Unsecured TVs pose danger for children

Since 2000, TV tip-overs have killed 267 children and hurt more than 11,000.

About half of those hurt were under 3 years old.

Sylvia Santiago’s daughter, Janiya, died a week after a TV fell on her. The toddler did what so many children do - crawled out of bed early one morning and went into the next room.

"The next thing I know I heard the TV coming down,” Santiago said. “I immediately picked this huge TV up and just threw it."

The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns about putting a TV on a dresser or other furniture that a child can easily access.

"And it's not just the older tube TVs that can fall over. The newer larger flat panel TVs can also be a danger," said Jim Willcox of Consumer Reports.

Experts recommend securing televisions.

"Make sure that the stand or furniture is sturdy and appropriate for the size and weight of the TV, and place the set as far back as you can on the stand," Willcox said.

Anchor the TV to the furniture as well. If the furniture could tip over, attach it to the wall.

Sylvia Santiago does not want other families to go through the same horror she has experienced.

"I now have an almost 2-year-old son who will never know who his sister is,” she said. “Strap your televisions down. Strap your furniture down."