October is Window Covering Safety Month

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has designated October as Window Covering Safety Month. Kids and cords simply do not mix. Each month in the United States a child dies as a result of becoming entangled in a window-covering cord. The danger of window-covering cords is not fully appreciated and is often times concealed. Window covering cords which are accessible to children pose a real threat of strangulation to young children throughout the country. Parents and caregivers must act to prevent this very real hazard from harming children. The most important thing that can be done is to only utilize cordless window coverings. If that is not an option, the next best thing that can be done is to use coverings with cords that are not accessible to children, especially in their homes and in facilities where they visit.

It is critical to keep in mind that strangulation deaths and life-threatening injuries involving window-covering cords have involved children as old as nine years of age, more often occur in bedrooms and living rooms, and such incidents happen rapidly and quietly.

The following are some helpful guidelines from the CPSC on ways to keep kids safe and prevent window covering cords strangulation:

  • In homes where children of tender years live, cordless or inaccessible cord window coverings should be used.
  • Parents should examine all window coverings in their home to look for accessible cords.
  • Cribs and beds and even sofas should not be placed near windows if young children live in the home and/or if young children visit the home.
  • Window coverings should be checked regularly to make sure that cords are out of reach of young children.

For more information, please visit the following link on the CPSC website:  https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Window-Covering.

The personal injury lawyers in Pennsylvania at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., are concerned for the safety of children, young adults and families in Reading, Berks County, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, and throughout Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.  The injury lawyers at the firm handle claims for serious injury and death caused by the negligence of others and by unsafe and dangerous products.  The law firm also handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, and motor cycle accidents, as well as medical malpractice and workers’ comp cases.

From the desk of Adam K. Levin, Esquire.

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