If your window treatments were purchased before 2001, or if you don’t know when they were purchased, it may be time to replace them with newer window coverings with updated safety features. This is particularly a good idea if you’ve recently welcomed a new baby or pet into the family. While nothing is going to replace a vigilant parent or caregiver, these features will enhance the safety of your window coverings. Budget Blinds Vendor Alliance Director, Tracy Christman, recommends these safety features for homes with small children and pets to reduce the risk of entanglement:

Cordless Window Treatments - Raise and lower window coverings easily without cords! Eliminating cords also creates an aesthetically-pleasing, uncluttered look that is popular in today’s decor. This feature is available on a number of window treatments.

Motorized Window Treatments - Using a battery-operated remote control, you can raise, lower, tilt or open and close your window coverings at the touch of a button. Motorization has increased in popularity over the years and is available on numerous window treatments. With some motorization packages, homeowners can pre-program window treatments to open and close throughout the day enhancing security by making the home look occupied and saving energy by controlling heat gain.

Wand - Some window treatments, such as horizontal blinds and vertical blinds, are available with a control wand as opposed to a pull cord.

Breakaway Tassels - If you must have control cords, make sure they have breakaway tassels.

Inner Cord Stops - This feature prevents the inner cords from being pulled out where they could pose a strangulation hazard to children and pets.

Cord Cleats - Cord cleats keep continuous cord loops tightly secured against the wall so they cannot be pulled away or played with.

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Not many people realize it, but October is Window Covering Safety month. It’s a reminder to parents and child caregivers to access their window areas and eliminate hazards. From 1991-2000, the Consumer Products Safety Commission received nearly 200 reports of strangulation deaths resulting from entanglement in cords that control window treatments. While nothing can replace the watchful eye of a loving parent or caregiver, here are four tips to make the window areas around your home a little safer for children and pets:

• Place cribs and other low-standing furniture (beds, bookshelves, toy boxes, chairs, etc.) away from windows to prevent young ones from accidentally tumbling from windows.
• Install window guards. Don’t rely on screens designed to keep bugs out to keep children and pets in.
• Keep all cords out of reach from small children and pets. Install a Cord Cleat to secure loose cords or ask about other ways to anchor cords to the wall. Budget Blinds has a line of stylish cleats and matching tassels that get the job done and look great doing it!
• If your window treatments were purchased before 2001, or you don’t know when they were purchased, it’s a good idea to consider replacing them with a safer option

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