Toddlers needlessly put at risk by lethal cords

Toddlers are being put needlessly at risk by the ongoing failure of families to ensure potentially lethal looped window blind cords are made safe.

A major new public awareness campaign by the National Consumer Agency made the claim after warning that lessons from a series of tragic deaths have still gone unlearned.

According to the group, two-thirds of families with pre-school children who took part in a 400-person survey on the issue have looped or chain window blind cords.

This type of cord has been central in the deaths of five toddlers in Ireland since 2005. The equipment has also been implicated in a further 10 deaths.

However, one in three of the families with these cords have not done anything to make them safe.

A new public safety video by the NCA has been made to help the one in four families of pre-schoolers who said they do not know how to improve the protection.

However, the NCA’s director of commercial practices and product safety, John Shine, said the information being supplied is in the best interests of all families, and their children.

“Our research shows most parents are very diligent about child-proofing their home by installing stair gates, child locks and plug covers,” he said.

“However, many are unaware of the hidden dangers posed by loose cords and chains on window blinds and curtains. The aim of our campaign is to raise awareness of these dangers and educate parents on the steps they can take to make their windows safe and prevent another tragedy.

“We would encourage parents, and anyone who has small children in their home, even occasionally, to check their blinds and curtains, and watch the [NCA] video to find out how to make them safe.”

* nca.ie