Can Vertical Blinds be Safe for Children?
Recalls due to safety concerns have been underway for years when it comes to corded window products. The cording poses a definite safety issue to small children. Homeowners and/or landlords that are aware of the frequent presence of small children should make safety considerations a high priority when purchasing window coverings.
1. Walk through and actually look at the window coverings currently installed (cell shades, horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roman shades, honeycomb shades, etc.) It doesn’t matter what type of product is in use; take a small chunk of time and consider the negative possibilities presented by its design. ANY exposed cording poses a danger to small children. Check the back of the product in addition to the front.
2. Exposed cording should lead you to consider your options. Manufacturers of almost every type of window treatment from vertical blinds to cell shades now have retro fit kits available free of charge to alleviate any safety concerns on older products. These retro fit kits are available by contacting most manufacturers.
3. If it is a viable possibility financially owners and landlords are strongly urged to completely replace older, corded products. Cordless options are available in nearly every style of window covering from vertical blinds to horizontal blinds to roman shades. The cordless products offer the same aesthetic design and the same features and functions of their corded counterparts.
4. To ensure safety temporarily while searching for a more permanent solution start by tying down any looping cords with hold downs. They can also be cut and tied with a tassel. There should never be large pieces of furniture near window treatments. This increases the probability that a small child could gain access to cording.
Immediately taking temporary steps to alleviate any safety issues posed by cords is vital and highly recommended. But more permanent solutions are just as highly encouraged as quickly as possible. For further info on safety regulations and features in products currently on the market as well as older products that may need retro-fitting consumers can contact the Window Covering Safety Council. This organization offers free retro-fit kits for many types of window coverings. If possible homeowners with small children in residence should replace corded product with cordless products as soon as possible. IT is the most effective and permanent solution to the safety issue.
Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.