Heartbreaking loss sparks grandmother's crusade
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Disclaimer: This article explicitly mentions the death of a child, which some readers may find distressing. Discretion is advised.
In 2020, a typical day at a rental home in Melbourne's east fractured a family, leaving them grieving and championing improved safety standards for children.
Kerrie, a grandmother, witnessed the traumatic loss of her three-year-old grandson, Lincoln, due to an accident.
The tragic incident occurred while Lincoln was playing on a windowsill at home.
He was found unresponsive with the window blind cord encircled around his neck.
The seemingly harmless fixture had turned into a fatal hazard, a harsh reminder of how danger can lurk unnoticed in our surroundings.
'My son described him as his best friend, his right arm,' Kerrie shared.
Kerrie drew attention to a critical caveat in existing laws.
Current safety standards state that all window furnishings in residences constructed after 2010 need to be securely fixated to the wall, minimising the risk of entanglement.
However, these standards are not retrospective, making many older properties, especially rentals like the one where Lincoln lost his life, unsafe for unsuspecting families.
'I'm constantly amazed how people aren't aware,' Kerrie said.
'I go to Airbnbs and hotels now, and I'm at them, “Hey, your blinds aren't attached to the wall.”'
Kerrie's campaign aims to expand safety requirements, ensuring they are mandated in all houses, regardless of their construction year.
She is working tirelessly with Kidsafe, a notable child accident prevention foundation, to influence relevant legislative changes.
'I want it to be Lincoln's law,' she declared, honouring her fallen grandson.
The story of Lincoln has resonated with Kidsafe and spurred their ongoing efforts to further improve children's safety.
Their collaboration with Kerrie and the state government is aimed at making critical changes that would ensure renters, in particular, are guaranteed a safe environment when they move into a new home.
As a part of this effort, the government is considering a mandatory blind cord safety standard for all rental properties.
Kidsafe CEO Melanie Courtney highlighted simple actions families can do to secure their curtains and windows.
'Any looped or hanging cords are a danger to children, so they need to be affixed to the wall,' she said.
Unsafe window blind cords can be easily rectified by purchasing a safety kit from a local hardware store or ordering one for free through Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you have other tips on how to keep homes safe for your grandchildren? Share your thoughts and tips with us in the comments below!
In 2020, a typical day at a rental home in Melbourne's east fractured a family, leaving them grieving and championing improved safety standards for children.
Kerrie, a grandmother, witnessed the traumatic loss of her three-year-old grandson, Lincoln, due to an accident.
The tragic incident occurred while Lincoln was playing on a windowsill at home.
He was found unresponsive with the window blind cord encircled around his neck.
A child lost his life playing on a windowsill in their home rental. Image source: Shutterstock.
The seemingly harmless fixture had turned into a fatal hazard, a harsh reminder of how danger can lurk unnoticed in our surroundings.
'My son described him as his best friend, his right arm,' Kerrie shared.
Kerrie drew attention to a critical caveat in existing laws.
Current safety standards state that all window furnishings in residences constructed after 2010 need to be securely fixated to the wall, minimising the risk of entanglement.
However, these standards are not retrospective, making many older properties, especially rentals like the one where Lincoln lost his life, unsafe for unsuspecting families.
'I'm constantly amazed how people aren't aware,' Kerrie said.
'I go to Airbnbs and hotels now, and I'm at them, “Hey, your blinds aren't attached to the wall.”'
Kerrie's campaign aims to expand safety requirements, ensuring they are mandated in all houses, regardless of their construction year.
She is working tirelessly with Kidsafe, a notable child accident prevention foundation, to influence relevant legislative changes.
'I want it to be Lincoln's law,' she declared, honouring her fallen grandson.
The story of Lincoln has resonated with Kidsafe and spurred their ongoing efforts to further improve children's safety.
Their collaboration with Kerrie and the state government is aimed at making critical changes that would ensure renters, in particular, are guaranteed a safe environment when they move into a new home.
As a part of this effort, the government is considering a mandatory blind cord safety standard for all rental properties.
Kidsafe CEO Melanie Courtney highlighted simple actions families can do to secure their curtains and windows.
'Any looped or hanging cords are a danger to children, so they need to be affixed to the wall,' she said.
Unsafe window blind cords can be easily rectified by purchasing a safety kit from a local hardware store or ordering one for free through Consumer Affairs Victoria.
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