Serious Injury to Fort Worth, Texas Toddler Serves as Warning of In-Home Dangers
A Fort Worth, Texas two-year-old was seriously injured yesterday when a television fell on his head at his home. The television had been on top of a four-foot tall dresser. The child was alone in the room and it is unknown how the television actually fell on his head. The child was transported to Cook Children’s Hospital where he is in critical condition.
This case should send an alarm to every parent who has young children. While most might think something like this would never happen to their own child, it certainly can if you are not careful. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that at least 3,000 young children are injured every year due to T.V. “tip-overs.” Worse yet, between 2000 and 2005, there were 36 deaths caused from TV tip-overs. I assume there were probably many more injuries and deaths which were not properly reported. This is absolutely a common occurrence.
So are “tip-overs” preventable? Most are, if the following (easy) precautions are taken:
1. Identify furniture and T.V. stands which are susceptible to being pulled or tipped over and attach them to the floor or wall using brackets or screws.
2. Place all T.V.s on low-rise furniture or on furniture which is not too small for the T.V.
3. Place the T.V. as far back on the furniture as possible.
4. Put the electrical cords out of reach.
5. Don’t put tempting toys or remotes on the top of the T.V. or the furniture.
6. Teach your kids the dangers of climbing or pulling on the cords, T.V. or furniture.
These suggestions are easy to follow and make absolute sense. If you are a parent (or grand parent or if you watch young children in your home), then do the kids a favor and “tip-over”-proof your home.
