On June 28, furniture manufacturer Ikea recalled an estimated 29 million chests and dressers in the U.S. because of tip-over hazards. Parents are again reminded to be vigilant about ensuring their children's safety in such preventable accidents.
Every two weeks, a child is killed in an incident involving tipped-over furniture or TVs, according U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. In that two-week period, hundreds more are injured, often seriously.
Here are 7 tips by the CPSC for parents to prevent such tragedies in their homes:
- Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.
- Place TVs on sturdy, low bases.
- Or, anchor the furniture and the TV on top of it, and push the TV as far back on top of the furniture as possible.
- Keep remote controls, toys and other items that might be attractive to children off TV stands or furniture.
- Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.
- Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
- Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed.
Ikea is providing free anchoring devices for the recently recalled furniture. To anchor other furniture, anti-tip devices can be purchased online and at home improvement. hardware, electronics or mass merchandise stores for prices ranging from $5 to $25. An online search for "anti-tip strap" or "anti-tip kit" will result in a variety of purchase options.
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