Charging Dead Batteries

PROTECT YOUR VISION BY CHARGING DEAD BATTERIES PROPERLY

Each year nearly 16 million cars will not start due to dead batteries. Approximately 6,000 people are injured when trying to jump-start these dead batteries. Because most of these unfortunate mishaps seldom occur at a convenient time or location, motorists should be knowledgeable about the basic jump-starting procedures before the battery dies.

All vehicle batteries contain sulfuric acid. They also produce highly explosive gases--hydrogen and oxygen. Jump-starting the car the wrong way could cause the battery to explode, sending battery acid and debris flying. Save yourself from any harm and prepare yourself for battery failure.

Car owners should keep a jump-start emergency kit in their car. The kit should contain safety goggles (because everyday glasses will not protect eyes if a battery explodes), color-coded jumper cables in good condition, a flashlight, and complete instructions for jump-starting. When attempting to jump-start a dead battery, motorists should also remember the following tips:

Make sure the car with the dead battery does not touch the car providing the battery charge.

Turn off the ignition from both vehicles.

Make sure the emergency brakes are set.

Turn off all accessories in the car with the dead battery.

Set both vehicles in neutral or park.

Check to make sure battery vent caps are tight and level.

The Kentucky Optometric Foundation reminds drivers to never jump-start their vehicles if they are not sure of the proper procedures.

Toy Safety

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT

Every year thousands of people are treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related eye injuries, and many more go unreported.

This year we want to make sure that the gifts you give your children will only bring them happiness, not injury. When you are shopping for children's toys, you might want to keep a few guidelines in mind.

First, make sure the manufacturer's age range for the toy designed matches the age of your child or the development of your child. Decide whether the toy is appropriate to the child's level of maturity as well as age. Also, frequent accidents can occur when children play with toys that are not meant for them. Be sure to consider the A potential danger to others when selecting a toy.

Secondly, toys that contain sugar-based compounds can be dangerous to the eyes. Those compounds that warn not to come into contact with wood or carpet could cause serious burns to the cornea, which is the front surface of the eye. Also, toys that contain liquid-like or sticky compounds could cause an eye infection if the childs fingers touch the eyes after handling these toys.

Thirdly, if the toy fires any kind of object, or if the toy is launchable itself, depending on the material and the speed, eye injury could occur. Examine the toy for parts that could fly off. Toys that use concentrated power or pressure to transfer another object are the most likely toys to become a problem. Objects launched by a rubber band, slingshot, or spring could penetrate the eye, and possibly even rupture the eye. Also check toys for sharp, pointed edges that could be a threat to your child's vision.

Toys are teaching tools which stimulate a child's social, intellectual, physical, and creative development. For this reason, you must keep your child in mind as you shop for new toys.

Remember, NO toy is completely safe, so the key to preventing these eye injuries or any other toy-related injury is adult supervision.