Blind Cords Safety: A Guide to Keeping Children Safe

The Danger of Blind Cords

Blind cords can be extremely dangerous for children, as they can easily become tangled in them and suffer serious injuries or even death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been at least 332 deaths caused by window cord strangulation between 1996 and 2016, with most of the victims being children under the age of 6. Find extra information about the subject in this suggested external resource. https://flowerblinds.com.au/vertical-blinds-brisbane/, continue your learning process!

How to Make Your Blinds Safe

If you have blinds with cords in your home, it’s important to take steps to make them safe for your children. Here are some tips:

Replace your corded blinds with cordless ones. This is the safest option, as it completely eliminates the risk of cord strangulation. Look for cordless blinds that can be easily lifted and lowered with the touch of a button or a gentle tug.

If you can’t replace your corded blinds, install cord stops or cord cleats. These devices prevent the cords from forming loops, which can pose a strangulation hazard. Cord stops are placed on the cord at least 3 inches above the top of the blinds, while cord cleats are mounted on the wall or window frame and the cords are wrapped tightly around them.

Keep cords out of reach. Make sure that any cords are tied up and out of reach of children, at least 5 feet above the ground. You can use a hook or a device such as a tensioner to secure the cord out of reach.

Never let children play with cords. Teach your children to keep their hands off cords and to never play with them. Emphasize the importance of cord safety to them and make it part of your regular safety education.

Supervise young children. Always supervise young children when they are in a room with blinds or curtains, and keep an eye on older children as well.

Other Window Covering Safety Tips

Blinds and curtains are not the only types of window coverings that can pose a danger to children. Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind:

Choose safe window coverings. Look for window coverings that have been certified as safe by organizations such as the Window Covering Safety Council or the CPSC. These products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they do not pose a risk to children.

Install window guards or window stops. These devices prevent children from falling out of open windows, which can be a serious and potentially fatal hazard. Make sure that window guards or stops are installed on all windows that children can access.

Move furniture away from windows. Keep furniture, especially cribs and beds, away from windows to prevent children from climbing on them and accessing windows.

Teach children about window safety. Talk to your children about the dangers of windows and the importance of staying away from them. Emphasize that windows are not toys and that they should never be climbed on or played with.

Conclusion

Window covering safety is an important issue for families with young children. By following the tips outlined above, you can help to ensure that your blinds and other window coverings are safe for your children to be around. Remember, it only takes a few small changes to make your home a safer place. Should you want to know more about the topic, https://flowerblinds.com.au/vertical-blinds-brisbane/, to complement your study. Uncover worthwhile perspectives and fresh angles to enhance your understanding of the subject.

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