5 Things Parents Can Do Today To Protect Children From A Deadly Hidden Home Hazard
Leading Window Treatment Company Joins Window Covering Safety Council in Educating Consumers about How to Make Window Treatments Safer This October, National Window Covering Safety Month
MIDDLETON, Wis., Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Fortunately, the window covering industry has worked diligently to reduce the strangulation risk posed by corded window coverings. In October, two industry powerhouses, Springs Window Fashions, a leading window treatment company since 1939; and the Window Covering Safety Council, are collaborating to educate consumers on the issue during National Window Covering Safety Month.
"Window covering cord safety is – and always has been – a top priority at Springs Window Fashions," said Eric Jungbluth, President and CEO of Springs Window Fashions. "We have developed an array of cordless products, and those that are certified 'Best for Kids,' to make it simple for parents and caregivers to distinguish which window coverings are the safest for their homes. We strive to continually educate consumers and broaden the reach on this issue, and we're pleased to collaborate with the Window Covering Safety Council to do so."
To make your home's window treatments safer for children, follow these guidelines:
- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords – preferably to another wall.
- Keep all window covering cords out of children's reach by shortening them or securely wrapping them around a cord cleat. If installing new blinds, install the cord cleat – a small device that compactly wraps and contains cords and keeps them out of reach.
- Check that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords. Anchor continuous-loop cords on draperies and vertical blinds tautly to the floor or wall.
- When replacing or buying new window coverings, look for the "Best for Kids" label. These products are cordless and best suited in homes with young children. Best for Kids-certified blinds and shades are available at major retailers and window treatment dealers in the United States. If buying new window treatments, Graber Blinds, a brand from Springs Window Fashions, is offering free cordless upgrades during the month of October. Visit a local dealer to learn more.
- If you cannot replace your window coverings, order free retrofit kits from the Window Covering Safety Council or call 1-800-506-4636.
"New industry innovations and safety standards have provided consumers with more choices than ever to obtain cordless products or those with inaccessible cords," said Window Covering Safety Council Associate Director, Ralph Vasami. "Parents with young children should replace their corded window coverings with the many cordless products available in different styles, colors and sizes."
For more information about National Window Covering Safety Month, visit WindowCoverings.org or call 1-800-506-4636 for a free retrofit kit.
ABOUT SPRINGS WINDOW FASHIONS
Springs Window Fashions, the Best Experience Company, supplies leading retailers and distributors with a complete line of blinds, shades, specialty treatments and window hardware. Bali ®, Graber®, SWFcontract, MechoSystems, Horizons, Mariak and SunSetter are brands of Springs Window Fashions. Based in Middleton, Wis., the company has facilities in nine locations in the United States and Mexico and employs approximately 8,000 associates. For more information, visit www.springswindowfashions.com.
ABOUT THE WINDOW COVERING SAFETY COUNCIL
The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), founded in 1994, is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings dedicated to educating consumers about window covering cord safety. As part of its ongoing public information campaign to increase cord-safety awareness, WCSC regularly disseminates news and informational materials through the media and partnerships with various public and private organizations concerned with child safety, health and well-being. In addition, WCSC provides consumers with free cord-retrofit kits via an on-line order form and its toll-free number at 1-800-506-4636.
SOURCE Springs Window Fashions
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