Safety campaign: Parents release heartbreaking final picture of daughter killed in blind cord accident

safety campaign

A GRIEVING family has teamed up with the Echo to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of blind cords.

 

Toddler Sophie Allen died six days after her mother found her tangled in the looped blind cord in the bedroom of her Sunderland home.

At the two-year-old’s inquest last week, the city’s senior coroner Derek Winter heard that 28 children in the UK have been strangled by looped cords since 1999 – 15 in the last four years.

New safety regulations governing the manufacture of blind cords came into force in February but there are still millions of potentially deadly blinds in family homes across the country.

Now Sophie’s devastated parents, Peter Allen and Danielle Hudson, have joined the Echo in trying to prevent future deaths with our campaign For Sophie’s Sake.

The couple watched in agony as medics at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, battled to save Sophie in April. Tragically, all efforts failed and Sophie’s life support was switched off in the early hours of April 26 after scans showed there was no activity in the toddler’s brain.

They said: “Too many children die because of blind cords. They have been banned in America and other countries.

“The reason being, children still have accidents with blind cords when safety devices are fitted. Devices have failed in the past – cord breakers have not snapped and clips on the walls have been able to be pulled off.

“Basically, these safety devices still don’t prevent blind cord accidents.

“The design of the looped cord is wrong – there is no need to continuously pull a corded blind round and round on a loop.”

The parents, from Redhouse, also have a son and daughter, Jayden and Ameila.

They added: “Our campaign is to make people aware and make them safe for the millions of people that already have blinds fitted in their homes.

“However, our view is that eventually we need to get rid of them altogether.

“Cordless blinds are sold for next to nothing in some places, so why are manufacturers still producing corded blinds?

“We have heard that some blind companies are still fitting blinds without the devices, because the customer is refusing to have them in fear of compromising the warranty on fitted windows.”

Echo editor John Szymanski added: “Sophie’s death was a tragedy which could have been avoided.

“We are fully behind Sophie’s family in both raising awareness of this, and helping to stop it happening again, so no other parents have to go through this kind of grief and agony.”

On the morning Sophie died, her parents heard her playing with her brother in their bedroom at their home in Ramillies Road.

Her mum got up to go to the toilet and saw Sophie’s brother standing on his bed and that a storage unit in the bedroom had tipped over.

He told her Sophie was stuck and Ms Hudson assumed she was hiding.

But when she opened the child gate, she noticed a shadow behind the curtain and realised Sophie had the blind cord around her neck.

Her frantic parents tried to resuscitate the unconscious toddler before an ambulance was called.

An inquest in Sunderland heard that Sophie was “a very inquisitive child” and her death was a tragic accident.

 

New measures are welcomed

 

NEW safety regulations governing the manufacture of blind cords came into force in February.

But safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) fears there are still millions of the potentially-deadly blinds in homes across the country.

Charity spokeswoman Sheila Merrill said: “The arrival of the new blind cord standard is a welcome development, because it will help to strengthen the safety of all new blinds and save children’s lives.

“But it is important to stress that there are 200 million blinds already fitted in UK properties. This is why it is important to continue to raise awareness among parents and carers of making sure that looped blind cords are kept out of the reach of children. This can be done by fitting a safety device such as a chain/cord-break connector, chain/cord tidy or cleat.

“We urge people not to place a cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window and only install blinds that do not have a cord, especially in a child’s bedroom.”

 

Support for cause

 

DANIELLE and Peter are supporting another mum who lost her daughter in a blind cord accident.

The couple, who have set up a Facebook page called Blind Cord Safety in the UK, in memory of Sophie, are also in the process of creating a website for their cause, are in touch with Amanda O’Halloran, who lost her 17-month-old daughter Sophia a year ago.

Amanda, from Tirley in Gloucestershire, launched a campaign and petition called Sophia’s Cause, which calls for a ban on all corded blinds being sold.

So far, it has almost 8,000 signatures in support.

 

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/safety-campaign-parents-release-heartbreaking-final-picture-of-daughter-killed-in-blind-cord-accident-1-6666640

‘Inquisitive’ two-year-old girl strangled to death by blind cord after it wrapped around her neck as she looked out of the window.

