Blinds safety cords can pose a severe risk to children and pets, as they can become entangled and potentially strangled. Making your blinds safer and reducing accident risks is possible by following a few steps. Read on to learn more about blind safety cord dangers and how to protect your loved ones.
Blind cords can pose a severe risk for your children and pets, as they can become entangled and potentially strangled. According to the U.K Gov, In 2014, changes to blinds standards resulted in improved product safety. New blinds with looped cords are now required to have child safety devices installed during manufacturing or sold alongside the blind. However, if you have older blinds, they might need to have these safety features, which could impact numerous households. We offer valuable advice to ensure your children's and young visitors' safety. You can also refer to the U.K. government's guidelines on blind cord safety for more information.
The safest option for blinds is to choose cordless blinds or cordless shades. These window coverings eliminate the risk of entanglement and strangulation from cords. Cordless blinds and shades are available in various styles and materials, so you can still find the perfect window covering for your home. If you already have blinds with cords, consider replacing them with cordless options or retrofitting them with cord safety devices.
It is imperative to install cord cleats or tension devices on blinds with cords so that children and pets can't reach them. It is possible to attach cord cleats to a wall or window frame using plastic or metal cleats. The cords are wrapped around the cleat to keep them taut and out of reach. Tension devices are similar but stick to the cords and create tension to keep them tight. Both options are affordable and easy to install, and they can significantly reduce accident and injury risk.
Another critical step in ensuring your children's and pets' safety around blinds is to keep furniture away from windows. Children are naturally curious and may climb tables to reach the cords, putting them at risk of strangulation. By keeping furniture away from windows, you can reduce the temptation for children to climb and get for the threads. Additionally, supervise children and pets around blinds and cords at all times.
The first step to ensuring your children's and pets' safety around blinds is to educate them about cord dangers. Train your children not to play with or touch cords, and ensure they understand the importance of avoiding blinds when alone. Additionally, educate any guests or visitors to your home about the dangers of lines and blinds. Ask them to control their children and pets. By working together, we can keep our loved ones safe.
