OTHER TECH

SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL People think that only the worst earthquakes pose a threat to a home-entertainment system, but the popularity of top-heavy flat-panel TVs has made even minor quakes a danger. It doesn't take a tremendous amount of energy to cause a flat-panel set to topple down onto its owner. In fact, the National Consumer Product Safety Commission says that falling TVs kill about six children in the U.S. every year. The commission also says that 10 deaths between January and October 2006 had been linked to falling TVs. Always fasten your flat-panel set to the wall with a restraining cord. Better yet: Permanently mount it to an arm or bracket attached directly to the wall studs.

TINY TERRORS We can't talk about danger zones without talking about kids. They might be lovable, but I continue to be amazed by all the ways they find to destroy gear.

I'm glad the days of the VCR are nearly over. The first time I saw the loading tray on a DVD player, I thought about how much harder it would be for kids to stick a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich into it. Many years ago, a member of my family switched to DVD just to avoid having his kids sabotage his VCR. But his son, upset that his Barney tapes wouldn't work in the new player, decided to relieve himself on the 27-inch CRT set. That child was lucky he didn't shock himself in what could have been a very painful experience. But that just goes to show that no matter how much effort you put into protecting your gear, there'll always be something you didn't see coming.

The best advice is to prepare for every possible hazard. If you live in Tornado Alley, follow the earthquake advice and secure your equipment. If you're in a flood zone, you might want to rethink that basement home theater. Regardless of which danger you might be exposed to, your best protection is still just good ol' common sense.