Tehama Country Real Estate

M odern conveniences in a home are meant to be enjoyed. However, items such as tele- visions, appliances and furniture can prove quite dangerous when they are involved in tip-over acci- dents. e Consumer Product Safety Commission says between the years of 2008 and 2010, 43,400 Amer- icans were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to the instability of televisions, furniture and appliances. Between the years of 2000 and 2010, 293 fatalities were reported, the highest percentage of which were among chil- dren ages one to eight. Fi y-two percent of inju- ries involved only furniture falling. Data from the Brooke's Angel Wings, an organization that hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured furniture and televisions, says every two weeks a child loses his or her life to an accident involving unsecured furniture or televisions in the home. Fortunately, tip-over deaths and injuries are pre- ventable. Individuals making improvements around their homes may want to give special at- tention to renovations that can improve safety in and around the house. One of the rst steps to take is securing furniture and televisions to prevent tip- over accidents. One of the single easiest methods to preventing tip-over injuries is to anchor furniture, televi- sions and appliances to the wall. All furniture with shelves, drawers and doors -- anything that can be climbed or pulled over by curious children -- should be anchored into a stud with an appropri- ate device. Even if an item seems stable or heavy, some simple precautionary measures can help prevent an injury and possibly save a life. Many di erent safety devices that can prevent tip- over accidents are now available. Products from Safety First to Kidco to Hangman all o er furni- ture straps to secure items. However, do-it-your- selfers can use "L" brackets as well as other bolts and hardware that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of a fully loaded piece of furniture. Re- member, walls can always be repaired should dam- age occur from bolts and straps. But lives cannot be replaced. Flat screen televisions are safer when mounted on a wall than they are when placed atop a piece of furniture. If televisions are on a TV stand, they should be secured to the surface. Homeowners hoping to prevent tip-over accidents can follow these tips. * When loading dresser drawers, put the heavi- est items at the bottom and the lightest items in the top drawers. * Do not put things on top of dressers that may entice children to climb up the dresser. * Keep items you do not want children to have out of sight. * Do not assume children will remember the dangers associated with climbing or always fol- low the rules. * Don't forget to also secure computer monitors. * Check safety straps frequently to be sure they are still secure. * ink about other items around the house that can present a danger were they to fall. Se- cure everything and anything that is large and could cause injury if it fell down onto a person. Homeowners should not put o secur ing items around the house. Spending ve minutes now can prevent a tragedy later on. HOW TO and hardware that are sturdy enough to hold the PREVENT tip-over accidents

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