Anchor And Stabilize Your Televisions and Furniture

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a statement urging parents and caregivers to anchor and stabilize their furniture, appliances, and televisions in order to put a stop to tip-over related accidents.

In a report released by the CPSC this past December, 349 people were killed in tip over related accidents between 2000 and 2011. Eighty-four percent of the people that were killed were younger than 9 years old. 2011 had the greatest increase in fatalities at 41 for the year. The CPSC estimates that over 43,000 people are injured each year in these types of accidents. Falling televisions accounted for 62 percent of the reported fatalities.

Most fatalities occur in the bedroom. Some reports believe that as a family transitions to a flat screen TV, their older, heavier TV is moved into the bedroom without the proper stand or anchoring device. A dresser is no place for an unanchored television and is involved in many tip-over related accidents. A TV should be placed on a stand suitable for its size and weight, in addition to being securely anchored.

In an effort to prevent tip-over related tragedies, the CPSC recommends the following safety measures in homes where children live or visit:

• Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.
• Place TVs on sturdy, low bases, or anchor the furniture and the TV on top of the base, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.
• Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off of TV stands or furniture.
• Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.
• Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
• Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed.

Remember to secure and stabilize your furniture, a child is no match for a 50 to 100 pound item. Safety first, in the home and in our communities. For more safety tips and information visit my blog and the Randall Law Office Facebook page.