  • Sophie Allen, 2, was found hanging from a cord in her bedroom

  • Inquest hears cord wrapped around her neck while she looked out of bedroom window

  • Coroner Derek Winter demands more to be done to prevent future deaths

  • Says millions of families could have deadly blind cords in their homes

A coroner has demanded the government do more to improve the safety of blind cords warning millions of homes could still have deadly blinds after a two-year-old girl was strangled to death.

Sophie Allen suffered brain damage after she was found hanging from the blind cord in her bedroom at her home in Sunderland.

At an inquest into her death, it was heard that the inquisitive toddler, who was playing with her brother, is thought to have climbed on to a storage box to look at her pet rabbits out of the window.
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Two-year-old Sophie Allen from Sunderland, who died after she became entangled in a blind cord in her bedroom 

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Sophie was found in this bedroom at the family’s home in Sunderland after looking out of the window to see her pet rabbits

But the box tipped over and Sophie got her head caught in the noose of the cord and when she slipped, it cut her air supply off.

She was rushed to hospital but despite doctors’ best efforts scans showed there was no activity in the toddler’s brain and her life support machine was switched off.

Now coroner Derek Winter has urged the Government to do more to prevent future deaths.

New safety regulations governing the manufacture of blind cords came into force in February.

But Mr Winter said this would mean there are still millions of potentially deadly blinds in family homes.

He added he plans to use his powers to write to the Government to see if more can be done to prevent future deaths.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, he explained: ‘I will ask that they reply within 56 days as to what additional measures can be taken to highlight public awareness, so those people who have existing blinds fitted can take immediate action to take away the risk of those blinds, and the regulations that are in place from February are brought to everyone’s attention and the number of deaths from blind cords can be eliminated or almost certainly reduced.

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Sophie, pictured with her brother Jayden, right, who she shared a bedroom with, and her baby sister Amelia

 

At the inquest in Sunderland it was heard that Sophie lived with her parents Peter Allen and Danielle Hudson, along with her siblings Amelia and Jayden, with whom she shared a bedroom.

The hearing was told that Sophie, who would have been three in December, was ‘a very inquisitive child’, and enjoyed looking out of her bedroom window to keep an eye on her pet rabbits.

NEW REGULATIONS ON BLIND CORDS

 

In February, new safety regulations came into effect covering cords on most types of blinds.

The new rules means that blinds must be ‘safe by design’ and supplied with an appropriate child safety device.

These devices break the cord or chain under pressure or provide the facility to store the cord out of reach.

 

Detective Inspector Shelly Hudson, from Northumbria Police, said at about 8.30am on April 20, Sophie’s parents heard the two children playing in their bedroom.

Her mother got up to go to the toilet and saw Sophie’s brother was standing on his bed and a storage unit in the bedroom had tipped over.

 

DI Hudson said: “Sophie’s sibling told his mam that Sophie was stuck, but because she was an inquisitive little girl, she assumed she was hiding.

 

‘She went quickly to the toilet and went back to the bedroom and as she opened the child gate, she noticed her brother was looking concerned and standing on his bed.

‘She asked him again where she was and he pointed at the storage unit next to the window.

 

‘She noticed a shadow behind the curtain, moved the curtain to one side and realised Sophie had the blind cord around her neck.’

The frantic mother freed the unconscious toddler and carried her downstairs where they parents tried to perform CPR.

 

When it did not work they went to a neighbour’s house to call an ambulance as Miss Hudson could not get through on her phone.

 
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At an inquest, Sophie was described as an ‘inquisitive’ child who liked to look out of her bedroom window to keep an eye on her pet rabbits 

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The two-year-old was treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, pictured, after being transferred from Sunderland Royal Hospital but doctors were unable to save her

Sophie was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital before being transferred to a specialist children’s unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

 

But despite efforts of medics, her life support machine was switched off in the early hours of April 26.

 

DI Hudson said that 28 children in the UK have been strangled by looped cords since 1999, with 15 of the deaths in the last four years.

 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (RoSPA) estimates there are more than 200 hundred million unsafe blind cords in the UK.

