Coroner Urges Parents: Be Aware of This ‘Silent Killer of Children’

"The cords are lethal and silent killers of babies and young children which lurk in homes of parents and carers of young children." "I, as coroner for Northern Ireland, urge and plead with each and every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, child minder, landlord or carer of children to double check each and every blind in your home,"

According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland, there are some steps you can take to retro-fit your old blinds to make them safe. Here are some tips: • Cords ending in a loop are particularly risky. Cut the cord to get rid of the loop and install tassels. • Cords should end at least 1.6 metres above the ground so children cannot reach them. Replace cords with curtain or blind wands. • Where cords cannot be cut, a tie down or tension device can be used to pull the cord tight and secure it to the floor or wall. • Never put a cot, bed, high chair or play pen near a window or patio door where a child can reach a curtain or blind cord. • Keep sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases away from windows to prevent children climbing up and reaching curtain or blind cords.