How often have we let our children play in close proximity to us with the safe knowledge that they are in a safe environment at our home? Well, this video clearly shows that when blind chords are involved the dangers are deadly.
The video, released by Public Health Agency in the UK shows a happy family meeting for a meal together when the toddler wanders off and starts getting entangled in a blind chord.
The toddler is only saved when a passer-by spots the child struggling through the window and bashes on the door, warning his parents.
Dr Daniel McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, said: ‘Internal window blinds can pose a big risk to children between the ages of 16 months and 36 months.’In Northern Ireland there have been three blind cord deaths in the past three years and at least 31 children have died in the UK since 1999.
Mary Black, assistant director of health and social well-being improvement for the PHA, said: ‘It is impossible to watch over our children 24 hours a day so it is essential that we take time to make the home environment as safe as possible.
Here are some key steps to help make your home safer for toddlers.
- Make sure blind cords and chains can’t be reached by children
- Move cots, beds and furniture away from windows
- Always look for blinds that have an in-built safety device
- Install looped control chains on home blinds
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