Furniture Safety

During the days and weeks prior to what would have been my daughter's 8th birthday, I found myself looking through her photos and once again that immense grief and sadness found its way to the surface of my soul. I find that with each approaching anniversary, birthday and holiday those thoughts and feelings which I so conveniently push deep into my being, manage to creep their way to the surface.  I miss my Katie with my whole being. It is during these times that I allow myself to openly grieve, to cry and to feel sorry for myself.  Although I manage to keep most feelings inside, hidden behind the facade of a busy mom, allowing my tears to fall keeps me healthy. 

I created this Montage for Katie's 8th birthday.  It's emotion-filled and touching, at least for me.  If you do watch it, please pass it along to anyone you know who has a child.

I thank you.

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=92982c943697be9035f8ab&skin_id=800&large&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=embed

Memorial Butterfly Release

On August 8, The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation hosted a Memorial Butterfly Release on the campus of Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia. During the days preceding the event we gave the public the opportunity to register to release a butterfly in memory of a loved one. We had an amazing turnout and feel so blessed to have been given the chance to share with others the peace and comfort that butterflies have given to us in the past. Jeanes Hospital, an acute-care facility located in Northeast Philadelphia provided the Foundation this wonderful oppopportunity, and for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you especially to Linda Grass, Dr. Andrea McCoy and Barbara Buford.  Several hundred people came out that warm, Saturday afternoon to watchthe grace and beauty of Monarchs taking over the sky.

In addition to the butterflies, several other organizations provided education in their areas of expertise. We would like to thank: The Alzheimer's Association,   The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Autism Society,  SafeKids,  Lulus Lullaby,  Burholme Ambulance, and The Philadelphia Fire Company, Engine 56 for coming out and spending the afternoon with us.

We would also like to thank Parents Express and Montgomery Newspapers, especially Daniel Kaye, who was instrumental in arranging our first meeting with Jeanes Hospital. Thank you! 

We would also like to thank all of the volunteers whose dedication and support continue to amaze us.  Without you we could not have made it happen.

There was plenty to do for the kids as Chippy the Clown provided entertainment and of course, there were plenty of crafts and lots of facepaintings to choose from.

As the event approached and even during the day itself I found myself answering a question which had been asked of me several times.  The question was, Why release butterflies? I took it for granted that everyone knew the meaning and symbolization of butterflies. That question....when first asked, really surprised me and took me off guard. Butterflies hold a special meanings for not only me but for many. For me, I need to feel that my daughter's spirit continues to soar and is around me, all the time.  During the Spring and Summer months, butterflies give me the sense of peace and comfort that she is still with me, beautiful, fragile and magnificence, like the little girl she was.

By opening up the Memorial Butterfly Release to the public, it is our hope that others who may be overcome with grief or perhaps would just like to remember a loved one, would feel comforted by the sight of these beautiful creatures. 

May their souls soar with the butterflies.

Come Meet Us!

On August 3, The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation will participate in the Pre-Night Out from 6PM to 10PM in the Target parking lot in Abington. 

The Abington Police Department, Town Watches, and R.E.A.C.T.(Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams) will sponsor the tenth annual Pre-Night Out on August 3 This block-party style event draws thousands of people from the community to stroll among special attractions, displays, and information booths and enjoy food, fun, and entertainment.  This evening raises public awareness of National Night Out on August 4 when neighborhoods across

America

are asked to “Give Crime A Going-Away Party” by turning on porch lights and sitting outside to emphasize the need for citizens to remain aware, alert, and involved.

 

Please come out, support your community and visit The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation's booth where you can learn about furniture/Television safety and other childproofing pointers.

 

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there on Augus 3rd.

Word's getting out

 I picked up on of my favorite little magazines Bottom Line Personal, I like it because they have great stories and tips about money, health and life in general. The articles are short, which caters well to my ADD..

Anyway, I took my magazine up to my office (read: Bathroom) for a little sit down (I know,, too much information..) and I was suprised to see this little mention:

Injuries from falling Televisions are on the rise among children age nine and under-sometimes because TV's are pulled or pushed by children or tipped over when a child is climbing. Theory: In recent years, heavier and larger tip prone TV'S have increased in popularity. Self Defense: Strap a TV to a stable stand, or mount it to a wall

Study by researchers at Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at nationwide Childrens Hospital, Columbus Ohio, Published in Clinical Pediatrics

Although I disagree with their theory, (If anything, with the development of flat screen TV's, televisions are less tip prone and less heavy. I believe its the older, displaced, cathode ray (tube) TV'S which are being relocated into kids rooms, other rooms, and not being put on suitable TV stands) I applaud them for republishing this story. Just another avenue to get the word out

I think it would be interesting if we could ask the researchers the average age of the televisions in the deaths that they studied. I have a feeling you will find that their are more older than newer

Keep spreading the word, we can make a difference...

