Most people know how dangerous a plastic bag can be to a baby or young child, but many people have never thought of the danger those looped blind or curtain cords in your house can pose to children.
Unsafe blind and curtain cords
A looped cord can act like a noose and accidentally strangle the child. So, never tie or knot cords together or leave looped cords hanging loosely within reach of children.
If your curtains or blinds have long, looped and dangling cords, you would be well advised to make a plan to reduce their dangerous impact. Keep such cords out of reach of children. This means not placing a cot or play area where a youngster can get hold of it. Another way to achieve this is simply lifting it beyond the reach of a child.
In some countries, corded blind and curtains are covered by a mandatory safety standard, which prescribes that all new blinds and curtains with looped cords have to have a special warning label, warning tag and, depending on the design, a safety device attached so you can remove the hazardous loop from the reach of children. Many new blinds in fact now have two single cords rather than a loop.
South Africa is, thankfully, not as litigious a community as many other countries around the world, but this also means that there are no laws dealing with blind and curtain cords where child safety is concerned. The responsibility lies with you, as it should be, to make sure that exposing them to such health hazards does not endanger your children.
Child safe blinds and curtains
When you buy new blinds or curtains, also install a cleat high on the wall or window frame to keep the cord out of reach if it has a loop. With custom-made window coverings, ask the supplier to show you what safety features they have available.
The hazard of an existing looped blind cord can be removed. Simply cut the loop just above the tassel. Now remove the tassel and equaliser buckle (if any), attach a new tassel to each of the pull-cord ends and knot each cord to hold the tassel. Alternatively, you can use a 'break-through' tassel that gathers the single cords together but separates them easily when a little pressure is applied.
For cords that require a continuous loop, attach a cleat to the wall or window frame near the curtains or blinds and wrap the cord around it, or use a tie-down or tension device to pull the cord tight and secure it to the wall or floor.
Blind / Curtain Cord Child Safety Warning
Looped blind and curtain cords pose a danger to child safety. Take the necessary steps to avoid a tragedy in your home.
It is not that hard. And you won't be able to claim ignorance. You have been warned!
