Curtains Blinds

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. Check out the window coverings currently installed throughout the house. It doesn’t matter what type of window covering you have in use (roman shades, vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, etc.) Look for any cording that is exposed. Any accessible or visible cords are a definite safety concern. (Don’t forget to check the back of your window covering product for cording, as well).

2. Any exposed cording should be taken care of; get in touch with the manufacturer (vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, cell shades…it doesn’t matter. Manufacturers are aware of the issue and will have an appropriate response). When you call or email the manufacturer request a retro-fit kit. They are typically free of charge and they include everything necessary to take care of the potential threat to small children posed by visible/accessible cording.

3. The best solution is replacement. If the option is viable financially homeowners and landlords alike are encouraged to remove corded products and replace them with corded options that offer all the same functions and features without the safety concerns. Almost every type of window covering offers cordless options (vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, cell shades, roman shades, etc.)

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.

If safety issues are identified in relation to window coverings in the home the issue should be addressed immediately. If the retro-fit kit is not accessible through the manufacturer or consumers are having difficulty accessing the manufacturer’s contact information they should contact the Window Covering Safety Council. This organization provides a full range of safety information regarding windows and window coverings and is more than happy to provide retro-fit kits to consumers free of charge. While they provide any and all answers regarding elevating older blinds and window covering products to meet current safety standards…they agree with the industry experts in saying that the safest option is to install cordless products.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 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.