Guest Author - Paula Petrie

"There are usually five deaths reported each year caused by televisions tipping over onto young children, but we are aware of 10 deaths already in 2006," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "We are issuing this warning so parents will take the necessary steps to prevent any more of these tragedies."

Deaths and injuries frequently occur when young children climb onto, fall against, or pull themselves up on television stands, shelving units, bookcases, dressers, desks and chests. Televisions placed on top of furniture can also tip over and cause a child to suffer traumatic and sometimes fatal injuries.

From the year 2000 through 2005, the CPSC has had reports of 36 TV tip-over related deaths and 65 furniture tip-over related deaths. More than 80 percent of all these deaths involved young children. The CPSC estimates that in 2005 at least 3,000 children under the age of 5 were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms because of injuries associated with TV tip-overs.

Industry standards now require that TV stands, chests, bureaus and dressers pass a stability test. If a piece of furniture violates these standards, the product can be subject to a safety recall.

With the number of TV tip-over deaths reported during the first seven months of 2006 being twice the yearly average, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is offering the following safety tips to help prevent tip-over hazards:

1. Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor
to the floor or attach to the wall all entertainment units and TV stands.
You should also secure bookcases, shelving and bureaus to the wall using appropriate hardware, such as brackets, screws, or toggles.

2. Place any television on sturdy furniture appropriate for the size of the TV, or on a low-rise base.

3. Push the TV as far back as possible from the front of its stand.

4. Place electrical cords out of a child's reach, and teach children not to
play with the cords.

5. Remove items that might tempt, or make it easier for kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture, and foot stools, etc. near the base.

To download CPSC's new safety alert "Preventing TV and Furniture
Tip-Over Deaths," visit www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5004.pdf