Heavy flat screen TVs may pose risk if not properly anchored, experts warn
Homes that received new televisions or are planning on purchasing them should remember to anchor them to the wall if they are heavy and if young children are around.
Posted — UpdatedBut consumers should remember to securely anchor those heavy TVs and stands to the wall, especially if young children live in the household.
According to Consumer Reports magazine, a child is hurt about every 30 minutes in the U.S. by a flat-screen television that has toppled over. In some cases, a child can be seriously hurt or crushed by a television that has tipped over.
"All TVs that are not wall-mounted should still be anchored to the wall," said Jim Willcox, an electronics editor at Consumer Reports. "And if the TV is on top of furniture that could tip over, attach it to the wall as well. It's a simple installation that will take you about 10 minutes."
Wall anchor straps cost between $5 and $25 while the wall mounts can run about $100.
Some consumers may balk at spending that much, but it could save a life.
Experts warn that, if the TV is on a stand or a dresser, both need to be anchored to wall studs.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
