Not blind to kid safety

FAMILIES can now get a free blind and curtain cord safety kit to keep dangerous cords out of the way of babies and small children, thanks to a new State Government safety campaign.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley will be handing out the free child safety kits at Westfield Fountain Gate tomorrow (Friday 3 September).
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to protect the health and safety of Victorian children by providing families with the resources they need to keep their kids safe,” Ms Graley said.
“Two Victorian children died last year after being strangled by blind or curtain cords and more children have been admitted to hospitals with serious injuries after becoming tangled in cords,” she said.
“To prevent further tragic deaths and injuries, we are providing a free safety kit to all Victorians, so blind and curtain cords can be kept safely away from little ones.”
Ms Graley said the Government enacted a mandatory safety standard for blinds and curtains in 2008, so all new blinds and curtains come with an essential safety feature to prevent babies and children getting tangled in cords.
Director of Emergency Medicine at the Royal Children’s Hospital Dr Simon Young said the risk of serious harm to children from exposed loops and long blind and curtain cords was very real and strongly encouraged all Victorians to use the safety kit.
“It doesn’t take much to make your blinds and curtains safe and you may save a child’s life by taking a little extra care,” he said.
For details about the free safety kits, call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or call Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley on 9704 6055.