If you have never heard of Window Covering Safety Month, read on and prepare to be intrigued. Inspired and created by the joint efforts of the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the mission is to create awareness of the hazards posed particularly to infants, children and the elderly by window coverings. For the month of October, public service announcements will remind Americans to check their window treatments for dangling cords or exposed elements that could pose a danger.
Why Window Covering Safety Matters
Window coverings are considered one of the top five dangers within a home. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), on average, one child dies each month from window cord strangulation. Window treatments should be more than beautiful. They should also be safe. Safety is the inspiration behind creating awareness by designating October as Window Covering Safety Month.
Window Covering Safety is More Than Cords
In addition to examining window treatments for exposed cords as potential dangers there are other tips to put into play to make windows and window treatments safer:
- Keep low furniture that children could climb on away from windows.
- Install cordless window coverings
- Shorten pull cords as much as possible.
- Continuous-loop pull cords should be securely anchored to the floor or a wall.
- Install proper cord stops to limit cord movement.
The Best Tip to Keep Window Treatments Safe
Perhaps the best tip offered is to install cordless window treatments. By going cordless a parent no longer has to worry about shortening cords or securing them out of reach from children and there are so many stylish cordless options for windows:
Shutters: Not only are shutters cordless, but Eclipse shutters that are constructed of polyresin 3 are also flame retardant. Improved safety does not compromise appearance. An array of color choices, several louver widths to choose from, durability and easy maintenance make this particular shutter a favorite.
Blinds: Wood blinds are a classic. However, for those concerned with sustainability, polymer based faux wood blinds are the perfect solution. The Alta style is of such quality engineering it carries a lifetime warranty against cracks, chips or peeling. Width and length can be customized so that every window in the house can be enhanced with the timeless look of wooden blinds. To celebrate Window Covering Safety Month, a cordless lift or motorized option makes every blind function in the safest manner possible.
Shades: Roller shades are a fantastic option for going cordless. The light, airy, appeal of solar shades creates UV protection with a sheer quality that still permits viewing through the window. These are perfect choices for patio windows looking out on a delightful backyard scene. Motorized lift systems and spring tension lifts allow homeowners to go cordless with any budget.
Draperies: For color and texture, nothing compares to the timelessness of draperies. Customized fabrics, patterns and pleat styles appeal to every decorator’s palate. Through custom track systems draperies can go cordless with manual baton options or splurge for a motorized drapery track that will wow your guests.
Retrofit: For those who have already invested in gorgeous window treatments, it is possible for many to be retrofitted with motorized systems. To find out if this may be possible for you, contact a qualified window treatment specialist with proven experience.
Put Your Faith In Experts
For homeowners in the Texas Hill Country, they are lucky to have a third generation window covering specialist right in their community. Providing outstanding customer service and the best products on the market are not their only guiding principles. With a commitment to safety as much as beauty, where window treatments are concerned, Austin Blind Faith is proud to play their part in National Window Covering Safety Month. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation regarding the safety of your own window treatments.