 

The charity has handed out more than 50,000 free ‘cleats’, which tie up blind cords, as part of an ongoing safety campaign.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2651357/Coroner-demands-action-inquisitive-two-year-old-girl-strangled-death-blind-cord.html#ixzz342LpkzHo
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More comfortable summers

Sky light blinds

 

Q: Will solar blinds really keep my home cooler in summer? We have two large bay windows and I was looking at installing some Krumpers solar blinds or perhaps some awnings. I’m skeptical about the blinds since they still let heat inside the glass.

A: Your plan is a great way to reduce heat buildup during summer. And though I don’t have any personal experience with the blinds you’re thinking of, I expect they’ll help quite a bit. The research I’ve looked at with the Krumpers product impresses me.

Your concern about heat still getting between the glass and the blinds probably won’t turn out to be an issue. The light colour of solar blinds will reflect energy back out again through the glass, but you don’t necessarily need to go ahead on mere “blind” faith. Before you commit to buying, try simulating blinds by putting a sheet over your window temporarily during sunny weather. I think you’ll find it makes quite a difference, and proper blinds will make even more of a difference.

Although most people don’t realise it, openable skylights with blinds offer another option for keeping houses cooler during the summer. Even homes with central air conditioning often still have upper rooms that are way too hot in the summer. A few operable skylights left open even an inch or two allow hot air to escape outside, enabling the air conditioner to do its job upstairs. The best solar skylights don’t require wiring and they can open and close electrically, either on schedule or manually. They also close automatically when the first drops of rain hit.

 

STEVE MAXWELL | HOUSEWORKS
Published May 24, 2014 – 12:00am
Last Updated May 24, 2014 – 12:10am

 

Shuddering at California shutters

Q: My girlfriend and I recently bought a condo. It’s a two bedroom in an older building, with fairly large rooms and windows. We don’t consider it our forever address, but we will be here for at least five years. That said, we need advice on our window coverings. Neither of us are really drapery type girls, but we do require privacy from neighbouring buildings. My girlfriend has an attachment to California shutters, but I find them dated and heavy looking. I prefer roller blinds, but she thinks they’re too utilitarian. Any ideas?

A: I’m not expecting to score points with your girlfriend when I say I side with you when it comes to California (plantation) shutters. I think they have a place (a beach house or in a bathroom) but I’m personally not a fan of these shutters from a decorative perspective. I realize you and I are in the minority; plantation shutters are loved by many because they’re an easy way to cover every window of a house without the effort or expense of draperies.

I like the simplicity of roller blinds, but, at the same time, I understand your girlfriend’s concern regarding the utilitarian look. If they are intended to be the primary window covering (as I assume they are in your condo), then I think they look best with simple, uncluttered furnishings.

They can be the perfect fix for lofts or condos, but if your tastes lean toward traditional decor, they’re probably not going to be decorative enough on the windows.

For a more layered look, I’ve used roller blinds in addition to linen sheers and decorative side panels. I like them mounted on the inside frame of the window behind a four-inch (10.16 cm) wooden valance (valance height will vary depending on the size of the window and blind) that is painted the same colour as the window trim.

You wouldn’t even realize they’re there until they’re rolled down at night for privacy.

Depending on how close your windows are to the windows of the neighbouring building, you may need to have the blinds down during the day and in this case, I like the roller shades pictured here by Delia Shades (deliashades.com).

Ten years ago, industrial designer Delia Heilig felt the same way as your girlfriend about roller shades, so she set out to change that. After perfecting the screen-printing process, Delia started designing and producing roller shades patterned after traditional window coverings from around the world.

When you view her website, you see Moroccan arches, French wrought iron work and Indian jali patterns, to name but a few. Delia stocks three weights of roller shade mesh and can line them with blackout lining if total light blocking or privacy is required. Every shade is made to order with window measurements you provide. Pricing is about $25 a square foot (0.1 square metre).

You may not want to use these in every room, but I think they’re perfect for principal rooms in which you’re looking to make a statement. And for the other rooms, investigate options at such stores as Blinds to Go or Home Depot.

Check the rules of your condo board when it comes to window coverings, because with any luck, your building doesn’t allow plantation shutters and you and I won’t have to take the blame for poohpoohing them in the first place.

