CEA Launches National Safety Campaign

25-Oct-00

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced the launch of a national safety education campaign to inform consumers on how to prevent accidental television tip-overs. The campaign gives practical safety tips on using televisions, stands and other consumer electronics equipment properly. ""With home theatre a growing trend, and the number of new televisions and other home entertainment component purchases on the rise, CEA wants to maximize safety in the home,"" said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. ""We are working to ensure that consumers use appropriate furniture so that televisions are safely placed in the home. CEA has joined the retailing and manufacturing industries to create this campaign out of concern for consumers and their families,"" continued Shapiro. ""When it comes to TVs and their stands, one size does not fit all."" Shapiro also noted that consumers should use appropriate furniture stands and sizes to support televisions in addition to using angle braces, straps and anchors to secure furniture to wall studs, if recommended by the manufacturer.CEA also has proactively engaged manufacturers in educational outreach to their customers. Shapiro pointed out that manufacturers are encouraged to sell products that follow voluntary safety standards, to include home safety information with their products and to incorporate CEA's consumer education materials in their displays and store information.CEA offers these additional consumer safety tips: - Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and thoroughly. - Avoid setting items that may distract children, such as VCRs, remote controls, toys and other items, on top of the television.- Do not allow children to climb on or play with furniture and television sets.- Be alert that children might become excited while watching a program and potentially pull a TV over.Last year, CEA formed the Home Entertainment Support Safety Committee, broadly represented by television and consumer electronics, stand, furniture and accessory manufacturers, to proactively address the issue of accident prevention. One of their first objectives was to develop a public awareness campaign that promotes the proper and safe use of televisions and stands. This campaign parallels educational efforts with the manufacturing, retailing and education communities. Core campaign materials include tip sheets, backgrounders, flyers, brochures, messages, news releases and other helpful resources.