Child Safety- Cordless Blinds and Motorized Window Treatments

When we think of child-safety as homeowners, our minds often jump to securing furniture to walls, covering electrical outlets, and installing locks on cabinets and doors. What we often fail to consider is the danger that the cords on blinds and other window treatments pose to our little ones. Often found at the perfect height to be played with, we need to consider the choking hazard that hanging blinds pose to both children and pets.

[According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a child under the age of 10 dies from window cord strangulation every month]

While National Child Safety Month is not until October, it is always vital to focus on reducing the risks for our children-- child safety is important 365 days a year. The team at Motorized Window Treatments has compiled a list of considerations to aid in increasing the safety of your children when it comes to window treatments:

 

1.) Select window treatments that are cordless. Check window coverings for exposed cords that could pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children. When possible, replace corded window coverings with cordless products. Blinds, shutters and cordless cellular and roller shades are a few of the options MWT can install for you.

2.) Keep cords out of sight and out of reach. We get it -- sometimes it's just not practical to install all new treatments in your home. However, if you are unable to install newer products, there are still measures that can be taken to increase the safety of your home. Ensure that all window cords are not visible or accessible to children. You can prevent access to cords by moving cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall. These items could act as unintentional "step stools" that allow a child to reach a window or cord.

3.) Pull the cords tight. Continuous-loop pull cords should be pulled tight and anchored to the floor or wall. Dangling cords catch the attention of children, who may play with them. They also pose the threat of snagging a child who is walking or running past.

4.) Properly install your window coverings. Be sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement on inner cords on blinds and shades. The experts at MWT will ensure that all installs are done with your child's safety in mind.

There is a reason why the window coverings industry uses warning tags, warning labels, and other methods to communicate the potential hazards of corded window coverings. But by taking a few easy steps, we can work together to further protect our young ones from the potential dangers that these window treatments pose. Call MWT today to discuss your options for either motorized window treatments or cordless blinds, shades and shutter measure and installation services! 224-856-8456