On June 1st, 2024, a new safety standard went into effect: all window treatments sold in the United States must be cordless or have cords that are hidden. This change is all about protecting the ones you love - your children and pets.

Young children can quickly become entangled in cords, leading to tragic accidents. Every year, an average of nine children under the age of five lose their lives due to strangulation from window blinds, shades, draperies, and other corded window coverings. From 2009 to 2021, there were over 200 accidents where kids got hurt by corded window treatments.

Pets are also at risk when it comes to corded window treatments. Kittens and puppies, in particular, are naturally curious and playful. They might see window cords as toys and can easily get tangled. Even full-grown cats like to climb and bat at things, while dogs of any age often chew on things, including cords. During these interactions, your pets can be at risk for serious injury and death.

At Budget Blinds of Harrisburg, Hershey, and Carlisle, we take this very seriously and would like to share some tips on how to keep your children and pets safe:

Upgrade Your Window Treatments: If you have corded window treatments, now is the perfect time to upgrade to cordless options. There are plenty of stylish and affordable cordless window treatments available.

Spread the Word: Share this update with friends and family. Awareness is key to ensuring more homes become safer for children and pets.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission website states: “Cordless window coverings are the only option to eliminate the strangulation hazard. If you are unable to replace existing window coverings with cordless ones, CPSC recommends following the steps below. Keep in mind that these steps will not eliminate the hazard; they will only reduce it.

Move all cribs, beds, furniture, and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.
Eliminate any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible.
Ensure that cord stops (shaped like donuts and attached to each pull cord) are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords. Cord stops should be within 1 to 2 inches from the headrail when the blind is fully lowered.
Anchor to the floor or wall continuous-loop cords for draperies and blinds, use the appropriate fasteners for the intended surface. Make sure that the cord is taut but operable.”

Budget Blinds of Harrisburg, Hershey, and Carlisle is thrilled to embrace the new safety standard for window treatments, prioritizing the well-being of our valued customers, and their families, above all else. We understand that safety is paramount, especially in homes with young children and pets. That's why we fully support the transition to cordless window treatments and hidden cord systems, providing peace of mind and a safer environment for everyone. We're excited to offer an even wider array of stylish and innovative cordless options, ensuring your home is both beautiful and secure. Our commitment to safety remains unwavering, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect window treatments that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Let’s make our homes a place where safety and style go hand in hand!

Citations: (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2024)

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