Tragically, up to two children die every year from furniture or TVs toppling over, and there are hundreds of serious injuries.
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Making sure your home is safe for children could prevent a serious accident.
Small children are adventurous, climbing on furniture, such as freestanding bookcases, drawers, wardrobes and side boards. If the furniture is unstable or not secured, the child’s weight can cause it or items placed on top of the furniture, like TVs, to topple over.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
You can take steps to prevent unstable furniture from toppling over and crushing a child.
Straps, braces or anchors
Secure furniture and TVs using furniture straps, angle braces or anchors screwed into walls. These devices are easy to install. If they are supplied with furniture or TVs, you should use them. They can also be purchased from your local hardware store or furniture supplier.
Child-resistant locks
Install child-resistant locks on furniture drawers to stop young children from using drawers to climb up the furniture like a flight of stairs.
Choosing furniture
When shopping for furniture, look for items with a broad, solid base and wide legs to keep them well balanced. They are less likely to tip if a small child climbs onto them.
If you’re renting your home, speak to your landlord or agent to get permission to install a furniture strap, angle brace or anchor to the wall. Explain why you want to install the device and assure them that if any damage is caused by the installation, you will repair it when the tenancy ends. Make sure you get the landlord or agent’s approval in writing before you make any property alterations.
Watch a safety video on the CBS YouTube channel to find out how you can keep children safe in your home.
For more activities and ideas for the Autumn 2017 School Holidays, check out our Guide here:
For more information and all enquiries please visit the CBS website or the Product Safety Australia website
What: Secure Furniture Safely
When: 2017
Where: Everywhere
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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