WCSC Reminds Parents to Check Window Covering Pull Cords and Inner Cords for Potential Safety Hazards.NEW YORK New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of -- Many parents know that window coverings made before 2001 may have looped pull cords that pose a strangulation strangulation /stran·gu·la·tion/ (strang?gu-la´shun) 1. choke (2). 2. arrest of circulation in a part due to compression. See hemostasis (2). stran·gu·la·tion n. risk to small children. But they should also be aware that inner cords running through the slats of certain window blinds could be hazardous as well. Since 1991, more than 175 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords. A recent survey conducted for the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC WCSC Window Covering Safety Council WCSC Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center WCSC Women's Coalition of St. Croix WCSC West Carleton Soccer Club (Ottawa, Canada) WCSC World Class Supply Chain WCSC Weapons Control System Coordinator ) revealed that 88% of Americans polled are aware of potential pull-cord risks. Yet only 70% of respondents know that inner cords on outdated window coverings can be just as risky. Pre-2001 inner cords do not feature cord stops, which prevent children from forming loops when pulling on the cord. Inner cords can also pose a risk when vane Vane , John Robert 1927-2004. British pharmacologist. He shared a 1982 Nobel Prize for research on prostaglandins. vane the membranous or main part of the contour feather in birds as distinct from the shaft. pooling--the stacking of excess horizontal blind slats--occurs. This forms bunches of cord that little hands can get at. WCSC is urging parents to replace or retrofit ret·ro·fit v. ret·ro·fit·ted or ret·ro·fit, ret·ro·fit·ting, ret·ro·fits v.tr. 1. To provide (a jet, automobile, computer, or factory, for example) with parts, devices, or equipment not in mini-blinds and pleated shades made before 2001, and to install cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms and play areas. In addition, WCSC recommends the following window-cord safety rules: --Move all cribs Cribs may mean:
--Keep all window pull cords and inner life cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short, that continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall, and that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords. --Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill. --Consider installing cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms and play areas. --Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today's safer products or retrofit them with cord- retrofit devices. The WCSC is a nonprofit organization Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. dedicated to educating consumers about window cord safety. It distributes free looped-cord retrofit kits that can be ordered online at www.windowcoverings.org or by phoning WCSC at 1-800-506-4636. |
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