2005 and 2006 there were at least 40 reports of television or television and furniture related tip-over deaths.

These deaths and injuries frequently occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and stove oven doors. Televisions placed on top of furniture can tip over and cause a child to suffer traumatic and sometimes fatal injuries.

“Tip-over related deaths continue to be a problem. These tragedies can be prevented by taking precautions,” said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.

To help prevent tip-over hazards, CPSC recommends the following safety tips below:

• Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor all entertainment units, TV stands, bookcases, shelving and bureaus to the wall or floor using appropriate hardware, such as brackets, screws, or toggles.
• Place televisions on sturdy furniture appropriate for the size of the TV or on a low-rise base.
• Push the TV as far back as possible from the front of its stand.
• Place electrical cords out of a child’s reach, and teach children not to play with the cords.
• Remove items from the top of the TV and furniture that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls.

Water anywhere can be a potential drowning hazard. While pools are an obvious risk, parents should not let their guard down around other hazards such as bathtubs and buckets. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning parents that children need to be supervised around these common but sometimes hidden drowning dangers.

After pools, more children drown in bathtubs than in any other product in and around the home. From 2002 through 2004, CPSC has reports (pdf) of 221 children younger than 5 who drowned in bathing-related incidents. Most of these children were younger than 2 years old. Often these incidents involve caregivers leaving the room momentarily to answer the phone/door or to retrieve an item like a towel. In other incidents, an older sibling was left to watch a younger sibling.

Reported drowning incidents received by CPSC confirms another drowning hazard – buckets. CPSC has reports of 94 bucket-related drowning or submersion fatalities from 1999 through 2006. All but one of these deaths were to children less than 2 years old.

“A child can drown very quickly in only inches of water,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Bathtubs, buckets, and other containers in and around the home pose drowning hazards all year long.”

CPSC recommends parents and caregivers follow these safety tips when children are around bathtubs, buckets, spas, or decorative ponds or fountains:

• Never leave young children alone even for a moment near any water. Young children can drown in even small amounts of water.
• Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take the child with you. Never leave to answer the phone, answer the door, get a towel or for any other reason.
• Don’t leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.
• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers can fall headfirst into buckets and drown. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Don’t leave buckets outside where they can collect rainwater.
• Prevent children from gaining access to spas or hot tubs when not in use; always secure with safety covers and barriers.
• Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when there are only seconds to act.