Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is calling on the community to check that their curtain and blind cords are secure, highlighting the danger the cords can pose to children.
In a statement, CAV said looped curtain and blind cords could strangle children – particularly infants – who could become entangled after reaching for them from the floor, windowsills, or furniture.
“Tragically, unsecured cords claim the lives of one or two Australian children every year,” CAV said.
It said households could make curtain and blind cords safer by installing a curtain and blind cord safety kit which tensioned the cord, “greatly reducing a child’s chance of getting entangled”.
It said people could order the kits for free from CAV or buy them at their local hardware store.
“Check all rooms for blinds or curtains with long cords that are either loose or looped,” Consumer Affairs said.
“This includes any within a child’s reach, at floor level or near furniture they can climb on,” it said.
“It’s particularly important to check older curtains and blinds, dating from before mandatory safety standards were introduced in 2010.”
CAV said renters did not need to seek their rental provider’s permission to install curtain and blind cord safety kits.
Further information on the safety kits can be accessed at this PS News link.
