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Child-safety tips

For young children, the home is a playground, and while many parents childproof to ensure the safety of their home, some may not be aware that unsecured TVs, furniture and appliances might pose hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges parents to take simple, low-cost steps to prevent deaths and injuries associated with furniture, TV, and appliance tip-overs.

Typically, injuries and deaths occur when children climb onto, fall against, or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and appliances.

Here are some tips:

Furniture should be stable on its own. For added security, anchor chests or dressers, TV stands, bookcases and entertainment units to the floor or attach them to a wall.

Place TVs on a sturdy, low-rise base. Avoid flimsy shelves.

Push the TV as far back as possible.

Place electrical cords out of a child's reach, and teach kids not to play with them.

Keep remote controls and other attractive items off the TV stand so kids won't be tempted to grab for them and risk knocking the TV over.

Make sure free-standing ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.

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