Proper Television Placement Matters
We as parents, grandparents and Early Child Care educators care about our children, especially their safety. Manufacturers, retailers and the rest of the consumer technology industry are committed to making home entertainment safe and enjoyable.
As you are purchasing a new big screen television, please note that all televisions-new and old must be supported on proper stands and installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Televisions that are inappropriately situated on dressers, bookcases, shelves, desks, speakers, chests, carts, etc. may fall over resulting in injury to our children.
TUNE IN TO SAFETY
• ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe installation of your television.
• ALWAYS read and follow all instructions for proper use of your television.
• NEVER allow children to climb on or play on the television or the furniture on which the television is placed.
• NEVER place the television on furniture that can easily be used as steps, such as a chest of drawers.
• ALWAYS install the television where it cannot be pushed, pulled over or knocked down.
• ALWAYS route cords and cables connected to the television so that they cannot be tripped over, pulled or grabbed.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNT YOUR TELEVISION
• ALWAYS contact your retailer about professional installation.
• ALWAYS use a mount that have been recommended by the television manufacturer and has a certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
• ALWAYS make sure that the wall or ceiling where you are mounting the television is appropriate. Some mounts are not designed to be mounted to walls and ceilings with steel studs or cinder block construction. If you are not sure, contact a professional installer.
THINK LIKE A CHILD
As the adults in the household, you have to be proactive with our children. Children love to watch TV, that is what we trained them to do. If you bought the best TV in the market, it is because you enjoy spending time watching programs with your family. Please don’t ignore any safety issues when it comes to children. They are fast and very creative. Think and act quickly before you expose your children to any bad accidents. After all, they are the most precious creatures in our lives! Enjoy your new TV and most of all your children!
Hilda Berrios is the Director of Alma Mater Lyceum Learning Connections Center in Kissimmee.
