Keep window blind cords away from kids
Here's a weekend project that could save a life: if you have babies or small children in your home on a regular basis, check your window coverings to make sure there aren't any cords that could accidentally strangle children.
Kathleen Leeson used to be a foster parent, but I wrote about how Leeson is now directing her energies to getting the word out about the dangers of corded window treatments to other families, to try to prevent accidents like the one that killed her foster son Angel Duenas, 2, in August.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission calls cords on window coverings like roman shades, roller shades and window blinds a top hidden hazard in American households. There have been many recalls of individual versions of these products, including four in October and six in August (search the CPSC site's list of blind, shade and cord recalls here). Children either wrap the cords around their neck, which can get tangled, or they pull cords from inside the mechanism and get caught.
What can you do in your own home to stop similiar tragedies? Start with cordless products ...
... such as these cordless blind options from Blinds.com.
Parents for Window Blind Safety, an advocacy group founded after parents Linda and Matt Kaiser lost a daughter to a cord accident, tells families only cordless products should be used, since the danger is too great.
The CPSC and the Window Coverings Safety Council, an industry group, agree that corded cordless products are best for children's homes. They also recommend keeping furniture -- particularly cribs and bunk beds --- away from windows so children can't reach cords. And they suggest putting loose cords somewhere inaccessible and making loose cords taught. The WCSC also distributes free safety kits for the cords on older blind models.
Curious about what the CPSC considers the other four top hidden household hazards? These include magnets that detach from children's toys and other objects, recalled products, appliances and furniture that tip over onto children and pool or spa drains.
UPDATE: In consultation with parenting blogger Kate over at Charm City Moms, here's some more good advice. It's a good idea to rule out any kind of play that involves things around the neck --- no pretending that someone is a dog on a leash or lassoing someone around the throat during a cowboy activity. That's a broad enough prohibition that older kids should definitely be able to understand.
