When it comes to your child's safety, nothing should be overlooked. Simple, everyday items can present hazards in unexpected ways.
Accidents as a result from a furniture or electronics tip-over are quite dangerous. Once your child is able to move around independently exploring can sometimes become unsafe. Televisions, bookcases, and dressers are especially hazardous.
Tip-Over Facts
Each year there are an estimated 14,700 children under the age of 18 that require emergency room visits due to furniture tip-overs. Children under the age of 10 are more apt to have an injury from television tip-overs.
Bookshelves, cabinets or desks cause the most injuries for children between the ages of 10 and 17. Typically the injuries are isolated to the lower body, but head trauma is also a threat.
At Risk
Those under the age of 7 have the most injuries. Young children love to explore and aren't always aware of what could potentially be dangerous to them. Many times they are not quick enough to avoid an accident and fall victim to furniture tipping over on top of them. In addition, once trapped, they may not be able to breathe and do not possess the strength to push the object off of themselves.
Preventing Tip-Overs
Flat screen televisions are especially prone to tip. When possible, hanging them on the wall with an appropriate base and very strong screws is an excellent option. If this isn't possible, you may strap the television to the wall and push it back as far as it will allow on console stands.
Attach bookshelves and dresses (plus any other large furniture) to the wall. Many new pieces already come with the materials necessary to screw them into a stud in the wall. If you have older furniture to secure, L-Brackets are available in many stores.
There are safety straps available that do not require you to drill holes in your wall and some may hold up to 100 pounds of weight.
When using bookshelves, place the heaviest objects on the bottom shelves to make them a bit more secure. Choose desks that have wider legs when possible.
Drawer stops are available which only allow them to be pulled out two-thirds of the way. Pulling out top drawers in a dresser is an easy way for children to cause a tip-over.
Cords should be tucked away where little hands cannot reach them.
Avoid placing items of interest where children can see them....and reach for them. These could be keys, phones, remotes or toys.
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