In support of Child Safety Week, window shutter supplier Shutter Store is urging families to take action on a hidden but serious household hazard: unsecured blind cords.
Each year, children are injured or worse due to accidents involving loose or dangling blind cords. These cords can pose a strangulation risk, especially to toddlers and young children who may become entangled while playing near windows.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), since 2001, looped blind cords have been involved in at least 35 deaths in the UK. Children under five—particularly those aged 16 to 36 months—are most at risk, with the possibility for fatal incidents to occur in as little as 18 seconds.
Despite this, a RoSPA survey found that nearly two-thirds of parents with young children had never received guidance on blind cord safety or proper installation. Although safety standards were updated in 2014, many homes still have non-compliant blinds installed, particularly those fitted before the regulation changes took effect.
To help prevent accidents, Shutter Store recommends that all window blinds with cords be fitted with a cord safety device, also known as a tidy, tensioner or cleat.
Tidies and tensioners should be firmly fixed to an adjoining surface to ensure that the cord or chain is permanently held tight. Cleats should be positioned out of children’s reach on an adjacent surface that is at least 1.5 metres from the floor. After blind use, cords should be fastened up in a figure of eight, making sure all the spare cord is secured on the cleat.
Experts say the following steps should be used as a guideline for blind chord safety:
- Install a cord safety device: Use a cleat, tidy, or tensioner to keep cords taut and secure.
- Fix devices properly: Cleats should be mounted at least 1.5 metres from the floor, and cords should be wrapped in a figure of eight after each use.
- Keep furniture away from windows: Avoid placing cribs, beds, or chairs near blinds where children could climb and reach cords.
- Inspect and upgrade: Regularly check blinds and replace any that don’t meet current safety standards.
“Parents are often vigilant about obvious household hazards like cleaning products, heavy furniture, and electrical sockets,” said Sam Tamlyn, Managing Director at Shutter Store. “But blind cords are frequently overlooked—and they can be just as deadly. A simple cord safety device, which costs less than £5 on Amazon, not only keeps cords tidy but could also save a child’s life.”
By being vigilant and keeping a close eye on items in your home that may pose a safety risk to children, such as electrical appliances, cleaning products, and sharp objects, you can maintain a stress-free and happy home.
