GOFSEA

Fellow Fire & Police Department Member: [and members of the general public]

The members of Safe Kids, Greater Dayton are concerned about the import and sale of novelty lighters that resemble toys. Today, there are lighters on the market that resemble cars, animals, and even Oreo cookies. These lighters are very attractive to children with flashing lights or sound effects. AS a group we have found no valid reason why lighters are manufactured to look like toys. It is time to take the next step to protect children from lighters that encourage curiosity, invite unintentional misuse and place them and their families at risk.

Three things you can do:

1. Post an icon on your fire department’s web site that links to this novelty lighter PSA: http://www.theideabank.com/psa/NoveltyLighters.html

2. Write a brief safety message to parents and caregivers about novelty lighters. You may use the sample letter that is provided on the above website. Give it to your community’s elementary schools for distribution.

3. Work with Safe Kids to try to ban the sale of novelty lighters. Please contact Dave Fickler or Jalynn Winland at (937) 237-3619 if you are interested in being involved with the Burn Prevention Committee to ban these novelty lighters.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Dave Fickler and Jalynn Winland
Chair-people for the Burn Prevention Committee
Safe Kids Greater Dayton