Children Can Strangle in Window Covering Cords

CPSC Document #5030

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Safety Council are joining with major manufacturers, importers, and retailers across the United States to warn parents and caregivers that young children can become entangled and strangle in pull cords for window coverings. CPSC is aware of at least 140 deaths since 1981. With the continuing number of strangulation deaths, CPSC is re-issuing this warning which was first issued in 1985.

Window covering cords are one of the products most frequently associated with strangulation of children under five. The younger victims, usually between 10 to 15 months of age, typically are in cribs which have been placed near window covering pull cords. Although a few older children, usually from two to four years old, find cords hanging near the floor, most of these victims become entangled in cords while climbing on furniture to look out the window. Entanglement and strangulation can occur when a child is alone in a room for only a short time.

The Commission and the Window Covering Safety Council urge parents to eliminate the loop in two-corded horizontal blinds, and pleated and cellular shades by using any of the following technical fixes:

Horizontal Blinds

• Cut the cord above the tassel, remove the equalizer buckle, and add a separate tassel at the end of each cord, or
  
  
• Cut the cord above the tassel, remove the equalizer buckle, and add a breakaway tassel which will separate if a child becomes entangled in the loop.
  
  

Pleated or Cellular Shades

• Leave the cord stop near the headrail in place. Cut the cord above the tassel and add a separate tassel at the end of each cord. Warning: When shades are raised, a loop will appear above the cord stop. Keep cord out of the reach of children.
  
  

Vertical Blinds, Continuous Loop Systems, and Drapery Cords

• Install a cord tie-down device. Permanently attach and use the tiedown to floor, wall, or window jamb.
  
  
• Keep all window covering cords out of the reach of children. Unless the cords can be completely removed from a child's reach, including when a child climbs on furniture, CPSC recommends against knotting or tying the cords together which creates a new loop for a child to become entangled.
  
  
• Replacement safety tassels are available free of charge at window covering retailers. Consumers can call (800) 506-4636 to find the location of the nearest store or to order free tassels.
  
  
• CPSC also recommends that when you install window coverings, adjust the cords to their shortest length possible. When you order new custom window coverings, specify that you want a short cord.
  
  

To report incidents or injuries relating to a consumer product, consumers should call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free hotline number at (800) 638-2772. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is available at (800) 638-8270. Consumers can obtain recall information and report product hazards by the INTERNET at info @cpsc.gov.

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