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Parents Reminded to Check Their Window Blinds

New York, NY - The Window Covering Safety Council is reminding parents of potential window-cord dangers and urging them to replace or retrofit corded blinds, shades and drapes purchased before 2001 with today’ safer products.

According to information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords.

“Parents that replace their older window coverings with the new products available can feel more confident about their child’s safety, as cord-safety features are now built into window coverings,” explains Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) Executive Director, Peter Rush. “We also recommend that parents install cordless window coverings in children’s bedrooms and play areas.”

Consumers wishing to retrofit rather than replace their older window coverings can order free retrofit devices through WCSC’s website at Window Covering Safety Council - Safety Information and Free Cord-Repair Kits or its toll-free phone line at 1-800-506-4636.

In recent years, the window covering industry has redesigned its corded products and developed cord-safety standards to respond to child strangulation concerns. However, millions of older corded window coverings have not been retrofitted by consumers, and many new parents are sometimes unaware of potential cord dangers.

To maximize window-cord safety when children under the age of six are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

o Install cordless window coverings in children’s bedrooms and play areas. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today’s safer products.
o Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
o 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. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.
o Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.

The Window Covering Safety Council is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings. The Council has been instrumental in the industry’s redesign of corded products, supporting the national ANSI/WCMA standard for the safety of corded window coverings, and encouraging the use of cordless products in children’s rooms and play areas. Consumers wishing to retrofit rather than replace their older window coverings can order free retrofit devices through WCSC’s website at Window Covering Safety Council - Safety Information and Free Cord-Repair Kits or its toll-free phone line at 1-800-506-4636.