Are Your Window Coverings Safe? Tips from a Trusted Home Expert

October is National Window Covering Safety Month! Blinds with lift cords are outdated. You must consider shades without cords especially when kids and pets are involved. I’ll be addressing the laws surrounding this and offering you some professional advice.

Tip #1: Learn the Laws
As of June 2024, all window coverings sold must be cordless or have inaccessible
cords/approved tensioning devices. This called for the elimination of free-hanging
operating cords or tilt cords, and multiple cord connectors. I feel these laws are
beneficial to all homeowners, especially families.

Tip #2: Preview the Process
Old blinds had a lift cord that came out of the shade and became longer when raised,
these cords were a hazard to young children. Newer versions are cordless operating
systems that eliminate pull cords by the use of a handle. Some blinds have a safety
wand to use to raise and lower the shade. Please incorporate these options to enhance
child and pet safety.

Tip #3: Read the Recommendations
For a child’s bedroom I would highly suggest a cordless lift system so there are no
exposed cords. There are several options of shades that can be used in this application.
For a high traffic area where kids or pets are usually participating I would also
recommend a shade without cords or maybe something motorized to eliminate cords.

Tip #4: Trust the Team
On October 1, 2024 the window coverings association stated, corded window coverings
are among the top 5 hidden hazards in our homes, posing a strangulation risk to young
children. The Window Covering Safety Council and safety experts are calling on parents
and caregivers to take action by checking their homes for corded products and
replacing them with cordless ones for the safety of young children in the home.

Ready for an overhaul of your window treatments so that they meet or exceed current
safety standards? We’d love to hear from you…reach out to us.
Until next time, Susie