“The prevalence of this scenario is alarming and the results can be devastating. Imagine being tackled by a Super Bowl linebacker after he gains speed and hits you as hard as he can. That’s effectively what happens to a small child who gets hit with a falling TV, a piece of furniture that tips, or both,” Baiocco said. “We also know that many older Americans grab onto TV sets to steady their balance but suffer contusions, lacerations, and broken bones when the TV falls,” she added. Exposed cords and wires between outlets and the screen also create hazards for everyone.

Today’s flat screen TVs are lighter and more balanced than the older, heavier models. But, even so, there are still precautions you should take before the big game and after. If you plan to buy a brand new TV, be sure to position it on a sturdy, low base when you get it home. Push the TV as far back on the stand and as close to the wall as possible. For optimal safety, anchor the screen and furniture to the wall with straps or brackets. If you mount your new flat screen on the wall, consider having it mounted or installed by a professional. Avoid homemade brackets and shelving that might not be appropriate for the new device.

Do not place TVs – whether new or not-so-new – on bedroom furniture, dressers, and particularly children’s or nursery furniture. Never leave or store items, such as toys or remotes, above TVs or on top of furniture where children might be tempted to climb on the furniture or TV trying to reach them. In all scenarios, secure the TV cables and cords and keep them out of a child’s reach.

If you go to someone else’s home during the Super Bowl, especially if children will be playing in another part of the home or away from the adult game-watchers, check to make sure that there are no TV and/or furniture tipping hazards in that area that could be especially dangerous to unattended or wandering children. And, don’t forget about small appliances, like microwaves, which might be positioned on a movable cart or high-top table.

For more information on these and other safety tips, including how to position and anchor TVs and furniture, visit www.anchorit.gov or www.cpsc.gov.

About U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC or sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired.

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