Kids Safe At Home: TV and Furniture Safety Tips

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Blank children's hospital logoWe’re honored to share this important information today thanks to Blank Children’s Hospital.

It is easy to keep our kiddos safe right? We don’t let our kids ride in a car without a car seat or seat belt. We don’t let them ride a bike without a helmet. We keep little hands away from the stove and hot pans out of reach. Our children’s safety is of utmost importance to us as parents and those obvious things are easy to identify.

But take a moment to think about all the ‘little things’ that could potentially bring harm to our kiddos. Those outlets that are wide open and accessible. The curling iron resting on the bathroom counter. The tv that sits on our hip new entertainment armoire.

The Facts

A new research report entitled “ A Report to The Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs” was released by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS that revealed from 2000 to 2010, on average, every three weeks, a child dies from a television tipping over.

Young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. According to the research, 7 out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. This age group also accounts for 9 out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization, including head injuries, which are among the most severe.

Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child visits the ER because of a TV tipping over.”

Is your TV secure?

TV TipoverMany TV tip-overs are a result of unsteady TVs that are not secured to the wall. Flat screen TVs that are top-heavy with narrow bases can be easily pulled off an entertainment center or table. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, food, a video game or anything else that attracts their attention.

With TV sets reaching heavier weights, the possible consequences of a tip-over could be serious, if not fatal. The report also revealed that three out of four parents don’t secure their TV to the wall. Most families are unaware that securing a TV is an important safety measure. Others decide not to mount their TVs because of concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.

Minimize risk in your home:

  • Check Your TV. Assess the stability of the TVs in your home.  Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.
  • Secure Your TV. Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts, TV Safety Straps and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.
  • Take Action. Consider mounting your TV to the wall by purchasing a TV wall mount or purchase a TV Safety Strap to secure your TV to its stand and the wall. Stop by the Safety Store at Blank Children’s Hospital to purchase a TV Safety Strap ($10).
  • Secure Furniture. Use brackets, braces or wall straps to secure unstable or top-heavy furniture to the wall. Install stops on dresser drawers to prevent them from being pulled all the way out. (Multiple open drawers can cause the weight to shift, making it easier for a dresser to fall.)
  • Rearrange Household Items. Keep heavier items on lower shelves or in lower drawers. Avoid placing remote controls, food, toys or other items in places where kids might be tempted to climb up or reach for them.

Learn more & help keep kids safe

More TV and FURNITURE SAFETY TIPS

Click here to explore safekids.org

Talk with your friends and family about home safety and share this infographic with others.

TV TIPOVER SAFETY INFOGRAPHIC

Connect with Blank Children’s Hospital

Blank Children’s Hospital is located in Des Moines at 1200 Pleasant Street. Learn more about the expert care team and all the services Blank Children’s Hospital offers our community here. Follow them on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Des Moines Moms Blog is honored to have Blank Children’s Hospital as a featured sponsor and we appreciate all they do for our community families.

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