Mini-blinds and other corded window covering products have been one of the most widespread hazards in American homes. The window covering industry estimates that as many as one billion blinds and corded window covering products are in circulation in the United States, with corded window coverings in nearly 17 million American households with children under the age of six years old.
Despite the prevalence of these products in American homes, few realize the extent of their danger. Documentation from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and research from the Journal of the American Medical Association suggest over 768 children died on corded window coverings since 1973.
The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is dedicated to providing consumer information and educational materials on window-cord safety. They also offer consumers free retrofit devices for addressing potential cord hazards on older window treatments.
If the window coverings in your home were bought prior to 2001,
or if you are uncertain of their age, the Window Covering Safety
Council strongly recommends that you replace your window treatments
with today's safer products.
However, if you prefer to keep your older window treatments, the
following instructions will help you retrofit them.
Miniblinds and corded window coverings made before 2001 should be
replaced or retrofitted to avoid potential child strangulation
hazards.
The Window Covering Safety Council recommends the following retrofit steps.
ELIMINATE LOOPED PULL CORDS
(pre-1995 miniblinds and pleated shades)
1. Cut the looped pull cord just above the tassel, and remove equalizer buckle (if any).
2. Insert cord through tassel and tie cord ends to secure the tassel.
INSTALL CORD STOPS
(all pre-2001 horizontal blinds and corded shades)
1. Lower the blind to its proper length and lock cords into position at head rail.
For each pull cord:
2. Pinch together a portion of the pull cord to create a loop near the head rail, then slide the cord stop over the loop end.
3. Slip the free end of the pull cord through the loop to loosely knot the cord stop onto the pull cord.
4. Tighten the knot to secure the cord stop one to two inches below the head rail to limit movement of inner lift cords.
INSTALL TIE-DOWN DEVICES
(pre-1997 vertical blinds and draperies)
1. Insert cord or chain into tie-down device.
2. Attach the tie-down device to the floor or wall so that the cord is fully extended and securely fastened.
.jpg "Covington Collection")
