How-To Guides · Safety
How to Prevent Furniture and TV Tip-Overs (Anchor It)
A dresser or a TV can tip over on a small child in seconds. Most tip-over deaths involve kids five and younger. The fix is cheap and quick. Here's what the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
1. Step 1: Anchor It
Anchor dressers, bookcases, and TVs to the wall with anti tip straps or brackets. Most kits cost under twenty dollars, and take under twenty minutes. Follow the kit's directions for your type of wall.
2. New Furniture?
New dressers usually come with an anti tip kit in the box. Install it right away, not someday.
3. Tvs
If you can't anchor a TV, set it on a low, sturdy base, push it back as far as it goes, and keep the cords out of reach.
4. Step 2: Don'T Tempt Climbers
Kids climb to reach things. Keep toys, remotes, and treats off the tops of dressers and TV stands.
5. Step 3: Heavy Stuff Down Low
Put heavier things on lower shelves, and in the bottom drawers, so the furniture is less top heavy.
Tools that make this easier
Simple Google Sheets + Excel tools from WiscHaven. Buy once, no subscription.
Sources
Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com