Children have strangled to death on the cords of window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings, and this can happen in mere moments, even with an adult nearby. The safest option when young children are present is to go cordless.
Window cord strangulation is often silent, so parents or caregivers nearby may not realize that a tragedy is happening.
If you are unable to replace existing window coverings with cordless ones, CPSC recommends the following safety steps:
- Eliminate any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible.
- Keep all window covering cords out of the reach of children.
- Ensure that cord stops are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords.
- Anchor to the floor or wall continuous-loop cords for draperies and blinds.
- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.
Window Covering Cords Deadly Hazards – Safety Alert Microsoft Word - 5009a (cpsc.gov)
News
Go Cordless with Window Coverings to Avoid Risk of Strangulation to Infants and Children
Updated Voluntary Window Covering Safety Standard Takes Effect: Go Cordless
View All Window Covering Recalls
Window Covering Safety Council
Baby Monitor Cords
Keep ALL cords away from babies, including baby monitor cords
Coordinate a Safe & Sound Zone
OnSafety Blog: Baby Monitor Cords Have Strangled Children
OnSafety Blog: Baby Monitor Cords: 3 Feet from Baby
Video: What's Wrong With This Picture?
Voluntary Standards Activities
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CPSC Safety Alerts and Neighborhood Safety Network posters are not available to order. If you would like to use these safety publications, they are free to download and print.