Rich Pierce

Nick's dad

Child Safety Poster

We are excited to introduce our new child safety poster created and designed by the members of The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation.It is our hope that this poster will be displayed prominently in most pediatrician offices, daycares, schools, etc. throughout the country.  If you would like to help raise awareness of the dangers of unsecured furniture/televisions and distribute our brochures and posters, please contact us at info@furnituresafety.org.  Together, we can help reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with furniture tip-over.

To view our poster please click here.  

Thank you,

jUDY

SAVE THE DATE

On August 8th The Katie Elise Lambert Foundation will hold a Memorial Butterfly Release on the campus of Jeanes Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia.  We are so excited that Temple University's Jeanes Hospital has decided to host our event and are looking for to working with them in the next couple of months.

During our event the public will have a chance to come release monarch butterflies in memory of loved ones near and dear to their hearts.  It is our hope to be able to release over 100 butterflies which will create a sea of beauty in the summer sky.

Please check our website Katieeliselambert.org for updates on this wonderful event.

Thank you,

Judy 

New ASTM Furniture Tip-over Standards

After 4 years the http://www.astm.org/ ASTM adopted the furniture tip-over standards that we have been fighting for. Please take a moment to read the Consumer Reports Blog; http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2009/05/furniture-tipover-tv-tipover-astm-standard.html and view the video. Thank you to Katie, Meghan, Chloe, and the hundreds of other children whose lives were lost by furniture tip-over but whose names will live on forever. Other children will be safe because of them.

Old Navy

OLD NAVY
 
A couple of weeks ago I stopped in our local Old Navy store, http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/home.do?ssiteID=ON to check out their summer clothing for kids. It had been a couple of months since the last time I went into the store as most of my shopping had been online. I was pleasantly surprised to see that OLD NAVY had set up a small play area for children while parents shopped. A small table with crayons and coloring sheets sat not to far from an UNSECURED TV. High atop an old AV cart ON WHEELS sat an older unsecured TV on an unsecured stand. When I say older, by definition I am saying not a flat screen. Of course my daughter was immediately attracted to Disney movie conveniently playing on it. I lead her to a chair, reminded her not to go near the TV and set her up coloring. I kept my eye not only on my 5 year old daughter but the other child who was watching the movie as well. Of course after seeing that unstable set up I could not concentrate on clothes shopping. I did what I could , gathered up Shaylyn and headed for the cashier while repeating to myself how I would approach the subject to the employee. I was grateful for the long wait in line because it gave me more time to become comfortable with what I would say. When my turn came I handed the clothing to the young man and proceeded to inform him that the TV on the old cart was an accident waiting to happen. He nervously chuckled and expressed his misunderstanding. I went on to inform him that the TV was too high, it was not secure and the cart was on wheels. Then I informed him that my daughter had been killed in a furniture tip-over accident and I had just wanted to let him know of the safety hazard. I handed him our brochure, paid for my merchandise, thanked him and walked out. The whole ride home I questioned myself whether I did the right thing or not. I realized then that I should have spoken with a manager.

I eventually sent an email to their customer service department explaining the danger of furniture tip-over, the injury and death statistics and the story of my Katie. I mentioned that both TARGET and IKEA in our area both anchor their furniture in their stores.

I received two return phone calls. Old Navy's customer service representatives/supervisor were wonderful to speak with. They expressed genuine concern and an interest in protecting their customers. I was thanked profusely for bringing the danger to their attention and that they were presently writing a safety policy. Thank you OLD NAVY for helping to protect children and taking our mission seriously.

FAQS regarding Furniture tip-over - April 29, 2009

 Question 1. My furniture is a high-end, well-made expensive piece. Can it still tip?

A. ABSOLUTELY. YES. Every piece of freestanding furniture, large appliance and television has the capability of tipping. All it takes is for a child to pull on or stand in an open drawer or on a shelf to cause it to topple over. No PIECE OF FURNITURE OR TELEVISION IS SAFE UNLESS IT'S PROPERLY SECURED TO THE WALL.

Question 2. Do I need to secure my furniture directly into a stud in the wall or is securing it into drywall sufficient?

A. Neither sheetrock nor drywall is strong enough to withstand the possible torpedo-like fall that an unsecured piece of furniture may cause. The stud in a wall is built to hold the wall and roof of your home. All furniture, large appliances and televisions must be properly secured to a stud in the wall.

Question 3. My television is extremely heavy and I need my husband to move it when I clean. My child can't possibly tip this, or can she?

