It’s Super Bowl Week! Lots of American buy TVs to watch the big game. Sometimes the old television ends up in a bedroom. There is one step in these purchases and moves that many families miss – anchoring the television. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11,300 are treated in a hospital emergency room each year due to TV, furniture and appliance tip-overs. Some children don’t survive these tip-over incidents and 77% of fatalities involved children under 6 years old. Of these fatalities, 75% involve a TV alone or furniture and TV together. A TV falling from a dresser can deliver several hundred pounds of force.
Protecting children from these types of injuries is critical. Following these tips can help keep your family safe from tip-over injuries.
-Secure TVs. Mount flat-panel TVs to the wall, if possible. Place older TVs on low, stable, furniture.
-Attach furniture to the wall. Use anti-tip braces or straps. Visit https://www.anchorit.gov/ for videos and more information on how to properly anchor furniture.
-Avoid placing toys, remote controls and other items on the tops of dressers or shelves so kids aren’t tempted to climb up or reach for them.
Worried about putting holes in your walls. Don’t let it keep you from installing anchors. It only takes a few minutes to take care of the holes.
Whether you're rooting for the 49ers or the Chiefs, you know your family will win if you take the time to anchor TVs and furniture in your home.