As the main home entertainment device gets larger, heavier and is used more often, there's a greater need to anchor it to avoid tip overs and injuries - especially to kids.
A study in the August 2013 issue of Pediatrics "Television-Related Injuries to Children in the United States, 1990-2011," by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that more than 17,000 children are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for a TV-related injury.
That's about one kid every 30 minutes.
Injuries caused by falling TVs accounted for 12,300 injuries among children under age 18 in 2011, which was a 125 percent increase during the period.
Almost half - 46 percent - occurred from a TV falling off a dresser or armoire, with another 31 percent falling from an entertainment center or TV stand.
Children under age 5 represented 64.3 percent of all injured patients, and boys accounted for 60.8 percent of cases.
The head/neck was the most common body parts injured (63.3 percent), followed by the legs (21.5 percent).
"The rate of pediatric injuries caused by falling TVs is increasing, which underscores the need for increased prevention efforts. Prevention strategies include public education, provision of TV anchoring devices at the point of sale of TVs, TV anchoring device distribution programs, strengthening of standards for TV stability, and redesign of TVs to improve stability," according to the report.
Due to increasing size and new ultra thin designs, today's flat panel TVs can tip when bumped or pulled, causing them to topple off furniture, potentially causing injury or even death, according to Sanus, an audio/video furnishings, mounts and accessories maker.
Wall mounts, entertainment and armoire anchors and other devices are advised even if kids aren't in the home.
In addition to the risk to kids from the inquisitive to roughhousing ages, top-heavy unanchored TVs and other furniture are also earthquake and windstorm hazards.
Safe Kids Worldwide, one online public education and safety awareness initiative by Sanus, offers an informative and preventative approach to the problem.
"The growing rate of injuries associated with TV tip-overs is sobering," said Steve Decker, SANUS' president of consumer products.
"We believe wall mounting provides a safer alternative to an unsecured TV. It is our goal, through this partnership and safety initiative, to reduce TV tip-over related injuries and help create a safer environment in the home," Decker added.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission's Neighborhood Safety Networks offers an infographic about other dangers in the home caused by un-anchored furniture.
