Your TV stand must be securely anchored to prevent tip-overs that could crush children. The U.S. CPSC's Anchor It! campaign emphasizes that furniture designed for TVs should be anchored using manufacturer-recommended methods to avoid injuries.
Quick Answer
Place the TV as far back as possible on the stand to minimize tipping risk. Keep all cords and toys out of reach to prevent accidental falls and injuries to children.
Why Anchoring Matters for TV Stands
The U.S. CPSC's Anchor It! campaign identifies furniture tip-overs as a leading cause of serious childhood injuries. Existing stands can use inexpensive anti-tip brackets, while new furniture often includes built-in anti-tip devices. This practice reduces the risk of children pulling cords and causing the stand to tip over. Often, these pieces of furniture have drawers that children can use to climb.
New furniture, such as dressers, are sold with anti-tip devices. Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or hearth edges to prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges.
- Or, anchor the furniture and the TV on top of it, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.
- CPSC's "Anchor It!" is a national public education campaign to prevent furniture and TV tip-overs from killing and seriously injuring children.
- Mount flat-screen TVs to the wall or to furniture to prevent them from toppling over.
Step-by-Step Anchoring for Stability
Place the TV as far back on the stand as possible to reduce tipping risk. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to secure TVs and furniture properly. Remove items that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture.
Existing furniture can be anchored with inexpensive anti-tip brackets. New furniture often includes built-in anti-tip devices to prevent tip-overs and injuries from falls against sharp edges.
- Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off TV stands or furniture.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing the stand to the wall or floor.
- Televisions should only be placed on furniture designed to hold a television, such as television stands or media centers.
Cable and Toy Safety for Children
Keep all cables and small items like toys and remote controls off the TV stand to prevent accidental falls. The CPSC advises removing these items from the top of the stand to avoid attracting children who might climb.
Use Corner and Edge Bumpers (12) to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. The CPSC also recommends keeping TV and cable cords out of reach of children to prevent accidental falls.
- Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.
- Remove toys, remote controls, and other small items from the top of the TV stand.
- Route cables through wall outlets or use cable management systems to keep them out of reach.
Additional Safety Measures for Comprehensive Protection
The U.S. CPSC's Consumer Safety Guidance states that furniture can tip over and crush young children. Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor using manufacturer-recommended methods to prevent tip-overs.
Remove items that might tempt children to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture. Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children to prevent accidental falls.
Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or hearth edges.
- Use Anchors to Avoid Furniture and Appliance Tip-Overs (4) Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and crush young children.
- - Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.
Decision Worksheet
| Check | What to do | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Why Anchoring Matters for TV Stands | CPSC's "Anchor It!" is a national public education campaign to prevent furniture and TV tip-overs from killing and seriously injuring children. | |
| Step-by-Step Anchoring for Stability | Follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing the stand to the wall or floor. | |
| Cable and Toy Safety for Children | Remove toys, remote controls, and other small items from the top of the TV stand. | |
| Additional Safety Measures for Comprehensive Protection | Use Anchors to Avoid Furniture and Appliance Tip-Overs (4) Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and crush young children. |
FAQ
Can I anchor my TV stand without wall anchors?
Yes, if your stand includes built-in anti-tip devices or you use inexpensive anti-tip brackets designed for the stand's weight and dimensions.
What should I do if my TV stand has no anti-tip devices?
Use inexpensive anti-tip brackets that are designed for the stand's weight and dimensions to prevent tip-overs and injuries.
Primary Sources
- U.S. CPSC: Anchor It furniture safety guidance
- U.S. CPSC: Consumer Safety Guidance
- U.S. CPSC: Consumer Safety Guidance
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