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Sep 18, 2008 10:44 am US/Eastern
Window Blinds' Inner Cords Pose Strangulation Risk
Pull Cords On Window Blinds And Draperies Have Been A Known Strangulation Hazard For Children
DAVIE (CBS4) ―
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These blinds were confiscated by crime scene investigators in the death of Jean Serrano.
It happened in just a few seconds. Life for the Serrano family will never be the same. Last Saturday, their three-year old boy was killed by a cord from a window blind wrapped around his neck. John Serrano died in an accident that could have been prevented.
In recent years, new improvements have been made to window blinds and shades to make cords safer.
Elliot Goldenberg manages
A Shade Above Window Coverings. He told
CBS4 Reporter Liv Davalos that manufacturers are now making blinds and shades with single cords that retract out of a toddler's reach. They have even come up with motorized and cordless window coverings.
"We sell a lift system shade where all you have to do is push the shade up without using a cord," Goldenberg said.
If you find you have blinds with cords a child can get caught in, all you need is a pair of scissors. Goldenberg suggests you should snip the cord so you have two seperate cords and just add a tassel to each end.
Cord cleats are also a good idea and easy to install. Goldenberg's establishment offers them to anyone who walks into his showroom free of charge.
On the heels of last weekend's tragedy, fire rescue officials agree that along with constant supervision, it's always suggested to childproof one's home.
October is National Window Coverings Safety Month and parents are urged to check their window coverings to keep children safe.
Nearly 800 children have died over the past 35 years from strangulation by a window blind cord.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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