November 2013
News Release: Harper Government Encourages Parents and Caregivers to "Go Cordless" when Selecting Window Coverings - Working to prevent injury
Since 1986, a total of 36 deaths and 26 reports of near-misses linked to corded window coverings have been reported to Health Canada, with similar rates of incidents per capita being reported in the United States. The majority of reported incidents involve children between the ages of 10 months and three years.
Children can become entangled in blind cords, which can quickly lead to strangulation and even death.
Strangulation can occur when children:
- place their heads through a cord loop;
- wrap a single long cord around their neck; or,
- pull inner cords out of the window covering, creating a strangulation hazard.
Health Canada warns that any type of blind cord, such as cords on the side, inside, or on the back of the window covering, is a strangulation risk for children. The safest window coverings are ones that have no cords that you can see or touch. Removing corded window coverings is the best way to keep your children safe.
If you cannot replace your corded window coverings, Canadians can reduce the risk of serious injury by always keeping cords up high and out of the reach of children. In addition, be sure to:
- Never place cribs, beds, and playpens or furniture that a child can climb near a window where a child could reach a cord.
- Securely attach tension devices supplied with corded window coverings to the wall so children can't place the cord around their neck.
- Install a cleat or tie-down device up high on the wall and use it to keep cords out of reach of children.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and read all warnings.
Health Canada strongly advises Canadian parents and caregivers to take steps to protect children from the dangers posed by blind cords.
For more information, please visit the Blind cord safety page on the Healthy Canadians website.
