Keep Your Toddlers and Pets Safe Child-Proof Your Window Treatments

If you have young children in your home, you need to be aware of the danger window blind pull cords can present. It is easy to make today's window treatments safer for young children with just a few simple adjustments, to prevent these tragic accidents.

Child Safety Guidelines

Repair or Replace Pre-2001 Window Treatments How safe are the window treatments in your home? As of 2001, the entire window coverings industry has improved the safety of blinds and shades by adding these enhancements to all products: Tension pulleys and tie-down devices in all continuous loop pull cordsTassel ends on lift cords. Cord stops on horizontal blind lift cords that prevent user from pulling internal cords through the slats.

Many products now come with special features which enhance product safety. If you have small children, you'll want to look for these features:

  • Break-Thru Safety Tassels break apart and separate when pressure is applied on them. Separated tassels or break-thru tassels, Venetian Blind Tassel or Equalizer can still be VERY dangerous if the cord is still very long, or has even a small twist in it.
  • Motorization features eliminate lift cords through battery operated remote controls. Shades can be lifted and lowered at the touch of a button, and should anything get in its way, the built-in Safety-Stop automatically stops the shade.
  • Cordless blinds/shades are the safest window covering alternative; ideal for homes with children and pets. Elimination of lift cords and cord loops \provides a more attractive, uncluttered appearance.
  • No matter what choice is made for your window covering needs, please be careful and make the necessary precautions to help ensure your child's safety.

  • "The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) urges parents and caregivers to "Make the Right Choice" and install only cordless window coverings in young children's bedrooms and sleeping areas. For blinds, shades and draperies manufactured prior to 2001, the WCSC offers free retrofit kits. For more information about the retrofit kit, call 1-800-506-4636 or visit www.windowcoverings.org"