Flat screen TV sets in all sizes and prices line the isles at the big box stores. They are replacing the old, boxy style cathode ray televisions at a quick rate, especially around the holidays.
But what to do with those old models?
A new study in the journal Clinical Pediatrics found that injury rates from toppling televisions are up, and it could be due to where we put these old TV sets.
Around 53% of consumers now own flat screen TVs, according to Megan Pollock, of the Consumer Electronics Association, as reported by the Associated Press.
That often relegates the old models to dressers, old stands or unstable shelves in bedrooms or guest rooms.
It’s easier for young children to pull over one of these old-style TVs because the weight of the set is in the front.
We spoke with Pam Goslar, safety expert at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for a story on toppling furniture in May 2009. She listed safety tips to help parents scan the house for items that could fall and cause injury to kids, as well as some tips on how to prevent this from happening.
It’s a timely reminder, too, for families who will travel over the holidays with young children. Make sure to survey all rooms for safety hazards that could cause a toppling injury.
