Balloon hazard

[Nettie Belle]

I am wondering if any of you post a sign on your balloon container stating the choking hazards of balloons. Like a disclaimer, excluding yourself from any tragedies.

Personally, balloons really scare me, but so many people want them. I was thinking of posting a sign ... not a big one that would take the fun away from balloons ... just a small one that states the choking hazard and also the danger of giving a balloon to a child under 3 years of age.

I got a Mac Light balloon pump for Christmas so I guess I will be expected to do more balloons. Dogs anyone?

[Fitzwilly]

Nettie, You will be able to do more than just dogs. just click the heals of those shiny red shoes together three times.....

[Bumbles]

When we do balloons if the child is under 3 we give them a sticker if the parents still insist we give the balloon to the parents and explain to them the to watch their child so they don't put it in their mouths.

[Jolly Well]

I won't give a balloon to a kid under 3. I explain to the parents why, and if they insist - I give the parents a balloon and let them know they can do with it what they want. I warn them of all the dangers and ask that they take care with the balloon and child (eating, bouncing, etc)..

I've seen parents later in the day at festivals letting their kids put balloons in their mouths and have stopped what I'm doing to stiltwalk over to them to give them another warning. Thus far, the second warning has been sufficient to where I've not had to take a balloon away from someone...

I have a sign stating the hazards of balloons at my station. When roving or just dropping balloons off at random; I attach a card to the balloon... adding card image below

[Fitzwilly]

i really like your card design Jolly. You are a wealth of information. I look forward to reading your contributions.

[Nettie Belle]

That is a good idea with the card. You all are always so helpful.

Uh ... one problem, Fitzwilly ... I don't have any red shoes. No wonder I'm stuck on dogs. Why didn't anyone else tell me RED SHOES????

Anyway, thank you for that information. I appreciate it.

[Fitzwilly]

Well you're not in Kansas anymore Nettie.

[YourBalloonMan]

I know it is not something any of us ever want to hear, but I just heard that a child choked on a balloon in a Denny last month. (I'm still looking for an article and haven't found one yet.)

Whether this particular instance is true or not, the point remains the same. Accidents do happen. So, let's do our best to prevent educate the public on the dangers of our balloons.

There are MANY, MANY options for children that are not 3 yet. I've heard on this thread the mention of stickers, business cards, handing it to parents, just saying no... Are there any other ideas you may have as far as this subject goes?

Thanks.
I'll add in a few more ideas of my own after I've seen some of what you've posted.
Thanks!

[Fitzwilly]

Don't eat at Denny's! I'll bet that is what the kid chocked on. Have you tried their food? Hansel and Gretel would not have gotten lost if they would have left Denny's food for the trail instead of bread crumbs.

On a more serious note TMyers sells little plastic toys that some hand out to the children instead of balloons.

[Nettie Belle]

lmho ... Yeah, I think you're onto something, there, Fitzwilly ... it's not the balloons ... it's the food!!