There are few things cuter than a baby learning to stand, an unsteady toddler trying to climb, or a fearless preschooler who still doesn’t quite understand balance. And while young children are learning to perfect their stride, we want to take extra steps to ensure their safety. Protecting kids from the potential risk of tip-overs by making sure furniture and TVs are secured is an important way to help keep them safe.
Why it Matters
Between 2000 and 2010, on average, every three weeks a child dies from a TV tipping over. And nearly 13,000 more children are injured each year in the U.S. Top-heavy furniture, TVs and appliances can be unsteady, and if pulled or climbed on, they can tip over and seriously injure young children. Over the last ten years, injuries from TV tip-overs have risen by 31 percent. Young children are at greatest risk and seven out of ten children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. These tragedies are completely preventable with just a few simple precautions.
Much like childproofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are important steps to keep your family safe. Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.
Top safety tips to help prevent tip-over hazards
Check TVs
Assess the stability of the TVs in your home.
Secure TVs
Mount flat screen TVs to the wall to reduce the risk of TVs toppling off stands. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you protect your wall and have a secure fit.
If you have a large, heavy, old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TV place it on a low, stable piece of furniture.
Secure Furniture
Use brackets, braces or wall straps to secure unstable or top-heavy furniture to the wall.
Install stops on dresser drawers to prevent them from being pulled all the way out. Multiple open drawers can cause the weight to shift, making it easier for a dresser to fall.
Rearrange Household Items
Keep heavier items on lower shelves or in lower drawers.
Avoid placing remote controls, food, toys or other items in places where kids might be tempted to climb up or reach for them.
Learn More About TV and Funiture Tip-Overs
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