Six Tips to Prevent Dangerous Furniture and TV Tip-Overs

Graphic courtesy of CPSC/AnchorIt! See free tips and materials at www.AnchorIt.gov.

Children 5 years old and younger most at risk

A dresser. A television. A free-standing bookcase. And so many more common items around the house. These everyday things are not inherently dangerous, but when a child climbs them they can be.

According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• There is an estimated annual average of 27,100 tip-over injuries that resulted in emergency-room visits.
• There were 556 reported fatalities between 2000 and 2018.
• A child is injured approximately every half-hour by tipping or falling furniture, and the majority of these children are 5 years old or younger.

These tragic, yet preventable injuries and deaths are why CPSC launched its nationwide Anchor It! public-awareness campaign. The campaign reminds Americans to implement six simple, inexpensive steps to help protect kids and all family members against tip-overs:

1. Use sturdy furniture designed to hold TVs, such as television stands or media centers.
2. Mount flat-screen TVs to the wall or furniture to prevent them from falling over.
3. Secure TVs, even if they are not wall-mounted, with an anti-tip device, which can be purchased for a few dollars at hardware stores.
4. Follow included manufacturer’s instructions to secure TVs and other furniture properly.
5. Secure top-heavy furniture with anti-tip devices, whether it’s old or new.
6. Remove items that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the tops of TVs and furniture.

Anchor It! also has helpful how-to videos as well as free materials in both English and Spanish on its website.

And if you need assistance implementing these and any other safety updates around your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional: Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board licensees are happy to help. Find out more about their many specialties and services at www.cslb.ca.gov, and check a professional’s license at search.dca.ca.gov.