Keep Toddlers Away From "Lethal" Blind Cords

Parents have been warned to protect their children from window blind cords.

The "potentially lethal" cords are being highlighted for Home Accident Prevention Week as research has shown that most accidental cords involving blind cords happen in the bedroom to children of between 16 and 36 months.

A spokesman from Home Accident Prevention (HAP) NI said: "Thousands of homes in Northern Ireland may contain a potentially lethal trap for children, especially those under the age of three."

A Derry City Council spokesman said: "These toddlers are mobile, but their heads weigh proportionately more than their bodies compared to adults and their muscular control is not yet fully developed, which makes them more prone to be unable to free themselves if they become entangled. In addition, toddlers' windpipes have not yet fully developed and are smaller and less rigid than those adults and older children. This means that they suffocate far more quickly if their necks are constricted."

Since 1999 at least 22 children have died in the UK as a result of blind cords and it is thought there have been many more near misses which have gone unreported.

Two information sessions have been organized in the Londonderry area for parents or guardians of toddlers.

They will receive practical advice and safety devices at the sessions on Thursday May 31, at Strand Road in Londonderry from 10am to 12.30pm, and at Lisnagelvin Sports Centre from 2pm until 5pm.

The sessions are supported by Derry City Council, HAP NI, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Foyle Home Accident Prevention Group.

For further information contact the Environmental Health Department at Derry City Council on (028) 7136 5151 or visit the RoSPA website at www.rospa.com.

(NE)