Cite: www.cpsc.gov

“Entanglement and strangulation from older window covering cords are a hidden hazard,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “It is critical that parents be aware of this and replace or repair window coverings purchased before 2001."

Outer pull cord deaths typically involve children ranging in age from 7 months to 6 years. Inner cord deaths typically involve children ranging in age from 9 months to 20 months who are placed in cribs or playpens located within reach of window coverings. In all cases, the children became inadvertently entangled and died from strangulation.

The following are steps consumers can take to help prevent strangulation from window coverings:

* Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.

* Keep all window cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short, and that continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall.

* To prevent inner cord hazards, lock cords into position when lowering horizontal coverings or shades.

* Repair window coverings, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with retrofit cord repair devices, or replace them with today’s safer products.

* Consider installing cordless window coverings in children’s bedrooms and play areas.

Newer window coverings and repaired, older window coverings reduce the risk of strangulation, but they have not fully eliminated the hazard. Long, dangling window cords and chains still pose a strangulation hazard, because young children can wrap the cord around their neck. In addition, consumers should never tie window blind cords or chains together because the knot creates a new loop, in which a young child could become entangled.