A. ABSOLUTELY! Many times televisions are placed on stands which are inappropriately sized for the TV. Any sudden movement can cause the TV and stand to crash forward. (If unable to have a newer, flat screen TV which is properly anchored to the wall, then make sure that TVs are placed on stands which are appropriate for its size. Stands should be very low to the ground and the TVS should be pushed as far back as possible on the stand and both the stand and television properly secured to the wall. ) DO NOT PLACE TVS ON TOP OF DRESSERS. DON'T PLACE ITEMS WHICH MAY TEMPT A CHILD TO CLIMB ON TOP OF THE TELEVISION.

B. Properly secure all stands/TV's to the floor or to a stud in wall.

Question 4. My children are older and out of the climbing age. They sit on the floor in front of the TV now and play video games. They're safe, right?

A. Wrong. Many deaths have resulted from older children as they sat in front of the TV playing video games. Many Older televisions are front heavy and any slight movement, whether changing a game, turning it on or off or the excited kick from a child could easily result in both the stand and television to crash forward onto the child.
B. If unable to secure a newer flat screen directly to your wall, then push the television as far back as possible on its stand. Make sure the stand is low to the ground and appropriate for the size of the Television. Properly secure the TV to the stand and to a stud in the wall.

Question 5. My child’s dresser sits low to the ground and it isn't very tall. Does it still need to be secured?

Absolutely! All freestanding furniture, large appliances and televsions need to be properly secured to the wall regardless of size. If the child opens a drawer and pulls on it or stands in it, the furniture could become a front-heavy torpedo. The innocent, unsuspecting child becomes a victim.

Question 6. The risk is so low my child will die; do I really need to be concerned?

A. Unless you want to bury your own child. YES!! No parent who has lost a child expected it to happen to them. Why not do everything you can to keep them safe? We never thought it would happen to us either. It happens to an average of 16 children every year. Don’t let it happen to you.

Question 7. I have taught my child NEVER to climb on the furniture, so I don't need to worry, right?

A. WRONG. Play is the work of children. Even if your child parrots back the “rules” to you, it doesn’t mean they will follow them when playing or when they REALLY want to get that (fill in the blank). Kids think they're invincible and don't recognize danger when they're in the moment. It's our job as parents to make their environments as safe as possible.

Question 8. I never leave my child alone and even if something happened I’d be able to save them, right?

A. Even the best parent is never truly within arms reach of their child all the time. There have been parents who were standing in the same room as their child when a piece of furniture or television fell. It takes just a second for furniture to tip, not enough time to stop the crash.

Question 9. Won’t securing furniture and TV’s to the wall cause damage to them and look bad?

A. Are your walls and possessions more precious to you then your child? If not, why do you ask?

Sure, small holes will be put in walls and furniture or strong adhesive put on televisions, or walls, or furniture. Yes, it might reduce the resale value but does it really matter that much? Tethering devices can almost always be installed so they're not seen. Holes in objects can be repaired. Your heart, when broken because your child has died, cannot ever be fixed. Which do you prefer?

Question 10. If falling furniture is such a danger, why aren't there warning labels saying so on the furniture in the stores and why are devices to secure them to the wall not readily available at my local store?

A. Excellent question, we wondered the same thing. It's why we’ve been working tirelessly with our US House of Representatives, local government, the CPSC, and ASTM (an international standards organization) to see to it that warnings are included and that the tethering devices are included with at risk pieces of furniture and televisions and sold at all the places other childproofing items are. In the meantime, our Web sites have information on what and where to buy and what the risks are.

The Expo - April 24, 2009

A few pictures from the event.

I cannot figure out why my blogging time has been cut down so much. I've been home for a couple of months now and it seems that I'm busier now than when I was working full-time. Why is that?

For the past several weeks I have been preparing to participate in the Baby & Toddler Expo which was held last weekend. We spent some time writing new brochures, gathering volunteers and ordering give-aways for the children. The event was successfull in that we met many parents, parents -to -be who still were not aware of the dangers of furniture tip-over. Most were very receptive to our mission and I feel that for those who were learning about this type of danger for the first time, they were taking our warnings to heart.

Some people had heard about us at one time or another and thanked us for what we were doing. One mom cried with me, for my little girl and for her children who remained safe.
I think I can say that as compared to our first shows 4 years ago, more people were aware of the danger and their furniture was secured. This makes me feel good.

Now, for the rest???? Maybe if the pediatricians would come on board and start mentioning furniture tip-over during well-baby, well-child visits...then perhaps more parents would be aware.

Did you all know that over 42,000 people were injured in 2006 from furniture tip-over? 42,000!!! That's an extreme amount. 16 people yearly die as a result of falling furniture. Out of the 180 deaths from 2000 to 2006...80% were to children. PEDIATRCIANS Where are you?

Sorry for the rant.

A few pictures from the event.