Smart Safety: Window Coverings

Safety is always top of mind for parents, but many may not be aware of one of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “top 5 hidden hazards in the home”—corded window coverings.

To increase public awareness of window-cord dangers, the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) and the CPSC have again declared October as National Window Covering Safety Month.

PSA: Only Use Cordless Window Coverings with Young Children from Window Covering Safety Council on Vimeo.

What can parents do: There is a simple way to ensure you have the right window coverings in homes with young children — Consumers can easily identify cordless window covering options available at major retailers across the country by looking for the Best for Kids™ certification label on the packaging of a large variety of products. 

WCSC encourages parents and caregivers to follow these window covering safety guidelines:

• Install only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children.  Replace window blinds and corded shades with products that are cordless or have inaccessible cords marked with the Best for Kids™ certification label.  The label enables you to easily identify products best suited for homes with young children.
• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
• When window cords are present, ensure that all window cords are out of sight and reach, by shortening or moving them up and away, so that they are inaccessible to young children.

For more information on window cord safety in the home, visit www.windowcoverings.org. Connect with WCSC on Facebook and Twitter for more home safety information and ideas.