CPSC Urges Parents to Inspect and Secure Furniture, TVs and Appliances

Hidden dangers lurk in most all homes – unsecure and unstable appliances, televisions and furniture – posing injury hazards to young children.

In an effort to increase awareness, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to inspect and secure these items to prevent tragedies.

Nearly 200 tipover related deaths were reported between 2000 and 2008, according to the CPSC and involved children eight and younger.

Moreover, 16,000 children younger than five were treated in the ER due to injuries associated with furniture, TVs and appliance tipovers since the agency’s most recent estimates from 2006.

Most tip-over accidents occur when a child falls or climbs against a TV stand, bookcase, appliance and other items in the home. Children can be crushed, pinned or severely injured or killed by the weight of a falling television or piece of furniture.

Safety tips to prevent tip-over hazards:

Avoid flimsy shelves. TVs should be placed on sturdy surfaces and pushed backas far as possible.

For added security of chests and bookcases, anchor the items to the floor or attach them 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.