Safer Window Coverings for your Family
Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 | Uncategorized | No Comments
By Darla Zorn – Owner/Founder – Express Blinds
This month is National Window Covering Safety month, so we’ll be taking some time to draw attention to the safety standards that went into effect in 2018. Corded window coverings are now considered a potential hazard in your home. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers corded window coverings one of the top five hidden home hazards. Of course, this is of most concern for homes with infants and children, who may become tangled in window covering cords by accident. Because children are so curious and likely to explore their environment, they may play with cords that are too long, and in some cases, this can result in serious injury.
To protect your loved ones, be sure to inspect the window coverings in your home for safety risks. The window covering industry has also launched the “Best for Kids” certification program. This program helps draw attention to the potential problems corded window coverings pose to children, and to help you select the best and safest window coverings for your family. Here at Express Blinds, we sell many “Best for Kids” certified window coverings.
To be “Best for Kids” certified, a window covering manufacturer must submit their products to a testing facility. These products will have inaccessible inner cords but no operating cords, inner cords that are accessible but cannot form a potentially dangerous loop, or no cords at all. Window coverings that meet these requirements will then be labeled “Best for Kids” certified.
If your home window coverings have cords that are long enough to present a risk to a child or don’t meet any of the requirements for “Best for Kids” certification, we recommend replacing them as soon as possible with safer products. In addition, be sure not to place your child or grandchild’s crib, playpen, or climbable furniture close to a window, as this may further increase the odds of your child becoming entangled in a window covering cord during the course of play.
Continuous Loop cords for window coverings may also pose a risk if they are not properly anchored. Window coverings that feature breakaways, tie-downs, cleats, and other similar safety devices don’t qualify for this program and will not be considered “Best for Kids” certified.
After the implementation of new safety standards in 2018, all new window coverings are required to meet these safety standards. Older window coverings, however, may not. While there are certainly window coverings (both new and old) that pose less risk to children in the home, products with the “Best for Kids” certification have undergone rigorous testing to verify they are as safe as possible for your child or grandchild. This certification and its accompanying label will also make it easier to find the best products for your family and your home.
Additionally, to help make window coverings as safe as possible for their children, we’ve put together and attached our window covering safety checklist to be used as a guide. Be sure to consult this checklist as you walk through your home and inspect your window coverings and cords. Please contact the manufacturer of your window coverings for more information.
A good rule of thumb is to replace any corded window covering made before 2001, and to make sure cordless window coverings are installed in bedrooms and play areas where children will be present.
But can you really combine beauty and safety? Sound like a daunting task? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. There are many excellent window covering options available with cordless lift systems. Another excellent option to protect your little ones is to motorize your window coverings – the ultimate in safety and convenience! With cellular blinds, roller blinds, honeycomb shades, dual and layered shades, natural wovens, and even wood and faux wood blinds to choose from, not to mention the hundreds of colors, textures, and pattern options available, safe yet beautiful window coverings are definitely within reach.
If, however, you aren’t able to replace your window coverings, free child-safe retrofit kits can be ordered by calling 1-800-506-4636 or by visiting fulfillmentinnovations.com. These kits, once installed, can lower the risk of injury. Instructions for how to install these retrofit kits are included with the order.
And remember, if you have small grandchildren, or hope to in the future, these precious little ones will be even more curious in your home; the danger is even higher in your home due to the less familiar surroundings.
If it’s time to upgrade your window coverings to safer options, don’t hesitate; call Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes today at 865-730-4880. Our team of designers and installers will work closely with you to provide the fashionable and safe window treatments you’ve been dreaming of.
Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes
865-730-4880
www.ExpressBlindsKnox.com
