Archive for July, 2010

How to Child-Proof your Television

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Becoming a parent for the first time is such an all-consuming process. In the beginning, it is all about the baby’s health, something which requires nearly constant attention. Later on, as children start to grow and move about on their own, people begin to see their homes as if for the first time. What can be hazardous to a child around the house? After looking about and seeing so many different ways for a child to get hurt, it can be a frightening experience.

However, there is such a thing as worrying a bit too much about hazards around the house. In general, children will show better judgment that people expect. It is the larger things which should certainly grab one’s attention from the beginning, as with television screens and other furniture than is top-heavy. The innovations in television sets have created much larger screens, and even though they are thinner than the older TV models, some equal their predecessors in weight. Part of the reason is the size. Inch-for-inch, the old models will weigh more, but there are a number of excellent flat-screen TVs which are quite heavy, especially the original models, some of which are still highly regarded for the quality of presentation.

How can one make sure that children are not put in danger from television sets? There are a number of devices available to prevent television sets from toppling over onto children, but the first part of the equation should be a verbal warning. Tell children that it is unacceptable to play with the device itself, especially if is situated on a low-standing TV rack. For television sets mounted on the wall well above a child’s reach, there is going to be little to worry about.

However, many homeowners prefer to have a television set at about eye level when they are sitting on the couch. In this case, children will have no trouble reaching the TV stands and thus the danger presents itself. One way to keep the TV in its place is with straps attached to the wall. Adhesives keep the fabric in place while the connection to the TV itself is very firm. This type of device is popular in areas where earthquakes are common.

Another method is a buckle attached to the TV stand. These devices are made with heavy boding glues to make sure the television will not tip over. In some cases, the foundations may take up to 5 hours before their glues have dried, then they are ready to take on the strap which then connects to the TV. After that end is secure, there is further bonding which can take up to 72 hours in total. Nonetheless, the system is almost foolproof, one that can be trusted without reserve.

Accidents are happening all the time and children are certainly not invulnerable to falling appliances. Once the TV gets straightened out, it would be wise to check on other similar items, like a computer monitor or speakers. Whatever device seems to need some securing, the materials exist to keep them in place. No matter how rambunctious children might get, they will remain safe at home.