Curtains Blinds

There have been safety concerns resulting in small to mid-sized recalls of window covering products for years due to accessible cording that poses a hazard to small children. If you have children or if you have frequent visitors with children the issue is one that should be given due consideration.

1. Take a close look at your window coverings (vertical blinds, roman shades, cell shades, horizontal blinds, etc.) Regardless of what product is in use in your home. Just take a few minutes and really look at it. Are there ANY exposed cords on the sides, front or back of the product? This is the safety issue.

2. If you find exposed cording consider your options. Many manufacturers of all kinds of window treatments (vertical blinds, cell shades, roman shades, horizontal blinds, etc.) have retro-fit kits available that will bring their previously sold products up to current safety standards. Contact the manufacturer to find out if a free kit is available for your product.

3. If possible…you should consider replacing older window coverings that could pose a safety hazard with one of the many cordless options available in today’s market. In response to the growing number of recalls on window treatments for the danger posed by exposed cording there have been a wide array of cordless products released on the market. There are cordless options in every area (vertical blinds, shades, roman shades, wood blinds, etc.) The cordless products still offer all the great features consumers are looking for as well as all the great design options.

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.