Readers warned about window-cord hazards

Dear Heloise: The Window Covering Safety Council would like to remind your readers about the potential hazards of outdated window treatments and offer information that is critical to every parent and caregiver. According to information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990 more than 200 young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords.

October marks the sixth-annual National Window Covering Safety Month, co-sponsored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the window-covering industry. Please urge your readers to make the right choice and use only cordless window products in their children’s bedrooms and sleeping areas. Owners and renters should replace all window coverings in the home made before 2001 with today’s safer products.

To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, the WCSC encourages consumers to follow these safety guidelines:

• Install only cordless window coverings in young children’s bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today’s safer products.

• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.

• Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.

• Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.

Visit www.windowcoverings.org for more information about window-cord safety. Peter Rush, executive director, Window Covering Safety Council, New York

Mr. Rush, it’s tragic that any child has died from this unfortunate hazard. I’m happy to print your letter, and I hope my readers take your advice and visit your Web site. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read the article about the size of print on tires and that the inflation letters were so small. This actually is an improper way to check your tires. Proper inflations may be located inside the door panel, under the hood and even in the owner’s manual. For example, my wife’s car is 32 in the front and 36 in the back, whereas my truck is 33 all around. Proper inflation will give you better tire wear and also is a safety factor. Joe, via e-mail

Thanks, Joe, for the reminder. Proper tire inflation gives better mileage, saving you money, which today is very important. Tire-inflation guides can also be found in the glove boxes of some cars. Heloise

Dear Heloise: This is a luggage identifying hint. My neighbor knits colorful strips for each bag. She crochets each strip around the handle so it cannot be torn off. Pretty clever, huh? Margie M. from Maryland

King Features Syndicate