According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), window treatment cords are 1 of the top 5 safety hazards in American homes. In fact, an average of almost 700 children under the age of 6 are injured by window treatments each year says the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Risks include both impalement and strangulation, and while strangulation accounts for just 12% of all reported incidents, it accounts for 67% of all deaths.
Window Covering Safety Features
Window treatments that eliminate exposed cords all together, such as plantation shutters and cordless blinds and shades, are the safest window covering options available to homeowners with children and pets. If considering blinds or shades, we recommend choosing from the following safety features:
Cordless Lift
Raise & lower your shades or blinds by pulling on the bottom rail.
Continuous-Loop Lift
A pulley system keeps cords securely taught and at a constant length.
Motorized Lift
Cordless lift operated by a remote control or Smart Home device.
Smart Pull Technology
A retractable cord lowers the shade with a simple pull & raises with a few short pulls.
Motorized Tilt
Cordless tilt allowing you to adjust the angle of your slats with the push of a button.
Tilt Wand
Replace tilt cords with a plastic wand that is turned to adjust the angle of your slats.
How to Make Your Home Safe
Replace
The best option for maximum child-safety is to replace existing corded window coverings with cordless options. Doing so ensures that your window treatments are outfitted with the latest safety features in accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Council. If this is not an option, focus first on those rooms in which your children spend the most time.
Retrofit
The Window Covering Safety Council offers free retrofit kits that improve the safety features of your existing corded window treatments. While this is a great step forward, we still recommend a full replacement if possible. Retrofit kits must be installed exactly as instructed and even then, do not provide the safest possible solution.
Re-Arrange
There are steps you can take today to immediately improve the safety of your window treatments. Make sure to move all furniture, such as cribs, beds, dressers, chairs, and nightstands, away from windows. Ask friends and family whom your children spend time with to do the same.
Have questions? We’re here to help.
As a family-owned business, we’re committed to helping you create a safe and secure home. With many window treatment options that have received the “Best for Kids” Certification, our industry’s highest safety accreditation, we’re confident that our team can help you find a solution that’s not only stylish but safe.
