Health Canada is warning parents to watch out for dangers related
to falling household items, saying more than 5,000 cases of
televisions, pieces of furniture and appliances tipping over onto children
have been reported since 1990.
According to data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and
Prevention Program, more than 70% of the reported television tip-overs
happened to children between the ages of one and three years.
Health Canada didn't provide statistics about how many children have been
injured in the tip-over cases, but said in a release that the accidents can
cause serious head and internal injuries, as well as suffocation, which can
lead to death.
Many of the cases were a result of children climbing on furniture,
televisions
or appliances, or reaching for toys around unstable and elevated surfaces.
Health Canada advises these simple steps to help minimize the danger in your
home:
* Always supervise children in the home and teach them not to climb on or
hang from furniture.
* Choose storage furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets, television stands,
and dressers, with a wide and stable base that sits directly on the floor.
Models with legs or wheels are more likely to tip over.
* Attach furniture to the floor or wall stud using the appropriate angle
braces, anchors or safety straps. If these items come with the product,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.
* Place televisions far back on low stable furniture that is designed to
hold the weight and size of the television. Attach the television to the
stand, if possible.
* Keep electric cords behind furniture where children can't reach them.
* Do not place items that may appeal to a child, such as toys, plants and
remote controls, on top of a television or tall furniture.
* Do not place heavy items on top of elevated surfaces.
* Regularly check that furniture, televisions and appliances are stable and
secure and that electrical cords are out of children's reach.
* For furniture with drawers, only open one drawer at a time to reduce the
chance that it will tip over; completely close all drawers when not in use
so a child can't use them as steps; place heavier items in lower
drawers; and install locking devices on each drawer if you have young
children.
* Do not assemble and use the furniture if instructions aren't provided or
if you can't follow the instructions.
* Verify a product's label, visit the manufacturer's website or ask the
retailer to find out what safety features are available for the furniture
you are considering.
* Always use furniture for its intended purpose.
