Before our home could be licensed as a foster home, we had to do a great deal of baby proofing. We would have done it all anyway, as we wanted to provide a safe environment for all children in our care.
All furniture that is tall and can tip has been anchored to the wall. A toddler very close to me met a tragic end because he climbed up an unanchored dresser to get to the TV on top. He would have been two not long after the accident.
We have an enormous TV in our living room. There’s no way to anchor it. No one from the Department of Family and Protective Services has been concerned about this TV. It is so big and bottom heavy that I can’t see it tipping or how a child would attempt to climb it.
A Florida toddler was killed when a TV tipped over on top of him. It was a 40-inch TV, so it was fairly large. The TV was sitting on top of a poorly assembled stand and was not anchored to anything. Emergency personnel were unable to revive him.
Accidents happen. There is no blame in accidents like these. The loss of a child is horrendous and I wish no one had to experience it. Children depend on their caregivers to watch out for them and keep them safe. Children cannot do it for themselves.
There are small things we can do that will help prevent tragedies like these. Anchor furniture and heavy items, so that they don’t fall. Put locks on toilet seats and front-loading appliances so small children can’t get inside. Place all medicines, vitamins, and balms in a locked container and keep the key with you. Bar access to the stovetop and oven. The peace of mind is worth the extra effort.