Send your design question to [email protected].

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Add style to your windows with roller blinds

Posted in Smart home | by Lynn Lynn

add-style-to-your-windows-with-roller-blinds

Roller blinds are an excellent way to add style to your windows without having to do any lengthy or expensive alterations. They are relatively easy to fit, come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, designs and sizes and are suitable for any room in your home. A roller blind can transform the way your window looks and also enhance your interior design scheme. As you can see in the pictures, found on Elite Blinds, there are suitable roller blinds for every room of your home, from minimalistic and plain designs to the more elaborate and embellished.

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An extremely versatile way to add style to your home – roller blinds are one of the most simplest and effective ways to dress up your windows, creating pleasant focal points. They function very well and can be made from many different materials. Your choices are huge and include everything from sheer fabric such as voiles to PVC and black out roller blinds. Choosing a roller blind style will depend on your personal taste and which room it is to be used in. Each roller blind is an attractive addition to your window dressing and also has practical features that make it a fantastic choice for the home.

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Many companies offer bespoke roller blinds and will assist you with their knowledge and experience. For example a PVC roller blind may be best for a bathroom where the air is often damp or moist and a black out blind could be the ideal purchase for a bedroom to help minimize light. Blinds can be made to match your décor with added finishing touches such as braiding or patterns to bring extra interest and color. Roller blinds are a great choice for those harder to fit windows or simply to compliment your own style, taste and interior design theme.

Тext is copyright to ©Adorable Home – interior design and decorating ideas

This Will Change The Way You Look At Vertical Blinds Forever (VIDEO)

If you’ve stayed away from vertical blinds when decorating your home for fear of it looking like a dentist office, there’s a new product out there that might change your mind. Architecture student Tyler Short has come up with a new design that modernizes the old school home accent once and for all.

Known as “Penumbra,” Short’s project not only opts for exterior installation, but the individual louvers themselves can twist and shift in three dimensions allowing them to act as “a horizontal shading element and light shelf.” In essence, they reconfigure based on the position of the sun to enable light to permeate a building while preventing direct sun from coming in.

But his ingenuity doesn’t end there. To demonstrate the design, Short created a 3D animation of how it would all work, as seen in the video above. And while it seems somewhat unlikely that it will ever come to fruition, we will give him this — it does make for a breathtaking visualization.

 

Posted: Updated: 

Spring has sprung

spring_has_sprung_1

 

One of the most definitive and exciting signs of spring is when we are popping freshly cut daffodils into our favourite vase and positioning right in the centre of our table.  An instant pop of colour giving a fresh and renewed look after a long dark winter.

If we were to define the “spring theme” in interiors it could mean a whole manner of things from spring cleaning, to sprucing up to adding new and exciting additions to our interior scheme, bright and bold tropical prints to  whimsical meadow florals in pastel tones giving the romantic notion that dreamy summer days are just around the corner.

This spring in interiors we are favouring florals in a delicate yet colourful form, watercolour prints to intricate hand drawn flowers and foliage underplayed in a sweet romantic notion of vintage chintz whilst in fashion it’s an entirely bolder story.

Bold floral prints made a return yet again this catwalk season with designers taking more liberties with this aesthetic. From abstract and oversized 60’s-inspired retro prints to romantic lace and embroidered rosettes, flowers and foliage were seen parading down the runways during Paris, New York, and Milan fashion weeks. A myriad of designers incorporated this look into their collections, including Dolce & Gabbana’s delicate and feminine flowers, Oscar de la Renta’s ostentatious appliques, and Alberto Ferretti’s European-inspired folk floral prints. Subdued pastel washes and garden motifs were ubiquitous; with all designers utilizing this trend with gauzy petal appliques and silk floral pantsuits.

The iconic floral pattern also came in a wash of vibrant hues, as some designers kept their dresses in louder, solid tones to complement spring’s budding colour palette.

These aren’t your grandmother’s antiquated floral prints.

While this luxurious trend has been in “full bloom” for several years, we can’t say we’re disappointed to see it again, it gives us all an opportunity to embrace our feminine side. Whether you choose to don a retro silk cocktail dress with delicate floral embroidery or garden-printed cigarette pants, this iconic print is a seasonal favourite.

