October is the month in which we take time to spread awareness about the importance of keeping kids safe around certain types of blinds and window coverings. Kids are especially curious and will assume that things hanging and dangling are just other playthings. Blinds with long dangling strings can present an interesting challenge or pique the curiosity of a young child while also being potentially hazardous to their health. This month, why not take some time to look over your house and see if your blinds and window coverings are as safe as they could be.
Safety Tip 1: Furniture Awareness
You may already have your cords out of the way, but even if they are high up, a child can still access them if there is furniture nearby. Take a quick look around each room in your house and make sure that there is no furniture close to the windows. That will prevent a child from climbing up and attempting to play with cords (if any) that are nearby. While you’re at it, make sure that the furniture you do have is tip proof and won’t fall over or become unsecured if a child were to play on it. Kids are natural climbers and will want to explore areas that are “new” or “hidden” to them around the house so be aware of potential hazard areas!
Safety Tip 2: Replace And Fix
One of the best things you can do to help your child stay safe around blinds and window coverings is to remove any dangling or protruding cords by replacing all of your window coverings with cordless blinds, shades, and drapes that are certified “Best For Kids” by the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC). Just look for the blue and white “Best For Kids” safety seal of approval. The WCSC also will provide a free safety first retrofit kit for your blinds. All you have to do is go to this webpage and select the blind safety product that matches the kind of window coverings you have. They will send you a free kit that you can install on your blinds to help keep your child safe from window covering related accidents.
Safety Tip 3: Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
If you currently have exposed cords from your drapes or blinds and want to take action right now, you can! Go around to your windows and make sure that all exposed dangling cords are either cut short or tied up so that they are safely out of reach. If the cords are up high and tucked away and there is no furniture around the window that the child can climb upon, then that will definitely help reduce the risk of an accident for your child.
Safety Tip 4: For Your Graber Blinds
Graber is offering a free cordless lift upgrade for some of their select products between October 17th and December 31st, 2019. These safety upgrades are available for the following models: Graber Cellular, Pleated, Natural, Roller, Solar, Fresco Roman, and Fabric Shades. The Fabric Shades include the looped Roman, classic flat Roman, and seamless Roman styles only. This offer is not available for commercial orders. Please contact us by clicking here or by dialing: (208) 888-1056 for more information. We’re passionate about your family’s safety and are happy to help with any and all safety or purchasing questions.