Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
AHFA Announces New Safety Mascot for Children
October 8,
2026 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
Young Chester is curious, active and, at times, ornery – just like the children ages 2 to 6 he is designed to attract, says AHFA Vice President of Communications Patricia Bowling. “While encouraging active play and exploration, Chester will remind children and the adults who care for them about simple steps they can take to help avoid accidental injuries at home.”
In the first series of public service announcements, Chester spotlights normal activities kids love, like climbing and jumping, that can become hazardous when exercised in the wrong environment.
“Chester doesn’t advise parents to stop kids from climbing or jumping,” Bowling notes. “On the contrary, the tone of these first messages is designed to encourage play and exploration. But Chester alerts parents to the hazards that emerge when children use furniture as playground equipment.”
Future tools for conveying home safety messages to children will include downloadable coloring pages and puzzles, making it easy for furniture stores, libraries, schools, daycares and community centers to sponsor home safety events during Furniture Safety Week.
Other Safety Mascots
Chester joins a small group of other public safety mascots designed to teach children vital safety, health and environmental lessons. Smokey Bear is one of America’s oldest and most iconic safety figures. He was created in 1944 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council to educate the public about the prevention of forest fires. In addition to “Only you can prevent wildfires,” Smokey Bear is known for teaching children not to play with matches and lighters.
McGruff the Crime Dog is a wise detective created by the Ad Council and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) in 1979. He is known for his famous slogan, “Take a bite out of crime.” His messages for children focus on making safe choices, staying away from drugs and asking a trusted adult for help. Fun fact: NCPC estimates there are 4,000 McGruff costumes in active use today.
Finally, Sparky the Fire Dog turned 75 this year. As the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association, he is a widely recognized fire safety icon who is most known for teaching children to “Stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch fire.