Free cleats to make blind cords safer for children
ByGraeme Strachan
Angus residents have the opportunity to make their home a safer place for young children with the offer of free window blind cord cleats.
Angus Care and Repair has teamed up with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) to secure 3,000 cleats which are provided and fitted free of charge.
The small devices can make a big difference and can be fitted in a matter of minutes. The cleats and fitting service is available across Angus to anyone who may have young children in their home.
Research by ROSPA reveals that there have been 26 deaths across the UK since 1999, with 13 deaths since 2010. Most of these accidental deaths have happened in the bedroom with children between 16 months and 3 years old.
They say these tragedies occur because toddlers are mobile but their head is proportionately heavier than the rest of their body and their muscular control and windpipes are not yet fully developed.
This can have fatal consequences if they become entangled because sadly they are unable to free themselves and it means they suffocate more quickly.
