A Mother’s Mission Turns into Legislation
After the tragic loss of her daughter Megan to a furniture tip-over incident in 2004, Kimberly Amato dedicated nearly two decades of her life to advocacy, culminating in a new furniture safety law. Her relentless efforts have led to the implementation of the STURDY Act, designed to prevent such accidents from happening to other families.
The STURDY Act: A New Era of Furniture Safety
Passed by Congress in December 2022, the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act, known as the STURDY Act, came into effect on September 1, 2023. This legislation requires that all newly manufactured clothing storage units, like dressers, meet stringent stability standards and include anchoring kits to secure the furniture to walls.
Existing Furniture Still Poses Risks
Despite the new law, parents are warned that furniture made before September 1 may still be on sale and pose a tip-over risk. Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger, advises parents to anchor all furniture, regardless of its manufacturing date, to ensure child safety.
Affordable Solutions for Furniture Anchoring
Furniture anchoring kits, an essential tool in preventing tip-overs, are both affordable and easy to install. Available at hardware stores for around £10, these kits can be installed similarly to hanging a picture frame, offering a simple yet effective measure to secure furniture and protect children.
The Human Cost of Unanchored Furniture
Statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlight the grim reality of furniture tip-overs, with at least 234 children’s deaths recorded between 2000 and April 2022. An average of 5,300 children per year are treated in emergency rooms due to such accidents. The STURDY Act seeks to significantly reduce these numbers.
Ensuring Safety in New Purchases
When buying new furniture, consumers are urged to inquire if the items meet the latest safety requirements (ASTM F2057-23) under the STURDY Act. For further guidance on anchoring furniture, resources are available at anchorit.gov, providing crucial information to help safeguard children against tip-over incidents.