According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), one child dies every two weeks when a TV, piece of furniture or appliance falls on them. What’s even worse is that these accidents are 100 percent preventable.

With the cold weather approaching, children will be spending more time indoors, increasing the risk of at-home injuries. Additionally, September is Baby Safety Month, making now the perfect time to examine your home for unsafe and unsteady furniture.

The following tips will help prevent furniture-related accidents and hazards in your home:

1. Make sure all furniture and televisions are properly secured to the wall. Newer furniture should come with an anti-tip device or kit, paired with instructions on proper setup. You can also purchase anti-tip straps from your local hardware store. If a television is not already mounted, it should only be placed on a media center made for that type of TV along with a wall attachment.

2. Don’t forget to secure large appliances and other freestanding items to the wall. While they are often overlooked, bulky items such as computer monitors, ovens and refrigerators can be hazardous to curious children. Additionally, remove toys, remote controls and other objects from the top of furniture and TVs so young children are not tempted to grab them and potentially knock over the heavy piece.

3. Check that furniture meets the national standards for indoor air quality, which are developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Believe it or not, there are products on the market that contain dangerous chemicals that pollute indoor air and can cause asthma and allergies. Products that have achieved the GREENGUARD Gold Certification, including Stone & Leigh, have met rigorous standards for indoor air quality and won’t contribute to health issues in children.

4. Furniture should also meet the tip-over safety guidelines developed by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) International. Before purchasing furniture, it’s important to research the manufacturer’s level of adherence to testing and safety procedures. These guidelines are voluntary, so not all furniture manufacturers comply and meet the ASTM standard for tip-over accidents.

5. Spread the word to family and friends. While the furniture in your home may be secure, that doesn’t ensure your child will be safe on playdates or when visiting relatives. By educating those close to you on the risks of unsteady and unsafe furniture, you can prevent accidents and maybe even save a life.

(Source: omaha.com  Author: Rebecca Ritterbush)