CPSC to shoppers: Anchoring new TVs and furniture can save lives

As holiday shopping shifts into high gear, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is renewing its call to anyone buying TVs and large furniture: Secure the items to a wall to prevent tip-over injuries and deaths.  

A CPSC report released in January 2021 shows that between 2000 and 2020, an estimated 472 children were killed in TV and furniture tip-over incidents. From 2018 through 2020, an annual estimate average of nearly 10,000 children were treated in hospital ERs for injuries related to tip-overs.

“Even if a TV or piece of furniture comes without an anti-tip-over kit, you can order them online or purchase them at your local hardware store for $20 or less,” CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric said.

The agency recommends anchoring TVs and furniture such as bookcases and dressers securely to a wall. If anchoring isn’t an option, place TVs on a sturdy, low base, pushing the TV back as far as possible. Avoid storing toys, remote controls or other items up high, as children may be tempted to climb to access them.

Other tips:

• Keep TV and cable cords out of children’s reach.
• If moving an older TV to a new room, make sure the TV is properly anchored to a wall.
• If purchasing a new TV, consider recycling older ones not in use.

“It is critical to anchor your new TV or furniture to the wall to help prevent tip-over incidents,” Hoehn-Saric said.