Even brand-new moms know to put those plastic things in electrical outlets and to child-proof cupboards that contain hazardous materials. What is less well known, however, is that the furniture in your home creates an enormous hazard to toddlers who love nothing more than to throw open dresser drawers to facilitate their scrambling and climbing endeavors.
Recently, NBC News posted a horrifying video of two Utah toddlers doing just that. Thankfully, the outcome for these munchkins wasn’t disastrous, but it has been for more than 40 children in the past 27 years, according to foxnews.com. Six of those children were killed when furniture toppled over on them, trapping them underneath.
In New Zealand, 84 children were admitted to Starship Children’s Hospital after suffering serious injuries from falling objects between January 2010 and April 2015. A quarter of these children were struck by falling televisions, with multiple skull fractures and brain injuries the most common injury, according to Safekids Aotearoa. Preventing furniture tip-overs is easy and inexpensive.
Secure the TVs
A child in pursuit of his or her favourite cartoon program will stop at nothing to get that TV turned on. This may include using the drawers of the TV stand as a ladder. The experts at anchorit.gov suggest using sturdy furniture to hold the CRT TV or, even better, something that sits low to the floor so the child won’t need to climb to reach the power button. Flat-screen TVs should be mounted to the wall securely.
If you must keep the TV up high, anchor it to the wall to prevent it from tipping and falling.
Furniture anchoring
All bookcases, dressers, appliances and other items a toddler may climb should be securely anchored into a wall stud. You can purchase furniture anchors and restraints at large hardware retailers, baby supply stores and at department stores. If you are anchoring Ikea furniture, the retailer offers anchor kits free of charge.
Safety experts suggest that you avoid restraints that utilize plastic cable ties as these can degrade over time and aren’t quite as strong as one might think. Use angle braces, such as those used for earthquake safety.
Don’t skimp on the number of braces used either. Use at least two for each appliance or piece of furniture and install them into a thick, solid piece of wood near the top of the item and then into a wall stud. The EQC and Mitre 10 offer a great website with tips ad advice regarding Fix Fasten & Forget.
Follow up on your safety precautions by checking the restraints on a monthly basis to ensure they remain tight.
Additional considerations
Busy Mums and Dads know how easy it is to scoop up a toy and stick it on top of the TV or other tall piece of furniture until it can be put in its proper place later on. Frighteningly, it takes only seconds for a toddler to notice it, become curious and start climbing to reach it. Avoid temptations – put away items that may cause curiosity or, if they are toddler-appropriate, place them at kid-level.
Hide electrical cords or place them out of the reach of your children.
Kids love to explore and, with just a few dollars and half an hour of your time, they can do so safely in the home.
Brent Palmer – Professional Real Estate Consultant
About the Author: The above article on keeping your kids safe with furniture was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.
He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.
I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.
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