Guest Author - Paula Petrie

From 1991 through 2004, about 200 strangulation deaths involving the cords and chains on window coverings have been reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Strangulation can occur when young children become entangled in the inner or outer cord on a window covering. Most of the reported strangulation deaths involved the outer pull cords. However, at least 20 of these deaths involved the inner cords which run down through horizontal blinds.

"Entanglement and strangulation from older window covering cords are a
hidden hazard," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "It is critical
that parents be aware of this and replace or repair window coverings
purchased before 2001."

Outer pull cord deaths typically involve children ranging in age from 7
months to 6 years. Inner cord deaths typically involve children ranging
in age from 9 months to 20 months who are placed in cribs or playpens
located within reach of window coverings. In all cases, the children
became inadvertently entangled and died from strangulation.

The following are steps consumers can take to help prevent strangulation
from window coverings

Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window
cords, preferably to another wall.

Keep all window cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that
tasseled pull cords are short, and that continuous-loop cords are
permanently anchored to the floor or wall.

To prevent inner cord hazards, lock cords into position when lowering
horizontal coverings or shades.

Repair window coverings, corded shades and draperies manufactured
before 2001 with retrofit cord repair devices, or replace them with
today's safer products.

Consider installing cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms
and play areas, such as curtains that do not use a pull cord or a pull down blinds.

Newer window coverings and repaired, older window coverings reduce the
risk of strangulation, but they have not fully eliminated the hazard.
Long, dangling window cords and chains still pose a strangulation
hazard, because young children can wrap the cord around their neck. In
addition, consumers should never tie window blind cords or chains
together because the knot creates a new loop, in which a young child
could become entangled.

Consumers possessing window coverings purchased before 2001 can obtain a
free repair kit from the Window Covering Safety Council through the Web site
www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 504-4636