Fall & Tip-Over Safety
Young ones are curious and love to explore, and sometimes this can lead to falls or tip overs. While some of these incidents are harmless, some can cause serious injury.
Home Safety
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Secure TVs and unstable heavy furniture to the wall using brackets, wall straps, or braces.
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Mount flat screen TVs on the wall.
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If you own a box-style TV, keep it on a low, stable piece of furniture.
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Remove toys, remote controls, and other items from places children may be tempted climb, such as the top of dressers.
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Keep heavier items on lower shelves or in drawers.
Window Safety
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Do not rely on window screens to prevent a child from falling out of a window. Properly install window guards to prevent unintentional window falls. For windows above the first floor, include an emergency release device in case of fire.
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Use window coverings without cords or use a cord shortener to keep them out of reach of children.
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Keep furniture and other items children can climb away from windows.
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Keep windows closed and locked when not in use.
Unintentional falls are the number one cause of non-fatal injuries for children under 15.
Fall Safety
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Keep babies and young kids strapped in high chairs, infant carriers, swings or strollers. When placing your baby into a carrier, remember to place the carrier on the floor, not on top of a table or other furniture.
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Use approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs and attach them to the wall. Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels to make sure you have the right gate for your needs. Not all gates are safe for use at the top of stairs.
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Keep stairs free of clutter and do not allow children to run or play there.
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Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch. If your child falls, the landing will be more cushioned than on asphalt, concrete, grass or dirt.