According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 43,000 consumers are injured every year as a result of tip-over incidents. Between 2000 and 2011, 349 consumers were killed after televisions, appliances or furniture fell on top of them.
The NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection recommends that all consumers take the preventive step of securing large furniture to the walls of their homes to help reduce the risk of tipping over.
Use these guidelines to keep your children safe at home:
- Make sure all heavy furniture is secured- All dressers, bookshelves, televisions, appliances and other furniture that can potentially tip over should be secured to the wall.
- Inspect before you buy: Ask salespersons about the tip-over dangers and prevention methods before you purchase. Ask if mounting straps or wall brackets are available before buying a large piece of furniture or appliance.
- Read the manual: Check manufacturer’s instructions to ensure appliances are secured correctly.
- Recycle any unused CRT televisions: These older television models pose a greater tipping hazard due to their size and weight.
- Secure flat screen televisions: Avoid any chance of tipping over by mounting all flat screen televisions to the wall or furniture.
- Use a television stand: Only place televisions on furniture designed to support televisions, such as an entertainment system or media center. Televisions should be kept on low, on sturdy bases pushed as far back as possible and secured with brackets or braces.
- Store heavier objects in lower drawers: Balance the weight by saving the top drawers for lighter objects.
- Secure top-heavy furniture: Use anti-tip brackets or braces to secure furniture to the wall.
- Avoid climbing temptations: Do not place tempting items, such as toys or remote controls, on top of television or furniture where a child might try to reach it. Keep all electric wires away from where a child could pull on them.
- Check recall lists: Stay updated on which household items have been recalled due to tip-over risks here.
For more information on how to keep your home safe from tip-over dangers, check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Anchor It Campaign at http://www.anchorit.gov/