Avoid TV Tip-Over Incidents During Super Bowl LIV with Safety Tips

New York -

January 30, 2020

The Division of Consumer Protection Urges Families to Take Easy TV Anchoring Steps before the Big Game

New York NY – RealEstateRama – The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about the dangers of television (TV) tip-over hazards. Millions of New Yorkers will watch the Super Bowl this Sunday either on TVs at home or at parties with friends. DCP is taking this TV-focused occasion to remind consumers of critical TV safety tips.

“The Super Bowl brings together family and friends to enjoy football in front of the TV,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “Securing your television and furniture before the big event is the best way to ensure your home is prepared for a safe, fun evening.”

Reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that TV, furniture, and appliance tip-over accidents send thousands of consumers to emergency departments annually seeking treatment for injuries related to TV and furniture tip-overs. No age group is left out. Children between the ages of six months and 5 ½ years, however, suffer the most tip-over related fatalities. They accounted for 9 out of every 10 deaths. Overall, from 2000 to 2018, 441 children under 18 died from tip-over incidents involving TVs or furniture.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides the following tips to protect you and children from TV tip-over incidents:

Inspect the area – When buying a new TV, be sure you position it on a sturdy, low base and push it back as close to the wall as possible.

Anchor TV or furniture – Secure the TV to the wall with straps or brackets.

Secure flat screen televisions – If you mount your new flat screen on the wall, consider having it mounted or installed by a professional.

Avoid homemade brackets and shelving – They might not be appropriate for the new device.

Make sure all heavy furniture is secured – Do not place TVs, whether new or not-so-new, on bedroom furniture, dressers, and particularly, children’s or nursery furniture.

Avoid climbing temptations – Never leave or store items, such as toys or remotes, above TVs or on top of furniture where children might be tempted to climb on the furniture or TV trying to reach them.

Be alert in someone else’s home – If you go to someone else’s home during the Super Bowl, especially if children will be playing in another part of the home or away from the adult game-watchers, check to make sure that there are no TV and/or furniture tipping hazards in that area that could be especially dangerous to unattended or wandering children.

Secure the TV cables and cords – Keep them out of a child’s reach. Exposed cords and wires between outlets and the screen also create hazards for everyone.

For more information on tip-over prevention, go to the DCP web site. Consumers may also contact the Division’s hotline at (800) 697-1220. The Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm. You can also follow the Division of Consumer Protection on social media on Twitter (@NYSConsumer) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/nysconsumer).

###