National Window Safety Week: Tips to Help Prevent Window Cord Strangulations in Kids by Kaila Weingarten

The danger to children from the deadly hazard of exposed window covering cords is serious – and preventable. Nearly one child dies each month due to a window-cord strangulation. Here are some tips for parents!

• Examine all shades and blinds for exposed cords on the front, side and back of the product.

• Use cordless windows in homes with young children.

• If you cannot afford new, cordless window coverings, contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) at 800-506-4636 or for a free repair kit to make them safer.
  

The WCSC also encourages parents and caregivers to follow these window covering safety guidelines:

• Install only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children. Replace window blinds and corded shades with products that are cordless or have inaccessible cords marked with the Best for Kids™ certification label. The label enables you to easily identify products best suited for homes with young children.

• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.

• When window cords are present, ensure that all window cords are out of sight and reach, by shortening or moving them up and away, so that they are inaccessible to young children.