According to CPSC data, between 2000 and 2019, there were an average of more than 11,000 annual emergency room visits and more than 460 deaths in children due to a tip-over. By far the most likely items to drop are furniture and televisions – appliances (i.e., stoves) are in third place.
Tall, top-heavy furniture is the greatest danger to small children. Walk around the house, find a variety of furniture, then kneel down and try to pull the items off the top. Keep in mind that children may become very curious or climb up the furniture (using drawers/shelves like steps, etc.), so if you have any doubts, you should fix it to the wall. Don’t forget about spaces like garages or basements, where there are plenty of tall shelves.
To eliminate the risk of furniture or TV falling, the simplest solution is to install an “L-bracket” or furniture anchor. These are very versatile, and you can definitely get them at your local hardware store or on Amazon.
Furniture brackets or L-shaped brackets are the cheapest and easiest option, and most people are very happy with them. Just buy some at the hardware store and install them.
Furniture anchors are a more durable and advanced option for fixing components. They tend to be in the form of threads or bands (in the form of fabric). New furniture, such as dressers, is sold with anti-tipping devices.
All freestanding stoves should also be secured with an anti-tipping device, as kids tend to climb up an open oven door and use it as a step – and always when you turn around!
The Best Furniture Cables — Hangman Anti-Tip Kit
Probably the most reliable furniture anchor. The Hangman Anti-Tip Kit can withstand up to 400 pounds of resistance, making it the best option if you need something super heavy. Critics have raved about it. It’s very discreet, works well, and is easy to set up.
The Best Furniture Strap – KidCo Anti-Tip Straps
Almost everyone thinks that KidCo harnesses do the job (in fact, so much so that many users complain that they’re hard to remove if/when it’s time to get the time out). Parents love them because they are cheap, effective, and easy to use. That is, these do not technically guarantee any specific weight, and these materials are clearly less reliable in terms of structure.
The Best Tv Belt — QuakeHold! Universal Flat Screen Safety Straps
This one has received rave reviews. It works with flat-screen TV screens up to 70 inches and 150 pounds.
These are good because they don’t require screws, and a large number of users say that their TVs have survived some pretty severe earthquakes.