One death as a result of window blind trauma is one too many, and the high number of injuries and fatalities have lead to a call for manufacturers to make these window coverings safer. In this article, we have outlined the ways that you can increase the safety of your existing panels and the things you should be looking for should you decide to invest in brand new ones. It is hoped that these sorts of accidents will quickly be a thing of the past.
So, how can you improve the safety of existing window blinds and how can you eliminate the danger altogether with new ones?
Existing Blinds
You should make sure that all cords and chains are secured out of reach of babies and children. This can be achieved through the installation of a safety device, such as a cleat (which is secured to an adjacent wall and allows you to wrap the cord around it), a tidy (which is also secured to an adjacent wall and holds the chain permanently in place) or a chain-break connector (which will break apart when undue pressure is applied to the cord).
New Blinds
When shopping for brand new window coverings, you should look for panels that don’t offer cords or chains. There are a number of alternative products available, such as wands (which are plastic tubes that you twist to operate), spring operations (which are controlled by pulling at various angles), concealed cord systems (which operate according to tension) and motorisation (which allows the panel to raise or lower at the push of a button).
Increasing the safety of window blinds should be of primary concern for any homeowner with a baby, child or vulnerable person in the family. With so many alternative options for blind control and for making existing cords or chains more safe, there is no excuse for not implementing something in your home. We also recommend keeping furniture (like cots, beds, highchairs and couches) away from the windows to help avoid the temptation to touch.