Window Covering Safety Month: Your Guide to Safer Choices for Your Family
Imagine this: your little one is playing happily in the living room, laughing and giggling, when suddenly, that laughter is cut short. You might think it’s just another game, but the truth is, hidden dangers lurk in your home. One of those dangers could be your window coverings. As a parent or grandparent, ensuring your home is a safe haven for children is your top priority. But how safe are window covering products really? Let’s dive into this critical issue, especially during Window Covering Safety Month in October.
The Hidden Dangers of Window Coverings
When you think about child safety, window coverings might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, cords on blinds and shades can pose serious risks. Strangulation incidents involving window blind cords have occurred with alarming frequency. In fact, they happen every two weeks in the United States. These accidents are silent and swift, leaving parents with mere seconds to react. The sad reality is that many parents simply aren’t aware of the dangers until it’s too late.
How Do I Know What is Safe?
Determining whether your window coverings are safe doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some key points to consider:
- Cordless Options: If you have window coverings with cords, it’s time to consider switching to cordless options. These are designed specifically to eliminate the risk of strangulation.
- Safety Labels: Look for products that have been tested for safety and come with unbiased safety labels. The “Lab Tested, Mom Approved” seal is a good indicator that the product meets safety standards and has evidence-based testing protocols created by safety experts outside of the industry.
- Manufacturer Information: Research the manufacturer’s safety record. Some companies are more committed to child safety than others. You can find a lot of information on any product at this website. www.saferproducts.gov
What If I Cannot Replace Right Now?
If replacing all your window coverings isn’t feasible right now, don’t worry! There are still steps you can take to make your home safer:
- Prioritize High-Risk Rooms: Identify rooms where your children spend the most time, such as nurseries, playrooms, or bedrooms. Focus on replacing window coverings in these areas first.
- Modify Existing Cords: If you can’t replace the blinds, secure any cords out of reach. Tie them up high and out of sight by placing cords behind the product.
- Monitor and Supervise: Always keep an eye on children when they’re near areas with corded window coverings. Supervision is key to preventing accidents.
Which Room Should I Start Replacing in First?
When it comes to prioritizing window covering safety, think about where your children spend the most time. Here’s a quick guide:
- Bedrooms: This is where children sleep unsupervised, so it’s crucial to ensure their environment is safe.
- Playrooms: Kids are naturally curious and can easily reach for cords during playtime.
- Living Areas: If you spend a lot of time in common areas, ensure they’re childproofed as well.
The Journey to Safer Window Coverings
The fight for window covering safety isn’t just a personal battle; it’s a movement that has gained momentum. After losing my daughter Cheyenne to a preventable accident involving a window blind cord, I knew I had to take action. I founded Parents for Window Blind Safety to raise awareness and advocate for stronger window covering safety standards.
For years, the window covering safety standards written by the industry put the responsibility of safety on consumers instead of designing out the operating cord hazards. It wasn’t until advocates like myself and other parents stepped up that the United States began to see significant changes in the marketplace. In 2018, major manufacturers started removing cords from stock products, and by 2022, most hazards were designed out of window coverings. However, there’s still work to be done, especially with continuous loop cords and chains with tension devices that according to CPSC data, have a history of failing consumers.
Conclusion: Your Role in Window Covering Safety
As you reflect on your home’s safety, remember that you have the power to make a difference. Checking your window coverings is a crucial step in creating a safe environment for your children. During Window Covering Safety Month, I encourage you to share this information with others and start conversations about the importance of safety in your home.
Your actions can help prevent future tragedies. So, take a moment today to evaluate your window coverings and make a plan for safer options. Together, we can ensure that every child has a safe place to play and grow.
If you want to learn more about window covering safety, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission for additional resources and information.
Let’s make every home a safer haven for our kids—one window covering at a time!