Thursday, October 13, 2011

TV and Furniture Tip-Over-Related Deaths and Injuries

"The most common tip-over scenarios involve toddlers who have climbed onto, fallen against or pulled themselves up on furniture. About 70 percent of children's fatalities (169 incidents) involved falling televisions, and 27 percent (65 incidents) involved only furniture falling. Of the 135 child fatalities where furniture fell by itself or fell with a TV, the majority of incidents (64%) involved a chest, dresser, or a bureau. Often, these pieces of furniture have drawers that children can use to climb.

To prevent tragedies follow these safety tips in any home 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 it, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.
Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off 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..."

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