Danger! Children Can Strangle On Blind And Curtain Cords (Pamphlet)

2005
ISBN: H46-2/05-413
Cat. No.: 0-662-68923-2

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Keep the Cords High and Out of Reach!

Cords from blinds and curtains can be dangerous to babies and young children.

More than 20 deaths from children strangling on cords from blinds and curtains have been reported to Health Canada since 1989. Most of these children were under the age of 3.

The cords from blinds and curtains present 2 main strangulation hazards:

• cords forming a loop in which a child can get caught
• long cords being wrapped around a child's neck

Whether blinds or curtains are new or old, do not leave cords hanging.

Keep the cords high and out of the reach of children.

Safety Tips

• Cut the cords short when blinds are fully down or when curtains are fully closed.
• Whether the blind is up or down, make sure children cannot reach the cords. Tie them out of reach.
• Never put a crib, bed, high chair or playpen near a window or a patio door where a child can reach the blind or curtain cord and strangle.
• Do not put sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near windows, this will prevent children from climbing up to reach the blind or curtain cord.

Remove the loop in the cord by cutting the cord in half. Then, put plastic tassels or a break-away device at the end of the cords.

For vertical blinds install tie-downs. You can buy these devices at hardware or department stores. When installing tie-downs, follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with the product. Make sure that the tie-down device is securely attached to the wall beside the window.

Wrap the cord around a cleat or 2 nails or screws that you have attached to the wall near the top of the blinds or curtains, high and out of the reach of children.

Use a clip, clothes pin, or a big twist tie to keep the cord high and out of the reach of children.

For more information contact Product Safety, Health Canada, at:

Blind and Curtain Cords