Ninety-two percent of Americans are aware that pull-cords on certain drapes and window blinds can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children, according to a survey conducted by the window covering industry. In the same survey, 74% were aware of a potential hazard associated with the interior cords running through the slats of some window blinds.
The survey, compiled by the Opinion Research Corporation’s Caravan for the Window Covering Safety Council, is based on interviews conducted in January, 2011 with over 1,000 adults.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords. In December, 2009, the CPSC announced voluntary recalls of millions of Roman shades and roll-up blinds, and more companies joined the recall in 2010.
The industry strongly suggests that consumers follow these safety guidelines:
- Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today’s safer products.
- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
- Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.
- Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.
The CPSC has posted a safety alert online that identifies the major risks of strangulations to children by certain shades and blinds.
The Window Covering Safety Council includes manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings. Consumers can contact WCSC at www.windowcoverings.org or at 1-800-506-4636.
