[Via – ConsumerReports]
When you bought that impressive new flat-panel TV to replace your old CRT model, what did you do with the clunker? If, like many Americans, you moved it to another room and set it atop a dresser or bureau, you may have inadvertently created a death trap.
From 2000 though 2006, 134 children ages five and younger were reported crushed by falling furniture, appliances, and TVs, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (PDF). In our tests, we found that smaller cathode-ray TVs placed on top of unsturdy furniture posed a greater risk than larger LCD and plasma sets.
Today, Consumers Union (our nonprofit publisher) teamed up with Janet DiFiore, the district attorney of Westchester County, New York, in an effort to increase awareness of TV tipovers (including the demonstration in the video above) and offer some simple prevention tips (PDF):
- Place televisions on furniture that is sturdy and appropriate for the size of the TV.
- Furniture holding the TV should be anchored to the floor or wall using brackets, screws or braces. It is best to use hardware provided by manufacturers.
- Avoid placing TVs on dressers and chests, as children may be tempted to use the drawers to climb and may cause the furniture or TV to topple
Make sure that the TV does not hang over the edge of the furniture base and that it is positioned as far back as possible - Place electrical cords out of a child’s reach, and teach children not to play with the cords
- Keep items that might be attractive to children, such as toys and remote controls, away from the top of the TV or TV stand.