Safe TV Viewing for Super Bowl LIX: Tips from Safe Kids NC

As families gather to watch Super Bowl LIX on February 9, the Thomasville Police Department, Department of Insurance, and Safe Kids NC want your families to be safe.  We want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. With TV tip-overs being a leading cause of accidents and injuries, we offer some simple yet crucial tips to prevent these incidents.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, one child dies every two weeks in the United States from a TV, furniture, or appliance tip-over. Additionally, 10 children are rushed to the emergency room daily for injuries caused by unsecured TVs.

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events on television every year. It’s also the perfect time for Safe Kids NC to work with coalitions across the state to raise awareness about the proper setup and safety of televisions and their placement throughout the home.

“Kids climb on everything, even when you're in the room -- accidents can happen in a split-second,” said Commissioner Causey. “Children can be seriously injured or even killed by a TV tip-over, so families need to conduct a quick safety check.”

Many TV tip-overs result from unsteady TVs not secured to the wall. Top-heavy flat-screen TVs with narrow bases can be easily pulled off an entertainment center or table.

Large and heavy TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, a video game, or anything else that attracts their attention.

Below are some tips to help keep kids safe:

1. Secure TVs. Mount flat-screen TVs to the wall. Place older, box-style TVs on a low, stable piece of furniture designed to bear more weight. Anchor the TV to the wall or the piece of furniture.
2. Attach furniture to the wall. Use anti-tip brackets, braces or wall straps to secure furniture to the wall. Install stops on dresser drawers to prevent them from being pulled all the way out.
3. Rearrange household items. Store heavy objects on lower shelves or in lower drawers. Avoid placing remote controls, toys or other items in places where kids might be tempted to climb up or reach for them.