VIDEO: Television Tip Over Accidents

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Most of us aren’t aware of the dangers lurking in our own home as we prepare to host family and friends this holiday season.

Studies show more than 17,000 children are injured annually due to TV tip overs.

It’s a danger that many don’t think about till it’s too late.

Amory Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Brett Ballard says it’s a danger that can be costly.

“The biggest thing is them pulling it over on themselves. They will reach up and try to get something over it, maybe a decoration or something like that. They will tip it over and it will fall on them and could injure either an arm a leg or even God forbid their whole body,” said Ballard.

The U.S. Consumer product safety commission reports more than 200 kids die each year from tip over accidents

Cowboy Maloney Sales representative Dolton Smith says cutting down that statistic begins as soon as the set comes out of the box.

“Be sure the stand are properly installed for the television. Make sure if you have a table stand make sure it can withstand the weight capacity of the television. Be sure to install it on a wall stud. Don’t just do it to dry wall by it’s self, you’re asking for a disaster,” said Smith.

Depending on how heavy the TV is, a kids injuries could get as severe as concussions or internal bleeding. But the biggest tool to cutting down the risk is vigilance.

“Biggest thinking on the little ones is making sure they’ve got good supervision around that stuff. Number two make sure they don’t climb on the furniture and get behind it and push it off onto another child or themselves,” said Ballard.

For more information on how to properly installing and mounting a television set visit  www.cowboy-maloney.com.