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Window Covering Cords

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.

NSN-15-092022_WindowCoverings

 

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

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Custom Window Coverings to Prevent Deaths and Serious Injuries from Strangulation; Window Covering Cords Now Deemed a Substantial Product Hazard

Go Cordless with Window Coverings to Avoid Risk of Strangulation to Infants and Children

October is Window Covering Safety Month: CPSC Urges Parents to Inspect Homes for Hidden and Deadly Window Cord Hazards

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

monitor cord

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

Related Topics

Children's Clothes: Drawstrings Not Allowed

Drawstrings Business Guidance

Crib Information Center

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