In recent times, furniture tipping accidents have increased in frequency. On average, 40 children are hospitalized on a daily basis due to furniture tipping injuries. Even worse, children are killed each week due to heavy furniture tipping.
Secure these items to walls with L-brackets. The most common causes of injury are heavy objects like dressers and television sets. To prevent them from tipping, ensure that these bulky items are bolted to walls. Anchoring devices are inexpensive, and are easily kept hidden behind furniture. If you have an older, cathode ray tube television, make sure that it is stored on a low, stable piece of furniture.
Heed manufacturer guidelines. Pay close attention to special warning labels and weight limits that come with furniture. Overloading furniture with excess weight can cause drawers or shelving to break, leaving items to tumble to the floor and create hazards for children.
Install drawer stops. These will prevent children from pulling drawers out and using them to climb, as well as prevent them from accessing hazardous items that could be stored in the drawer. It’s also a good idea to secure cabinet doors with child-proof bumpers that prevent children from opening them. Again, this will prevent children from creating climbing obstacles.
Teach your children not to climb on furniture. If your child does try to climb on furniture, explain to them the danger associated with doing so and how they can hurt themselves. Give them other options, such as an outdoor play set they can climb on. Always supervise young children when they are playing in an unfamiliar place where furniture safety may not have been considered.
Invest in quality furniture. Cheap furniture will not withstand the text of time and is often poorly manufactured with unstable materials. Quality furniture shouldn’t have drawers or doors that stick when you try to open them. Many home furniture stores offer television sets and shelving units that are made with high quality materials. Inspect the furniture displays in store before you bring them home for potential hazards or safety issues.
Store toys in easy-to-access areas. Avoid placing items like stuffed animals, remote controls, and other toys on high shelving. Ensuring children have access to their toys will prevent them from trying to climb on furniture to get them.
Furniture tipping is a tragedy, but it is preventable! Take the steps necessary to secure your home’s furniture and prevent a furniture tipping accident from occurring to your child.
BYLINE: Jeff Lauter is the owner of Lauters Fine Furniture. When he’s not in the showroom, you can find Jeff writing, travelling, or spending time with his family.
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