By Chrystal Johnson
Do you have a flat screen TV? These are hot items for holiday gifts, so you may find yourself excited about a new one in your home this time of year. While televisions can provide much-enjoyed entertainment for the whole family, these newer flat screen TVs can tip over and injure or even kill young children if they are not secured.
Sadly, every three weeks, a child dies from a TV tipping over and nearly 13,000 more children are injured each year in the United States. Top-heavy furniture, TVs and appliances can be unsteady, and if pulled or climbed on, they can tip over and seriously injure young children.
A curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over. Other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or a toy.
Seven out of ten children injured by TV-tipovers are five years old or younger. These tragedies are completely preventable with just a few simple precautions. Much like childproofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are important steps to keeping your family safe.
The good news is, there is more than one way to secure your TV. You can mount flat screen TVs to the wall to reduce the risk of TVs toppling off stands. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you protect your wall and have a secured fit. You can also buy a TV strap that will secure the TV to furniture or the wall at department stores in the electronics or infant safety sections for about $15-$20.
If you have a large, heavy, older-style TV, place it on a low, stable piece of furniture. You can also use brackets, braces or wall straps to secure unstable or top-heavy furniture to the wall.
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. Your efforts to keep the children in your home safe will be worth it.
Chrystal Johnson is a public health educator II for Madison County Department of Health.