February is Blind Safety Awareness Month
Most people don’t give a second thought to blind cords or the cords used to open and close curtains. But research and recent development reveals that these seemingly innocent items are capable of strangling young children and babies. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, corded window coverings are among the top five hidden hazards in American homes. Keep your children safe from blind cord accidents with the following steps.
February is Blind Cord Safety Awareness Month, and Blind Installation and Repair, Inc. urges parents and caretakers to take steps to remove the very real threat posed to youngsters by existing curtain and blind cords.
It may only take just a few seconds for a baby or young child to become entangled in curtain or blind cords. This can happen when cords are too long or they end in a loop. If a child slips, moves quickly or plays with a cord, the cord can act like a noose and strangle the child. Babies can reach through crib slats, grab a nearby blind or curtain cord and pull it into the crib and around their necks. Young children can accidentally strangle on dangling cords after climbing onto a bed or other pieces of furniture to look out of a window.
All furniture including cribs and beds, should be moved away from curtains or blind cords, making sure that children cannot reach them.
STEPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN
Take these four simple steps to ensure that blind and curtain cords/chains in your home are out of reach of children, particularly children under six years of age:
- Check all blind and curtain cords – both at home and when away on holidays. Make sure they are out of reach of children.
- Make loose cords safe – use cleats or cut the cord loop and attach a tassel at the end of each strand.
- Choose safe blinds and curtains – make sure new curtains and blinds have warning labels and provide a way to secure the cords out of reach.
- Keep children away from all cords – move furniture, cribs, cots and beds away from windows with curtains and blind cords.
If you have blinds or curtains that were installed prior to January 2003, you can take these steps to remove the hazard of a looped cord:
- Learn how to retrofit corded window coverings.
- Order a FREE retrofit kit from the Window Covering Safety Council
- Fill out the Awareness of Blind Cord Safety
At Blind Installation and Repair, child safety is always top of mind when helping customers select and install window coverings. In addition to offering a full selection of cordless options, we carry a line of safety devices for your corded window coverings. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your blinds and blind cord safety, just give us a call!
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Looking for more information? Check out these resources regarding Blind Cord Safety:
- Blind Installation & Repair’s Blind Safety page
- Window Covering Safety Council
- ABC Safety Campaign
- Knickerbocker Cottage
- Weslea’s Wall
photo credit: My, What Big Feet You Have via photopin (license)