February is Blind Cord Safety Awareness Month
If you’re like most parents or pet owners, you don’t pay much attention to the cords dangling from your blinds. But research and recent development reveal that these seemingly innocent items are capable of strangling young children, babies, and pets. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, corded window coverings are among the top five hidden hazards in American homes.
We at Blind Installation and Repair, Inc. want all parents, caregivers and pet owners to know what they can do to remove the threat of blind cord strangulation from homes and care centers. February is Blind Cord Safety Awareness Month. Take 5 minutes to review your home and make sure your children and pets are safe.
Fixing Current Blinds
Smart furniture placement: Keep cribs, beds and playpens away from windows at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep all furniture away from walls and curious climbers.
Photo via the Window Covering Safety Council
Shorten cords: Trim any cords that you can so little hands and paws can’t reach them. Make sure cords don’t end in a loop by fitting each cord with a tassel.
Roll up cords: Use a tie-down or tension device to pull the cord tight and secure it to the wall or floor. Place this out of reach of children and pets.
Updating to Safer Choices
If your blinds are outdated, now is a good time to upgrade to a safer option. There are many cordless options available that are just as stylish as corded blinds. With the proper installation, new blinds will last for years to come. Hunter Douglas offers a variety of honeycomb blinds, which let you customize how much light you want coming through like traditional blinds.
Photo of Applause® Honeycomb Shades via Hunter Douglas
Not sure how to start replacing your blinds? Give us a call and we can help.
A Better Tomorrow
Help us make every home safer for children and pets by spreading the word on blind cord safety. Here are more resources for blind cord safety:
- Blind Installation & Repair’s Blind Safety page
- Window Covering Safety Council
- ABC Safety Campaign
- Knickerbocker Cottage
- Weslea’s Wall
Show your safety know-how by filling out our Awareness of Blind Cord Safety form.