How to Childproof Window Coverings
Parents go to great lengths to make sure their homes are safe for young children, but they often overlook one of the leading causes of household accidents. Corded window coverings may seem fairly harmless to parents worried about slips, falls and choking hazards, but they are one of the five most serious dangers children in American homes face according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fortunately, there are several things parents can do to reduce this risk or eliminate it completely.
Blind Cord Cleats, Wraps and Roll-ups
If your blinds were manufactured before the mid-1990s, they probably lack any built-in child safety features. However, this is not really something you need to worry about as there are several inexpensive ways to childproof window coverings. You could place blind cord cleats high on window frames to neatly keep cords away from small prying fingers, or, if you want a more elegant solution or mounting fixtures on window frames is not an option, blind cord wraps or roll-ups could be the answer. These are retractable devices that are designed to keep blind cords safely out of reach.
Blind Cord Safety Stops and Loop Anchors
The inner cords between the slats of blinds made before 1999 can usually be pulled out, which could be dangerous if curious young children are around. You can eliminate this risk by lowering the blind completely and then installing a safety stop on the inner cord near the top of the blind. If you have blinds with cords that work on a continuous loop, you can make them safer by installing either floor or wall-mounted loop anchors.
Cordless Blinds
If complete peace of mind is what you are after, you should think about replacing your old corded blinds with new cordless window coverings. The Window Covering Safety Council and the Consumer Product Safety Commission both recommend cordless blinds in homes with young children. Cordless blinds are are available in a huge variety of styles, and they provide way to make homes safer and more beautiful without breaking the bank.
Motorized Blinds
Remote-controlled motorized blinds are the last word in window covering safety and style. Motorized blinds can be fitted to just about any window, and they can open from top-to-bottom or side-to-side. As most of them are powered by rechargeable batteries, you won’t have to worry about your kids playing with plugs or wires while you are not looking.
The experts at Accent Verticals have been making homes in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver safer and more beautiful for more than 30 years, and our experts are ready to answer any questions you may have about childproofing your window coverings. We also carry a complete range of cordless and motorized blinds and offer free in-home measuring, lifetime warranties and several financing options.
