Childproofing Save Lives
When you have children, it is always prudent to keep an eye on things around the home that could potentially be cause for harm to your children. Believe it or not, window coverings come up often.
Window Covering Cords
Today’s window covering products, which include horizontal blinds, pleated and cellular shades, vertical blinds and draperies, need just a few, simple adjustments to make them safer for young children.
Two-Corded Horizontal Blinds
Cut the cord above the end tassel (the item that looks like a small wooden, or plastic “thimble”).
Remove the equalizer buckle.
Add new tassels for the two cords that have been created. Slip a tassel onto each cord and tie knots to hold them in place. You may use a breakaway tassel available in some stores, instead of the separate tassels. A breakaway tassel will separate if a child becomes entangled in the loop.
Two-Corded Pleated Or Cellular Shades
Leave the cord stop in place as close as possible to the headrail when the blind is completely closed.
Cut the cords above the end tassel.
Knot a separate tassel at the end of each cord. Warning: When the shades are raised, a loop will appear above the cord stop. Always keep the cord out of the reach of children.
Vertical Blinds, Continuous Loop Systems and Drapery Cords
These window coverings require looped cords to function. Do not cut the loops. Instead, install a permanent tie-down device to the floor, wall or window jamb so the cord or chain is pulled tight.
Furniture Placement Safety Tips
Never put a crib or a young child’s bed near a window. Even if you have child guards on the windows, the temptation to investigate cords from hanging window coverings is strong for a young child.
Because young children climb, never put a chair, sofa, bench or even a bookcase near a window with a dangling cord. Children climb on furniture, play with cords or chains and can become entangled.
Be safe and protect your children. Regularly do an inspection of your home environment to make sure you reduce risk to the best of your ability.