Furniture and TV tip-over incidents are a top hidden hazard in the home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to inspect and anchor any furniture and televisions that may not already be so, to protect young children.
A new report (pdf) shows that between 2000 and 2010, the agency received 245 reports of tip-over-related deaths which involved children 8 and younger. And, in more than half of the fatalities, the child was crushed by the weight of the furniture, appliance or TV.
The most common tip-over incidents involve toddlers that have climbed onto, fallen against or pulled them up on furniture, according to CPSC. Additionally, some 22,000 kids eight and under are treated in the ER (2008-2010) for injuries relating to tip-over TVs, furniture and appliances.
Safety tips to prevent tip-over hazards:
TVs should be placed on sturdy surfaces and pushed back as far as possible.
For added security of chests and bookcases, anchor the items to the floor or attach to the wall.
Remote controls should be kept away from the TV to avoid children climbing to reach for them.
Anti-tip brackets should be installed on free-standing stoves and ranges.
Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed.
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