How To Protect Your Kids from Window Blind Fatal Accidents

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.