How to save your child's life for pennies

CPSC Warns about TV, Large Furniture Tip-Over Dangers More than 100 Deaths Reported Since 2000, Most Involve Young Children

"Tip-overs" are listed as one of the top five hazards in the home, particularly to young children, who climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on TV stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers and desks, according to the commission.

I simply cannot fathom having a child die because of something I "missed" as being dangerous. The anguish of losing a child, and then the guilt for having lost them to something I could have prevented? It would put me over the edge. I have made the following tutorial to make sure it doesn't happen to your family. Yes, I know there are products on the market designed for this purpose - but this is how I did it for much less, and am VERY happy with my results. We have a 19" television in our living room that Zachary has access to.



It's quite large and heavy and ever since I heard about this child and this child and this child dying from having a tv fall on them, it's been on my mind. It could so easily happen to him. Or Libby, because her television sits on top of a bureau in her room. So on a recent trip to Home Depot, I went looking for something to use to stop that from being a potential threat. I knew I needed something to tether the television TO the wall, and here is what I found.



These mounting bases have an adhesive backing so you can stick it to almost any surface. However, they've also got holes in them if you want to or are able to screw them into something (like a book case or the wall).



These mounting ties are standard zip ties, but they have a hole at the top for you to use to secure to a wall, etc. I know my picture sucks, but you'll get the idea in a second.



I bought these longer ones because not all of our televisions sit so closely to the wall as the one downstairs. These 3 items cost me less than $5. Here's what I did with them in about 15 minutes.


Step 1 - I prepared the surface of the television by wiping the area with alcohol.



Step 2 - I stuck the mounting base to the television.



Step 3 - I screwed the mounting tie to the wall using a drywall screw (approximately 1-1/2") until it was flush & tight.


Step 4 - I threaded the mounting tie thorough the mounting base on the television, and pulled it tight. Afterwards, I tested it out by trying to pull the television off the entertainment center and couldn't. Now GRANTED, if we have to do anythign with the wires back there, it'll be more of a pain but you know what? My child's life FAR outweighs the hassle of cutting the tie and reinserting a new one. If your television sits farther from the wall, I would suggest using the mounting tie, and then purpose a longer or addition tie to reach to the tv.

This was originally posted to My Blog but I wanted to spread the word around.  If you have a child in your life, PLEASE take this seriously.

Dawniemom @ gmail.com

Article quoted from:
<cite>Consumer Product Safety Commission</cite>