Avoid home hazards, make furniture safe for children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  A new bedroom set and entertainment center might make a nice addition to a home, but they could pose a real danger to children. 

In the last two years within the European Command area of responsibility, two to three child deaths have occurred due to climbing toddlers tipping over TVs and dresser-type furniture. 

According to the Armed Forces Regional Medical Examiner, several of the accidents involved furniture that was not properly secured, or anchored, to a wall or the floor. 

"Injuries are the leading cause of death of children younger than 4 years old in the U.S.," said Capt. Susan Evitts, 48th Medical Operations Squadron nurse practitioner. "Toddlers and pre-school children can walk, run, jump and climb to explore their environment." 

Deaths and injuries can occur when young children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on furniture such as bookcases, dressers, shelves and TV stands. Items like toys and remotes left on top of TVs can tempt children to try and reach them and should be put somewhere out of sight. 

Captain Evitts said if a home has large furniture that isn't secured properly there is a risk for an accident involving furniture tip-overs, especially for children 10 years old and younger. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported tip-overs resulted in an average of 22 deaths per year and an estimated 3,000 injuries. There were 31 deaths in 2006 from improperly secured furniture and TVs. 

"It's a parent's responsibility to protect their children from injury and check for danger," Captain Evitts said. 

The Armed Forces Regional Medical Examiner recommends the following safety measures: 

· Secure all types of furniture using an anti-tipping device provided by the manufacturer or purchased at a home store. Follow all instructions to ensure proper hold. All drawers should be kept closed to prevent climbing.
· Do not place unsecured, child climbable furniture in "children play areas."
· Place televisions on a low, wide sturdy base and place as far back as possible.
· Keep remote controls off the TV stand to reduce temptation for children.

The International Association for Child Safety lists unstable furniture as one of the seven common child safety hazards. The CSPC has rated furniture tip-overs as number three of the top five hidden home hazards. 

These hidden hazards are avoidable. When purchasing new furniture take into account more than just décor; also consider safety.