Reduce Blinds And Curtain Cord Hazards With These Simple Steps

Ensuring your child’s safety at home is paramount. While it may seem innocuous, loose or hanging curtain/blind cords pose a serious risk of strangulation. Tragic incidents both locally and abroad underscore the urgency of removing this hazard promptly from your home. In this article we will explore how to minimise blinds and curtain cord hazards.

Children are naturally curious, often exploring by touch and sight. Unfortunately, hanging or exposed curtain cords pose a serious risk of entanglement and injury. Prioritize safety by securing cords out of reach to prevent accidents.

Modern blinds and curtains come with installation instructions and safety devices to ensure secure installation. Take the time to carefully read and follow the instructions to minimize safety risks. Remember to keep any safety tags or labels for future reference.

In the case of existing blinds or curtains, there are several safety measures which can be employed to reduce the risk of hanging cords/chains. Here are some of our safety guidelines.

 

Shift the Furniture

To ensure safety, keep items like chairs, cribs, playpens, and other furniture away from curtain cords. Preventing access to cords reduces the risk of accidents, especially with young children who may be tempted to play with them.

 

Break the Loop

If possible, cut the loop in the cord and install tassels.  Many curtains and blinds can be operated using a wand or rod instead of a cord.

 

Tie it Back

To ensure safety, if a window treatment requires a looped cord for operation, you can easily attach a cleat to the window frame or wall nearby and wrap the cord around it. Another option is to use a floor or wall-mounted tie-down device to tension the cord securely, keeping it safely out of reach.

 

Opt for Cordless

Many of the blinds supplied by Complete Blinds can be motorised or Automatic Blinds, eliminating the need for cords altogether.  As well as being intensely practical, motorised blinds are the safer option for family homes where little inquisitive fingers and minds are always exploring.

 

Rented home: what can I do?

If you notice blinds and curtain cord hazards in your rented home, it’s crucial to address this safety concern with your landlord. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring the safety of these fixtures, so don’t hesitate to discuss the issue with them.

For more information about curtain and blind safety, don’t hesitate to speak to the team at Complete Blinds at (02) 8824 7975.  Making sure your blinds are safe isn’t hard, and it could literally save your child’s life – make safety your priority!

*Please always refer to manufacturers instructions and safety guidelines for all products.