NEW YORK — The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is reminding both parents and caregivers of the potential dangers posed by window-cords, and urges them to only use cordless window covering products in homes with young children. Owners and renters alike should replace all corded window coverings in their homes with today’s safer products.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and children dying each year from accidentally strangling in window cords. Some of these incidents involve older products that are still in use and do not have the safety devices or designs instituted in the past decade.
“Parents who replace their window coverings with the cordless products available can feel more confident about their child’s safety,” explains WCSC Executive Director Peter Rush.
To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:
*Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children.
Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies with today’s safer products.
*Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
*Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Ensure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.
For more information about window covering safety, and to order free retrofit kits, visit: www.windowcoverings.org. or call toll-free 1-800-506-4636.