Coalition Speaks Out On Furniture Deaths

A one year old boy died Wednesday night after being crushed by a television. The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports the Consumer Products Safety Commission says at least 12 people, mostly children, are either injured or killed by furniture every year.

Wednesday night's accident is just one example, experts say, on the dangers that can be found in your own home.

Late Wednesday evening police were called to the Somerset Apartments in East Tulsa.

"It appears to be a very tragic accident that occurred," said TPD Captain Ryan Perkins.

Investigators say a 23-month old boy had been playing with his nine year old brother in a bedroom. The adults were in a different room. Police are still trying to figure out why but say 37-inch television fell off a dresser, crushing the toddler.

"A regular, tube TV but with a flat screen and a big frame around the edges of it. It was a very large, a very heavy TV," said Captain Perkins.

The case comes a year-and-a-half after a 27-inch TV fell on another Tulsa toddler putting him in critical condition. In this case, police say the nightstand that was holding the TV was not secure. Experts say both cases should have never happened.

"This is very preventable," said Beth Washington of the Safe Kids Coalition.

Washington says accidents like Wednesday night should open the eyes of parents across the city.

"Think about how top heavy things are, how front heavy things are," said Washington.

Her advice is only use stands that are designed for televisions, no microwave carts or dressers and make sure they are the appropriate size for the TV. You'd rather have a bigger stand and smaller TV than the other way around. She also says keep remote controls off the top of the TV, adding if a child sees it they make want to get it. To be extra sure, she says use braces, straps or anchors to keep the TV and stand from moving around.

She reminds parents to remember, kids are always on the go.

"They like to crawl, they like to climb. If they want something they're going to get it," said Washington.

Washington says nothing replaces a watchful eye on small children, especially if they are playing near large pieces of furniture.

Related Story:

08/27/2008 - Child Dies After Being Crushed By TV