KC group pushes home safety after tipping TV deaths

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Falling televisions killed four children in the Chicago area just since the fall.

According to the NBC affiliate in Chicago, the children ranged from 1 to 6-years-old.

The deaths come as child safety advocates in Kansas City continue to raise awareness about tipping furniture, televisions and appliances. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says tip over accidents killed 245 children in a 10 year period.

In the most recent case, an older television was sitting on a narrow stand when it fell onto a little boy and fractured his skull. 

But safety advocates in Kansas City say new flat screens can be dangerous too if they aren't properly secured.

A spokesperson for Charlie's House recommends mounting your flat screen to the wall.  If you can't mount it., secure both the television and the furniture to the wall.  You can use safety straps or brackets.

Charlie's House was started after 2-year-old Charlie Horn was killed by a falling dresser in 2007.

"That is the basis of Charlie's House, you never know who it's going to happen to.  Education and awareness and empowering parents to take their children's safety into their own hands is really what it's all about," Maureen Huffer, a spokesperson for Charlie's House.

Charlie's House has a check list and a virtual home on its website ( www.charlieshouse.org/ ) where you can learn how to safety-proof your home for every age of your child.  The organization also holds a monthly gathering called "Charlie's Chat" at a James Engle Custom Home in Overland Park.  The developer allowed the organization to safety proof the home. 

Feel free to pick up a free packet of safety brackets in the 41 Action News Lobby between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  We are located at 4720 Oak Street.