CPSC urges Consumers to Repair or
Replace Old Window Coverings and offers tips on Window Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), the Window Covering Safety Council and independent
retailers have joined forces to raise awareness of strangulation risks
presented by window covering cords and chains. October has been
designated "Window Covering
Safety Month" by CPSC and the industry coalition. U.S. consumers are
encouraged to repair or replace window coverings purchased before 2001 and
to keep all window cords and chains out of the reach of young children.
Through point-of-sale signage in retail stores, advertising circulars in
newspapers and other marketing means, consumers will be alerted to the
availability of free repair kits and strongly urged to repair or replace
older window coverings.
"Window Covering Safety Month is an important national initiative.
Repairing or replacing your window coverings is the first line of
defense," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Consumers should also secure
cords and chains so they are out of children's reach. Cribs and furniture
should be kept away from window coverings so that children can not play
with them."
Since 1991, CPSC has received reports of 174 strangulation deaths
involving cords and chains on window coverings. 152 deaths involved the
outer-pull cords, which raise and lower the blind. 22 deaths involved the
inner-cords, which run through the window blind slats.
Outer-pull cord deaths typically involve children ranging in age
from 8-months to 6-years. Inner-cord deaths typically involve children
ranging in age from 9-months to 17-months who are placed in cribs or
playpens located within reach of window coverings. In all cases, the
children became inadvertently entangled and died from strangulation.
In recent years, window-covering manufacturers have produced
redesigned products to reduce cord hazards. These redesigns have reduced
the opportunity to create hazardous loops in the cords or chains. The
redesigns have also featured permanently attached tie-down anchors and
built-in cord stops.
It is important to note: although redesigned newer window
coverings and repaired older window coverings reduce the risk of
strangulation - they have not fully eliminated the hazard. Long
dangling window cords and chains still pose a strangulation hazard for
young children. Consumers should never tie window blind cords or chains
together because the knot creates a new loop, which could cause a young
child to become entangled.
During the month of October, CPSC urges consumers to carefully
inspect the cords and chains of all of their window coverings.
Consumers are also encouraged to consider cordless coverings and other
alternative window coverings, which have been recently introduced
throughout the country by manufacturers. Consumers with older window
coverings are urged to repair or replace their window coverings.
Consumers possessing window coverings purchased before 2001 can obtain a
free repair kit from the Window Covering Safety Council's web site
at www.windowcoverings.org or
by calling 1-800-504-4636. Individuals can also visit
www.cpsc.gov to learn more about window
covering safety.
The following are window-covering safety tips offered by the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission:
1. Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window
cords, preferably to another wall.
2. Keep all window cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that
tasseled pull cords are short, and that continuous-loop cords are
permanently anchored to the floor or wall.
3. Lock cords into position when lowering horizontal coverings or shades
to prevent inner-cord hazards.
4. Repair window coverings, corded shades and draperies manufactured
before 2001 with retrofit cord-repair devices, or replace them with
today's safer products.
5. Consider installing cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms
and play areas.
|
MORE SAFETY NEWS:
Crib Safety News - CPSC, JPMA Launch Campaign
About the Hidden Hazards of Placing Babies in Adult Beds
Parents Can Help Prevent Burns by Putting Kids in Snug-fitting or Flame- resistant Sleepwear - Warning from the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Sweet Dreams ... Safe Sleep for Babies - CPSC, Industry & Safety Groups Mark Baby Safety Month with Safe Sleep Campaign
Crib Safety News - A Safe
Sleeping Environment for Babies and warnings about Crib Safety
Public Awareness for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prompts concerns about "Flat head"
For Hotels and Resorts looking for information on Crib
Safety go to:
Crib
Products and Safety Information
Sleeping Options for Children - Playyards, Non-Full Size Cribs, Full Size Cribs, Toddler Beds and Kid Beds for Hotels and Resorts
To purchase portable playyards go to:
Kids Travel Products - Portable Cribs
To view Hotel room Safety Tips Click Below:
See the following sections for other travel news about
safety:
First Aid Safety Tips for Managing an
Emergency Click Below:
|