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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