October is National Window Covering Safety Month, a critical time for every family to focus on a hidden hazard that exists in nearly every home: corded window coverings.
We childproof cabinets, secure gates, and install smoke alarms, but the cords on blinds and shades are often overlooked. Yet, the statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are alarming: corded window coverings are consistently ranked among the top hidden hazards in the home, responsible for numerous tragic strangulation incidents involving infants and young children each year. As of June 1, 2024, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission outlawed all dangling cords on window treatments.
Why This Hazard Is So Serious
The danger of window covering cords lies in how quickly and silently an accident can occur. A child’s mobility grows faster than their understanding of risk. As soon as a child can crawl or climb, they are at risk of becoming entangled in a dangling cord.
- It only takes moments: Strangulation can happen in seconds, even when an adult is in the same room. A child can lose consciousness in as little as 15 seconds.
- The risk is everywhere: The danger comes from outer pull cords, inner lift cords, and continuous loop cords—all are potential hazards.
Your Call to Action: Go Cordless for Kids
This October, the most effective step you can take to protect your children and the children who visit your home is to go cordless.
Safety experts and industry leaders agree that window coverings without accessible cords are the safest option. When you are shopping for new blinds or shades, look for products that feature the “Best for Kids” certification label, which means they have been independently tested to meet the strictest safety standards.
Immediate Safety Checklist for Parents and Caregivers:
- Replace or Retrofit: The safest choice is to replace any corded window covering with a cordless, motorized, or wand controlled option. If replacement isn’t immediately possible, order free cord retrofit kits from the Window Covering Safety Council and install them immediately.
- Move Furniture: Check every room. Move all cribs, beds, chairs, and other climbable furniture away from windows to ensure children cannot reach the cords.
- Secure Cords: If you have corded blinds, make sure all dangling pull cords are tied up high and completely out of reach. For continuous loop cords, ensure the tension device is secured tautly to the window jam, the wall or floor. Never tie cords together, as this creates a dangerous loop.
National Window Covering Safety Month is a powerful reminder that child safety is a continuous process. Take a moment today to inspect your window coverings and make the necessary changes. It’s a simple, life-saving step toward a safer home.
