Quincy Reporter

State Sen. Jil Tracy (Quincy) is offering holiday safety tips and is urging parents to read the Illinois Attorney General's 2021 Safe Shopping Guide before buying presents.

The guide includes descriptions of more than four dozen toys, clothing items, baby and children's gear, and miscellaneous items that have been recalled at various times throughout 2020 and 2021. The product descriptions also include actions that owners of these items can take.

"This year, the Safe Shopping Guide highlights more than 50 recalls issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission," according to Tracy's week in review. "Descriptions of the children’s products are accompanied by photographs to make hazardous products easier to identify. Descriptions also include actions families can take if they already have any of these products in their homes."

Individuals who have recalled items from this guide in their home can call the Attorney General’s Product Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678 (TTY: 1-800-964-3013).

The week in review also reminded Illinoisans that as they celebrate the holiday spirit by decorating their homes, the Illinois State Fire Marshal has some safety tips to keep in mind.

Water levels for Christmas trees should be checked daily. A Christmas tree can absorb two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand. The tree should also be kept away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.

Holiday decorations should be either flame-retardant or flame-resistant.

Candles should be kept at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire. Children and pets should be kept away from lit candles.

Holiday lights should be checked to see if they are rated for indoor or outdoor use, or both. Any light strands that have become worn or have broken cords should be replaced. Users should also read the recommendation for the number of light strings that can be strung together.