Tragically, there have been 571 reported window-covering strangulations since 1986 but what is more alarming is that 49% of total incidents went unreported. In 1 year alone, there were 1,590 reported injuries involving entanglements on window covering cords, according to the CPSC.
The culprit: Horizontal window blinds.
Here are even more harrowing stats from CPSC:
Of patients who were dead on arrival or died in the emergency department:
- 65% – 5 y/o
- 35% – 3y/o
A breakdown of hospitalizations:
- 1 year old- 59%
- 3 year old – 3%
- 4 year old – 38%
- Ages 6 – 8 years old suffered less severe injuries.
Souce: PFWBS.org
What can parents do to help prevent these accidents?
- Check your window blinds and replace any dangerous cords with cordless
- Ensure caregivers have child-safe window coverings – click here
Additional safety tips:
- Inspect window blinds at home
- Use cordless window coverings
- Ensure no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of any blind
- Cribs should not be placed near to windows as even young kids will climb to reach the cords.
- If you are not able to change to cordless blinds, always ensure loose cords not accessible to children.