Although the infamous character Miranda Priestley of The Devil Wears Prada retorted sarcastically, “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking,” (and we love her for it), it’s clear this classic and uber-feminine look in all its form is here to stay. And we’re blooming with happiness about that.

– See more at: http://www.thefabricbox.co.uk/node/1020#sthash.UYWx0H6A.dpuf

 

 

It’s Hip to Be Square!

hip_to_be_a_square

As Huey Lewis once sang… It’s Hip to Be Square!

Since the time of ancient Greece, geometry has been at the foundation of design. The order and logic of geometry has allowed it to replicated and understood by everyone.  The use of geometry has created some iconic architectural masterpieces like The Pantheon in Rome.

Taking the basics of geometric design and adding clever tone on tone colour, can create awe inspiring and memorable results.

The striking Fabric Box Tetra fabric follows the geo trend perfectly.  Smart colour work is triumphed when looking at this classic geo design, close your eyes for a few seconds, open up and watch your eyes play tricks, picking out diamonds or perfect cuboids in abundance.

Geometry is something that will never leave our culture and with a fresh resurgence of colour there will always be new and exciting ways to incorporate it in our homes, clothing and accessories.

– See more at: http://www.thefabricbox.co.uk/node/1017#sthash.S84B9kgi.dpuf

As Huey Lewis once sang… It’s Hip to Be Square!

Since the time of ancient Greece, geometry has been at the foundation of design. The order and logic of geometry has allowed it to replicated and understood by everyone.  The use of geometry has created some iconic architectural masterpieces like The Pantheon in Rome.

Taking the basics of geometric design and adding clever tone on tone colour, can create awe inspiring and memorable results.

The striking Fabric Box Tetra fabric follows the geo trend perfectly.  Smart colour work is triumphed when looking at this classic geo design, close your eyes for a few seconds, open up and watch your eyes play tricks, picking out diamonds or perfect cuboids in abundance.

Geometry is something that will never leave our culture and with a fresh resurgence of colour there will always be new and exciting ways to incorporate it in our homes, clothing and accessories

– See more at: http://www.thefabricbox.co.uk/node/1017#sthash.S84B9kgi.dpuf

As Huey Lewis once sang… It’s Hip to Be Square!

Since the time of ancient Greece, geometry has been at the foundation of design. The order and logic of geometry has allowed it to replicated and understood by everyone.  The use of geometry has created some iconic architectural masterpieces like The Pantheon in Rome.

Taking the basics of geometric design and adding clever tone on tone colour, can create awe inspiring and memorable results.

The striking Fabric Box Tetra fabric follows the geo trend perfectly.  Smart colour work is triumphed when looking at this classic geo design, close your eyes for a few seconds, open up and watch your eyes play tricks, picking out diamonds or perfect cuboids in abundance.

Geometry is something that will never leave our culture and with a fresh resurgence of colour there will always be new and exciting ways to incorporate it in our homes, clothing and accessories.

– See more at: http://www.thefabricbox.co.uk/node/1017#sthash.S84B9kgi.dpuf

 

As Huey Lewis once sang… It’s Hip to Be Square!

Since the time of ancient Greece, geometry has been at the foundation of design. The order and logic of geometry has allowed it to replicated and understood by everyone.  The use of geometry has created some iconic architectural masterpieces like The Pantheon in Rome.

Taking the basics of geometric design and adding clever tone on tone colour, can create awe inspiring and memorable results.

The striking Fabric Box Tetra fabric follows the geo trend perfectly.  Smart colour work is triumphed when looking at this classic geo design, close your eyes for a few seconds, open up and watch your eyes play tricks, picking out diamonds or perfect cuboids in abundance.

Geometry is something that will never leave our culture and with a fresh resurgence of colour there will always be new and exciting ways to incorporate it in our homes, clothing and accessories.

As Huey Lewis once sang… It’s Hip to Be Square!

Since the time of ancient Greece, geometry has been at the foundation of design. The order and logic of geometry has allowed it to replicated and understood by everyone.  The use of geometry has created some iconic architectural masterpieces like The Pantheon in Rome.

