Danger: Children Can Strangle on Blind and Curtain Cords (Poster)

Keep the Cords High and Out of Reach!!

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

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.

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.

www.healthcanada.gc.ca/blindcords

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2005

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