Advocacy groups urging parents to secure TVs during Super Bowl parties, avoid injuries

PHOENIX — Families and friends will gather to watch the Super Bowl this weekend and that has child advocacy groups reminding parents to keep a sharp eye on their televisions for more than just watching the game.

Every 45 minutes a child is rushed to the hospital with injuries from a TV toppling over on them and Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, said sometimes those injuries can be fatal.

“Sadly, once every three weeks on average a child dies from a television tip over,” she said.

When it comes to older, box-style TVs, Carr said parents and hosts should be careful where they are placed.

“Keep it on a low, stable piece of furniture, not up high on a dresser,” Carr said.

As for flat-screen TVs, Carr said they can be easily toppled so people should take the time to mount them properly.

“We’re not hearing that flat panel TVs that are mounted on a wall are being pulled down,” she said. “It’s more the flat panel TVs that are still on the narrow base that some of them come with.”

Carr said taking the time to check that televisions and any furniture children might sit on are well secured could help prevent Super Bowl parties from ending tragically.

“Take a look at (your) TVs and make sure that they are not in danger of tipping over or being pulled over by a small child in particular,” Carr said.