Every two weeks, a child in the United States loses their life due to injuries caused by unsecured items within the home, including furniture, appliances, and televisions, as reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This alarming statistic serves as a grave reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our domestic environments.
Recently, IKEA made headlines by offering complimentary wall anchoring kits for 27 million of their dressers following tragic incidents where two children were killed after these pieces of furniture tipped over. In one heartbreaking case from 2014, a 2-year-old boy in Maplewood, New Jersey, was fatally pinned by a MALM six-drawer chest that toppled over. Another incident that year involved a 23-month-old boy from Renton, Washington, who also died after being trapped beneath a fallen three-drawer MALM chest. In total, there have been 14 reports of similar tip-over incidents, resulting in four injuries.
To combat this issue, IKEA has not only provided free wall anchoring kits but also published a comprehensive guide aimed at helping parents properly secure their furniture. Many parents, myself included, often overlook the potential tipping hazard of a chest of drawers, assuming only taller units require securing. This guide serves as a crucial reminder that being proactive is better than regretting in hindsight. Notably, IKEA furniture tends to be lighter and more prone to tipping compared to sturdier, antique pieces, which highlights the necessity of taking safety precautions seriously.
While some responses to these incidents suggest that parents should simply supervise their children, accidents can occur even with the utmost vigilance. It is commendable that a company like IKEA is taking swift action to educate customers on how to secure their furniture effectively. Parents should remain aware that televisions, large furniture, and heavy appliances must be adequately anchored. Unfortunately, televisions do not typically come with safety straps, though they can easily be found at stores that sell electronics or online. Every thirty minutes, a child is sent to the emergency room due to a falling television, yet manufacturers are not required to include safety straps with their products.
CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum emphasizes the importance of anchoring devices, stating, “We know that low-cost anchoring devices are effective in preventing tip-over incidents. I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture, and appliances and protect their children. It takes just a few minutes to do and it can save lives.” For more information on making homes safer, visit IKEA’s Creating Safer Homes Together.
In summary, it is essential for parents to be vigilant about securing furniture and appliances to prevent tragic accidents. Stay informed about safety measures to protect your children and consider exploring additional resources related to home safety and parenting. For further insights, check out our post on the at-home insemination kit and refer to Women’s Health for valuable pregnancy information.
Keyphrase: child safety at home
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