The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that a child dies every two weeks in the United States from injuries caused by improperly secured household items, such as furniture, appliances, and televisions. Yes, every two weeks.
Recently, IKEA took a proactive step by offering complimentary wall anchoring kits for a staggering 27 million dressers after tragic incidents where two children lost their lives when these dressers tipped over. According to Babycenter, “In 2014, a 2-year-old boy from Maplewood, New Jersey, died when a MALM six-drawer chest fell over and pinned him against his bed. Another heart-wrenching case involved a 23-month-old boy from Spokane, Washington, who was tragically trapped beneath a three-drawer MALM chest that toppled over him. In total, 14 additional reports of similar incidents have been documented, resulting in four injuries.”
In response, IKEA not only provided free wall anchoring kits but also released a helpful guide aimed at assisting parents in securing their furniture effectively. Many parents, myself included, might glance at a chest of drawers and underestimate its potential risk for tipping. Personally, I’ve only secured the taller pieces in my home. This guide serves as an important reminder that it’s always “better safe than sorry.” IKEA furniture, being lighter in construction, is more prone to tipping compared to sturdier antiques, like my heavy teak chest of drawers which requires two adults to move.
While there have been various reactions suggesting that parents should simply keep an eye on their kids—true as that may be—accidents can and do happen. It’s refreshing to witness a company responding swiftly and informatively. They’ve released crucial information that empowers parents to better secure items in their homes.
It’s vital to remember that televisions, furniture, and heavy appliances need to be anchored properly. Unfortunately, televisions often do not come with safety straps, and it’s high time they should. These safety straps can typically be found in electronics stores and online, including on Amazon. A child is sent to the emergency room every thirty minutes due to a falling television! Surprisingly, television manufacturers are not required to include safety straps with their products.
CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum emphasizes the importance of low-cost anchoring devices, stating, “We know that they are effective in preventing tip-over incidents. I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture, and appliances to protect their children. It only takes a few minutes to do, but it can save lives.”
For more tips on creating a safer home environment, check out IKEA’s Creating Safer Homes Together initiative.
This article was originally published on July 23, 2015.
Summary
Every two weeks, a child tragically dies from unsecured items at home, prompting IKEA to respond with free wall anchoring kits for its dressers following several accidents. While it’s crucial for parents to supervise their children, it’s equally important to secure furniture and appliances to prevent accidents. Simple anchoring devices can make a significant difference in ensuring safety within the home.