Anchor dressers, bookcases and TVs, fix window cords, and add cabinet locks. A handyman checklist based on CPSC guidance.
Anchor every dresser, bookcase and TV to the wall, replace corded window coverings with cordless ones, and put latches on cabinets that hold medicine and cleaners. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends all three. A handyman can do the anchoring and latches, and can patch the holes later.
Why anchor furniture and TVs?
The CPSC's Anchor It! campaign says anchoring all furniture with drawers, doors and shelves to the wall prevents tip-over injuries and deaths. The CPSC's childproofing guide says deaths and injuries happen when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on TV stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and ranges.
The guide says to anchor these products to the floor or attach them to a wall. It also says free-standing ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets.
What do you need to anchor a piece?
Anchor It! lists a furniture and TV anchoring kit, a drill and bit, a screwdriver and a stud finder. It says to tug on the straps afterward to confirm everything is secure. The campaign has a step-by-step install guide.
What a handyman adds is judgment about the wall. Plaster, brick and some older walls on the North Shore need different fasteners than standard drywall, and a stud finder does not always read plaster well. We will check the wall type before choosing hardware. See repairing older North Shore homes.
Anchor It! also covers what to do with the holes when you move or redecorate. We patch and paint those as part of a move-out list.
What about window cords?
The CPSC says young children can quickly and silently become strangled on pull cords, continuous loop cords and inner cords, and that cordless window coverings are the safest option. The same release says about nine children under 5 die every year from strangulation in window coverings with cords.
If you cannot replace them, the CPSC lists these steps:
- Make pull cords as short as possible
- Keep all cords out of children's reach
- Make sure cord stops are installed and adjusted
- Anchor continuous-loop cords to the floor or wall
- Move cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and cords, preferably to another wall
A handyman can swap blinds and install the cord tensioners. For custom or motorized treatments, go back to the installer who sold them.
Where do cabinet locks go?
The CPSC says to use safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas, to keep children from medicines, laundry detergent, household cleaners, matches, lighters, knives and other sharp objects. It also says even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away, and to look for latches that adults can install and use easily but that hold up to pulls and tugs.
Two cautions from the same guide: no device is completely childproof, and devices must be properly installed and reengaged after each use. If a child may have swallowed something, call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.
What else is on the CPSC list that a handyman can do?
From the same guide:
- Safety gates. For the top of stairs, only use gates that screw to the wall. Pet gates are not child gates.
- Window guards. Window screens are not effective at preventing falls, and openings should be limited to four inches or less. At least one window in each room should still open easily for escape in a fire.
- Outlet covers. If you are replacing receptacles, the CPSC says to use a tamper-resistant type. Receptacle swaps are electrical work and go to a licensed electrician.
- Smoke and CO alarms. The CPSC lists them for every level and outside sleeping areas.
- Water heater temperature. The CPSC says it can be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Water heater work beyond a thermostat setting goes to a licensed plumber.
- Corner and edge bumpers on sharp furniture and hearth edges.
What should you send us?
A list of the pieces to anchor with room names, photos of each wall behind them, and the type of window coverings you have. Tell us the ages of the children so we can ask the right questions.
FAQ
Do I need to anchor a short dresser?
Anchor It! says to anchor all furniture with drawers, doors and shelves.
Are cordless blinds required?
We are not citing a legal requirement here. The CPSC recommends cordless window coverings for homes with young children.
Will the anchor holes damage my wall?
They leave small holes. Anchor It! has repair tips, and we can patch and paint them when you move out.
Can you fix a gas range tip-over?
We can install an anti-tip bracket on a freestanding range. Gas line work goes to a licensed plumber.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
