The Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds parents that large, heavy furniture poses a serious danger to children if it's not stable. The agency lists the issue as one of the top five hidden home hazards.

Deaths and injuries frequently occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and oven doors. TVs placed on top of furniture can tip over and cause a child to suffer traumatic -- sometimes fatal -- injuries.

To help prevent tip-over hazards, the CPSC recommends:

• Verifying that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor all entertainment units, TV stands, bookcases, shelving and bureaus to the wall or floor using appropriate hardware, such as brackets or toggles.

• Placing TVs on low-rise bases or sturdy furniture appropriate for the size of the units.

• Pushing TVs as far back as possible from the front of their stands.

• Placing electrical cords out of children's reach and teaching them not to play with the cords.

• Removing toys from the top of TVs and furniture that might tempt children to climb.

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