How to Prevent Dangerous TV Tip-Overs

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Photo courtesy of Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov
Child injuries from unsecured televisions are on the rise. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average every two weeks, a child in the U.S. is killed by injuries sustained from a falling TV or other large piece of furniture.

A new study co-authored by Dr. Michael Cusimano, a neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto and a professor of neurology, reports 19,200 children were injured by falling TVs between the years 2008 -2010 compared to 16,500 in 2006-2008. "TVs are often placed on unstable bases, placed on high furniture like dressers, which aren't designed for TVs, or not properly secured to the wall," explains Cusimano. "Meanwhile, parents are getting busier and busier and don't have as much time to supervise children, so it's not surprising that these injuries are getting reported more often."

Toddlers at Highest Risk For Severe Head Injuries

The study also revealed children under the age of three are at the highest risk for severe head injuries caused by TV tip-overs. These injuries commonly occur at home when unsupervised toddlers climb onto furniture or unstable TV stands. Three-quarters of these reported injuries happened out of sight of an adult caregiver.

In reaction to the significant increase in these preventable injuries, the CPSC recently launched “Anchor It,” a national safety campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of television and furniture tip-overs.

Tips to Prevent TV Tip-Overs

The CPSC recommends these tips for protecting children from injuries caused by TV tip-overs and unsecured furniture:

  • Install anchoring devices to prevent TVs, dressers, bookcases or other furniture from tipping.
  • Avoid placing desirable items like toys and remote controls in hard-to-reach places where children may climb up to reach them.
  • Store heavier items on lower shelves or in lower drawers.
  • Place TVs on a sturdy, low base and push them as far back as possible.
  • When buying a new TV, consider recycling older ones. If moving an older TV to another room, ensure it is anchored properly to the wall. 

Source – www.csps.gov

The Best TV Anchors

While heavier, bulkier old TVs may seem to pose the most danger of tipping, new flat screen televisions are just as likely to topple over. An unsecured wide screen TV with a small base is top-heavy and susceptible to falls. TV anchoring devices can save lives and prevent heartbreaking tragedies.

Touchstone TV lifts and TV lift cabinets safely secure flat screen TVs and can offer extra peace of mind to parents and caregivers of toddlers. The television firmly fastens to the solid steel lift mechanism. As an added climbing deterrent for a curious young child, the motorized TV lift lowers the TV into the cabinet when it’s not in use.

To keep children safe, caregivers should always follow manufacturers’ instructions for mounting and securing televisions and heavy furniture.

Learn More

To learn more about Touchstone TV lifts and TV lift cabinets, visit www.touchstonehomeproducts.com

To learn more about the dangers of toppling TV sets, watch this clip from NBC’s The Today Show:

http://www.today.com/health/toppling-tv-sets-are-injuring-more-kids-study-finds-t46736