Citywide garage sales this weekend; safety tips offered for buyers

RED OAK — Starting Saturday with the annual Citywide Garage Sale, the garage sale season is officially underway in Montgomery County.

There are 39 garage sales advertised this year in the Red Oak Express (see p. 4b) for Saturday’s citywide sale, and the Iowa Department of Public Health is offering tips to help protect the bargain-hunting buyer.

Buyers and sellers alike should be aware of potential safety issues with children’s toys and cribs.

Sellers are encouraged to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website (www.safeproducts.gov) to make sure the items they are selling have not been recalled due to safety issues. For example, some cribs with drop sides have been recalled because they can trap and injure children.

Another concern is the sale of furniture and mattresses, in relation to bed bugs.

 “Bed bugs have been making national headlines for months,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Mattresses and sleeper sofas (that have been slept on) are two of the main places these bugs hide out. If buying used beds or mattresses, check them carefully for signs of bed bugs.”

Because of their small, flat bodies, bed bugs can hide in the cracs and crevices of mattresses, bedding furniture and draperies, and are difficult to spot without careful inspection.

Small bloodstains from crushed bed bugs or dark brown spots from their excrement may be evident on mattresses. Because young bed bugs shed their skin several times, the “empty shells” may also be seen.

While bed bugs do not transmit disease, their bites cause large, itchy welts. Although infestations can be treated by pest control companies, it’s best to avoid selling or buying mattresses with signs of bed bugs

Finally, some garage sales also feature food sales. Keep food safety in mind when buying or selling products. In general, remember to keep cold food cold and hot food hot to avoid foodborne illnesses. For more food safety tips, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/food_safety.asp.