KING COUNTY, WA - Today, Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County encouraged holiday shoppers to think safety when purchasing gifts, and suggested some safety-related gifts to give this holiday season.

"As you shop for your loved ones this holiday season, keep safety in mind," said Plough. "There are some simple gifts you can give that will ensure safety for your family and friends."

"Keeping your friends, family and loved ones safe from harm is one of the greatest gifts you can give," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Please take care in ensuring that the gifts you buy for them include the proper safety equipment."

Following are some recommended gifts that promote safety:

Bicycle safety

Buy a helmet - If your holiday shopping includes a bicycle, be sure and include a helmet as part of the gift.

"The evidence is perfectly clear: bike helmets reduce head injury," said Plough.

"It has been shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by more than 85%."

"With the lightweight, 'cool' designs out these days, there is no excuse for adults, adolescents, and children alike not to wear them every time," added Plough.

Over 39,000 bicyclists are killed or injured in the United States every year. Last year in Washington State, 11 people were killed in bicycle crashes. Children in the 5-14 age group comprise forty percent of bicycle related deaths.

Scooter safety

"If a scooter is on one of your family members gift lists, don't forget to include proper safety equipment, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads," recommended Plough. "The last thing you want is to be spending the holidays at a busy emergency room."

These speedy, lightweight scooters may be the hottest gift for young children this holiday season, but there is potential for serious injury when children ride these scooters without the proper protective gear.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported in September of this year that emergency room-treated injuries related to popular lightweight scooters have increased 700 percent since May.

Through the year 2000, there have been more than 9,400 emergency room-treated injuries reported for 2000. Nearly 90 percent of the injuries are to children under 15 years of age.

Water safety

Buy a Life Jacket - In the winter, water safety may not be at the front of everyone's minds, but if you plan to give your loved ones a jet ski, water ski, rubber raft, or any water-related toy for the holidays, be sure to include a life jacket.

"Make sure your children wear a life jacket whenever they are around water," recommended Plough. "Eighty-five percent of all boating related deaths are preventable through the use of life vests."

Give Swimming Lessons - "A great holiday gift that saves on wrapping paper and time is the gift of swim lessons for children at the local pool," said Tony Gomez, head of Injury Prevention for Public Health and Chair of the Seattle-King County Drowning Prevention Coalition. "This is a fun gift that teaches water safety at an early age, and it provides a lifelong exercise option as well."

Washington State has the eighth highest drowning rate in the United States, between 400-500 near drownings occur each year in our state. Some years, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four. In 1999, in King County there were 23 drowning deaths, eight of these deaths were children less than 18 years old.

"The good news is that drowning deaths statewide have decreased for both children and adults statewide" said Gomez. "Increasing use of lifejackets is part of the reason for this change."

Gun safety

"If you plan to give a firearm to someone this holiday season, be sure to include a safe storage device such as a cable lock, trigger lock, or lock box," said Plough.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of unsafe firearm use: between 1990-1995 in King County, 63 children were killed and 69 were injured in shootings that resulted from unintentional shootings, suicides and attempted suicides.

"Many of these deaths and injuries may have been prevented if the firearm had been safely stored in the home," said Plough.

There will be a display and demonstration of safe storage devices and how they work at the Puyallup fairgrounds this Saturday, December 9th. Alternatively, starting Monday, December 11th the display will be at the Sammamish Police Station, located at 482 228th Ave NE in Sammamish.

To receive a discount coupon for a safe storage device, or for more information on these devices call 1-877-LOKITUP (1-877-565-4887).