CPSC Warns Older Window Coverings Pose Strangulation Risk to Children

October is Window Covering Safety Month and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Window Covering Safety Council and independent retailers have joined forces to urge consumers to repair or replace window coverings purchased before 2001.

"Entanglement and strangulation from older window covering cords are a hidden hazard," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "It is critical that parents be aware of this and replace or repair window coverings purchased before 2001."

The following are steps consumers can take to help prevent strangulation from window coverings:

• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
• Keep all window cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short, and that continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall.
• To prevent inner cord hazards, lock cords into position when lowering horizontal coverings or shades.
• Repair window coverings, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with retrofit cord repair devices, or replace them with today's safer products.
• Consider installing cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms and play areas.

*  ROLL-EASE: The photo above shows the hardware without the valance so you can see how the hardware looks.  The shade comes with a six-inch valance that conceals the hardware. 

 This hardware system has an automatic locking device that allows the shade to stay at any height.  Another advantage of this style is a cord loop that remains the same length whether the shade is up or down, making it an appropriate item for child safety.   The ROLL-EASE Hardware is a $65.00 option that is available on all Roman, Old Roman and Hobbled Roman Shades from  ISLANDHOUSECLASSICS.com.

Consumers possessing window coverings purchasRed before 2001 can obtain a free repair kit from the Window Covering Safety Council's Web site at http://www.windowcoverings.org/ or by calling (800) 506-4636. Individuals also can visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/cords.html to learn more about window covering safety.