CPSC's First Twitter Chat: #TVSafety
Starting at 7 p.m. EST on Feb. 16, it concerns televisions and other objects that can fall on children, causing deaths or serious injuries.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission will present its first Twitter chat this week about the problem of children being hurt or killed when objects, such as televisions and furniture, fall on them. In Chicago alone, four children reportedly have died and a fifth was seriously hurt in this way since October 2011, according to the agency's announcement.
"These deaths are preventable! We want to talk with you about simple, inexpensive ways that you can childproof your televisions and furniture," the announcement says. "We're talking practical solutions for your home that can save your child's life."
The live chat beginning at 7 p.m. EST on Feb. 16 (use the hashtag #TVSafety) will feature Dr. Gary A. Smith, M.D., DrPH, who is the director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Smith was one of five recipients of the inaugural Chairman's Circle of Commendation Awards in December 2011 from CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.
The announcement invites participants to join CPSC @OnSafety, Nancy Cowles from @KidsinDanger, and @GaryASmithMD "in a conversation about television safety in your home. Take photos of your TV setups. Show us the TVs and the furniture that they are placed on from different angles. Show us what is anchored and what is not. Do you have straps? No straps? Where do you typically keep the remote control? Post links to the photos on Twitter so we can look and help you.
"Tell your friends. Tell your neighbors. Spreading this information will save some children's lives!"