Taking the basics of geometric design and adding clever tone on tone colour, can create awe inspiring and memorable results.

The striking Fabric Box Tetra fabric follows the geo trend perfectly.  Smart colour work is triumphed when looking at this classic geo design, close your eyes for a few seconds, open up and watch your eyes play tricks, picking out diamonds or perfect cuboids in abundance.

Geometry is something that will never leave our culture and with a fresh resurgence of colour there will always be new and exciting ways to incorporate it in our homes, clothing and accessories.

– See more at: http://www.thefabricbox.co.uk/node/1017#sthash.S84B9kgi.dpuf

As Huey Lewis once sang… It’s Hip to Be Square!

Since the time of ancient Greece, geometry has been at the foundation of design. The order and logic of geometry has allowed it to replicated and understood by everyone.  The use of geometry has created some iconic architectural masterpieces like The Pantheon in Rome.

Taking the basics of geometric design and adding clever tone on tone colour, can create awe inspiring and memorable results.

The striking Fabric Box Tetra fabric follows the geo trend perfectly.  Smart colour work is triumphed when looking at this classic geo design, close your eyes for a few seconds, open up and watch your eyes play tricks, picking out diamonds or perfect cuboids in abundance.

Geometry is something that will never leave our culture and with a fresh resurgence of colour there will always be new and exciting ways to incorporate it in our homes, clothing and accessories.

– See more at: http://www.thefabricbox.co.uk/node/1017#sthash.S84B9kgi.dpuf

PLANTATION SHUTTERS IN 3 WEEKS – MADE IN UK.

Deva blinds are very pleased to announce that we have a UK supplier for shutters.

Paul Pollard-Fraser, owner of Deva blinds said “I am really pleased that Luxaflex are able to manufacture shutters in their factory in Birmingham.  Before we had to wait 12 weeks for the slow boat from China.  Lot’s of my customers have just moved home and don’t want to wait 12 weeks for their shutters.”

“The faux white shutters come with a 10 year guarantee, are rock solid and will last for years and years, they are not easily knocked and bruised like wooden shutters.”

“Deva blinds make most of our blinds and when we are not in the position to make our blinds we like to source our blinds from UK manufacturers.”

“I think it a great step that we are able to offer plantation shutters that are made in UK and do not cost the earth.

Please contact us for a visit.

 

A Tragic Accident Gets Moms Talking About Window Blind Safety

cild bindlh

 

Once they hear that a baby’s on the way, moms- and dads-to-be read all the babyproofing guidelines and buy every product they need to create a safe environment for their future child. Despite all the precautions, however, some families still find themselves facing a tragic situation. That was the case for Erica Barnes Thomas, who, after constant babyproofing, lost her son Mac earlier this month due to strangulation. When the 2-year-old began climbing and grabbing everything in sight, Thomas installed new shades with a chord on the opposite side of her son’s bed. Then, on a typical Saturday morning, she went to wake up Mac. When she walked into the room, she found her son lying on the floor, clutching his two favorite stuffed animals.

“He looked like he was sleeping, but he didn’t get up,” Thomas tells Today.com. “I thought, ‘Maybe he’s really sick.’ As soon as I touched his cheek, I knew.” After the ambulance arrived, Thomas checked on the window cord and saw it was still attached to the ceiling, well out of Mac’s reach. Later, she noticed a tiny handprint on the window and came to the conclusion that Mac had climbed onto the nearby chair to look out the window, and got caught on a hidden cord that ran behind the blinds.

Thomas is not the first parent to experience this tragedy. From 1999 to 2011, 140 children died and 136 were almost strangled on corded window coverings. One of those parents was Linda Kaiser, who lost her 1-year-old even after taking all the proper safety measures. This incident led Kaiser to create Parents for Window Blind Safety, which works to “create safer standards in the industry and to encourage innovation of safer products.” The organization is currently petitioning for more cordless options on the market. While many companies have listened to the concerns and taken action, others are harder to convince.

“People get hung up on the expense and the inconvenience or the aesthetics,” Thomas says. “I get that it’s expensive to replace something that’s already there, but I would hang a garbage bag over my window or I would have nothing there if I could have my son back.”

Source: Shutterstock