The Technical Regulatory Division within the MCCAA joins a global consumer awareness campaign aimed at informing consumers about persistent, hidden and severe dangers associated with corded window coverings, such as blinds and curtains, and encouraging preventative action in homes, including vacation homes or holiday dwellings where young children live or visit.

Unsafe window covering cords and children, particularly those under the age of three, can become a deadly mix. Consequences of entanglement in unsafe window covering cords can be deadly due to strangulation, which can lead to death in two to three minutes. Strangulation deaths and injuries can occur anywhere in a house where an unsafe corded window covering is installed.

For safe use, one has to examine all shades and blinds for accessible cords on the front, side and back. Cribs, beds and furniture should never be placed next to windows because children can climb on them and gain access to window covering cords.

One can avoid such incidents when cords are tied up or use one of the many safety devices such as cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties that are readily available. Child-safe window blinds are also available on the market today. The MCCAA will be spreading more awareness online at https://www.facebook.com/MaltaCompetitionandConsumerAffairsAuthority/?fref=ts&em=1.