Many parents do not know that window covering cords are one of the top five hidden hazards in the home according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). To increase awareness of the potential strangulation hazard that exposed window covering cords can present to young children, October is National Window Covering Safety Month. During this month, the Window Covering Safety Council and the industry at large are encouraging parents and caregivers to use only cordless window covering products or those that have inaccessible cords in homes with young children. This year’s National Window Covering Safety Month theme is: What’s Best for Kids – Go Cordless.
“During the past year, we’ve all learned new ways to keep our kids safe, whether at home or in public. It’s important to make sure that your home and the homes of your child’s caregivers provide the best possible environment for young children. This includes checking to make sure that all window coverings are cordless,” said WCSC Executive Director Peter Rush.
It is easier than you think to identify window covering products that are safer for homes with young children. Consumers should look for products marked with the Best For Kids™ logo. Products marked with this logo either have no cords, no operating cords or inner cords that are not accessible or that are unable to create a hazardous loop. Best For Kids™ products are required to be tested by a third-party. Shoppers can find Best for Kids™ labeled products at all major US retailers.
“National Window Covering Safety Month is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to make sure the window coverings in their homes are what’s best for kids,” said Rush. “Safety advocates and the window covering industry all recommend that families in homes with young kids should only use cordless window coverings or window coverings with inaccessible cords to limit the risk of accidents”.
What parents can do:
- Install only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children. Replace window blinds and corded shades with products that are cordless or have inaccessible cords marked with the Best for Kids™ certification label.
- If the corded window coverings can’t be replaced with today’s safer products at this time, parents and caregivers should check for the following:
- If you have corded window coverings, keep them well out of the reach of children. Eliminate any dangling cords.
- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.
- Check that cord stops are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords.
- Make certain that tasseled pull cords are tied up out of reach and as short as possible.
For more information on window covering cord safety, visit www.windowcoverings.org. Connect with WCSC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more home safety information and ideas.