Don't be blind to risk to kids

Two children die each year in the UK after becoming caught up in blind cords. Research from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows children aged between 16 and 36 months are most likely to be involved in an accident with the majority of incidents happening when they are around 23 months old. Most accidental deaths involving blind cords happen in a bedroom.

There are a number of practical, simple precautions that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of children being strangled by looped cords:

• Install cordless blinds, particularly in a child’s bedroom, where most deaths have happened
• Do not place a child’s cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window
• Keep pull-cords on curtains and blinds short and out of reach
• Tie up the cords or use one of the many cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties that are available.

Jennifer Henderson, RoSPA Scotland’s home safety officer says:

“With blinds already fitted in so many homes, it’s important to raise awareness of the danger and how these accidents can be prevented. We understand that people will not necessarily be able to change all the blinds and curtains in their homes, but there are simple and inexpensive ways of reducing the risks”.

East Lothian Community Planning Partnership is working with RoSPA to distribute 2,500 “Make it Safe” packs across the county. The packs include an advice leaflet and a blind cord cleat with fixing instructions. The packs will be distributed through health visitors, childminders, nurseries and playgroups. 

Tranent-based home safety organisation Carefree Kids will also be distributing the Make it Safe materials as part of its existing Home Safety Packs.

To make your home a safer place contact Carefree Kids for a free Make it Safe pack on 01875 615 423.