Kids, Cords And Danger

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Kids, cords and danger. It takes just seconds for drapery cords to cause serious injuries or death.

On Sunday, two-year-old Thapelo Andre Kwopie of Damascus died after getting entangled in a drapery cord. Police said Kwopie's parents were home at the time, and called his death an accident.

Parents for Window Blind Safety says a child dies every two weeks from a corded injury. The group says some children are as old as 12 when their lives are cut short.

They say parents can take some steps to protect their children at home. Use cordless window coverings. Eliminate looped blind or drapery cords. And, remember the 6 inch rule. Keep strings, cord and thread longer than 6 inches away from children.

Window Covering Safety Council adds that parents should only use cordless window treatments in children's bedrooms and play areas. And, that if you do have horizontal blinds or shades, make sure when they are lowered that their cords are locked into position.

Be careful if you're buying older window treatments, they may not meet the latest federal standards.

Before you purchase window treatments, check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure they have not been recalled.