In a staggering report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is revealed that a child dies every two weeks in the United States from injuries caused by unsecured items within the home, such as furniture, appliances, and televisions. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for proper safety measures.
Recently, IKEA took significant steps to address this issue by offering free wall anchoring kits for 27 million dressers after two tragic incidents where children lost their lives due to tipped furniture. A report from Parenting Central details some of these heartbreaking cases:
“In 2014, a 2-year-old boy from Springfield, Ohio, died when a MALM six-drawer chest fell over and trapped him against his bed. Another incident involved a 23-month-old boy from Maple Valley, Washington, who was killed after a three-drawer MALM chest toppled on him. Additionally, 14 other incidents have been reported, leading to four injuries.”
To aid parents in securing their belongings, IKEA has not only provided free anchoring kits but also published a comprehensive guide to help families safely secure furniture. Many parents, including myself, might overlook the potential dangers posed by seemingly stable chests of drawers. I admit that only the taller pieces in my home are securely anchored. This guide serves as a crucial reminder: “better safe than sorry.” It’s also important to note that IKEA furniture is generally lighter and can easily topple. My vintage teak chest of drawers requires two adults to move, which is a stark contrast to the more modern designs available today.
While some reactions have focused on parental vigilance, suggesting that it is not IKEA’s fault, it is vital for parents to supervise their children. However, accidents can happen, and it is commendable to see a company take swift action to educate consumers on safety. IKEA’s initiative provides valuable insights to help parents secure various items in their homes effectively.
Moreover, it is essential to remember that televisions, heavy appliances, and furniture must be secured. Although safety straps for televisions are not standard, they are readily available at electronics retailers and online platforms. In fact, a child is sent to the emergency room every thirty minutes due to falling televisions! It is concerning that safety straps are not universally included with these products.
CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum emphasized, “We know that low-cost anchoring devices are effective in preventing tip-over incidents. I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture, and appliances to protect their children. This simple task can take just a few minutes and save lives.” For further safety tips, visit IKEA’s Creating Safer Homes Together webpage.
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In summary, every two weeks, a child tragically loses their life due to unsecured household items. IKEA’s commitment to providing safety solutions is a crucial step in addressing this issue. Parents must remain vigilant and take proactive measures to secure all potentially hazardous items in their homes.