Hints from Heloise

Fri., Dec. 8, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Dear Heloise: According to information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, approximately 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords.

The Window Covering Safety Council, together with the CPSC, has recommended several safety measures. For example, parents should not put furniture such as sofas and cribs by windows where a toddler can easily climb and come in contact with a cord. Holiday decorations are a draw for curious little ones as well, so be sure to keep all decorations away from windows, where children might try to reach for them.

Please urge your readers this holiday season to examine the window cords in their home and take the necessary precautions. It could mean saving a young child’s life. – Peter Rush, executive director, Window Covering Safety Council, New York, N.Y.

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