When you look at your corded window blinds or shades, chances are you don’t think “safety hazard.”  Overall, I’d say that is good, as well as a testament to product manufacturers and regulatory bodies aimed at keeping consumers safe.  However, don’t be fooled into a false sense of security.  A key message of the Window Coverings Safety Council is, “Children and window cords don't mix.” That is also true for our pets.

As with many household products, window coverings with cords must be designed to meet certain safety standards.  These standards are defined by ANSI/WCMA A100.1 American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products.   In addition, these regulators point out things that most of us wouldn’t even think about, until it happens.  These rules were updated in 2001, so anything in your home prior to that date should either be replaced, or retrofitted to meet today’s standards.

Miniblinds and corded window coverings such as wood, faux or composite blinds, or pleated or cellular shades made before 2001 should be replaced or retrofitted to avoid potential child strangulation hazards.  If you are uncertain of their age, the Window Covering Safety Council strongly recommends that you replace your window treatments with today's safer products. Safer options include cordless lift systems that eliminate the need for cords and strings, or tie downs that secure cords and prevent children or pets from getting tangled in them.

If purchasing new products is not in your future, the Council recommends the following:

ELIMINATE LOOPED PULL CORDS
(pre-1995 miniblinds and pleated shades)
1. Cut the looped pull cord above the tassel, and remove equalizer buckle (if any).
2. Insert cord through tassel and tie cord ends to secure the tassel

Newer continuous cord-loop systems are designed with better safety in mind.

INSTALL CORD STOPS
(all pre-2001 horizontal blinds and corded shades)
1. Lower the blind to its proper length and lock cords into position at head rail.  
For each pull cord:
2. Pinch together a portion of the pull cord to create a loop near the head rail, then slide the cord stop over the loop end.
3. Slip the free end of the pull cord through the loop to loosely knot the cord stop onto the pull cord.
4. Tighten the knot to secure the cord stop one to two inches below the head rail to limit movement of inner lift cords.

INSTALL TIE-DOWN DEVICES
(pre-1997 vertical blinds and draperies)
1. Insert cord or chain into tie-down device.
2. Attach the tie-down device to the floor or wall so that the cord is fully extended and securely fastened.

How-to explanations are available on line at www.windowcoverings.org where you can also order free retrofit kits.  You may also order retrofit kits by calling 1-800-506-4636.