Parents Reminded to Check Their Window Coverings

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Apr 21, 2011, 08:42 ET

NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Window Covering Safety Council is reminding parents and caregivers of potential window-cord dangers and urging them to make the right choice and only use cordless window products in homes with young children. Owners and renters should replace all corded window coverings in the home made before 2001 with today's safer products.

According to information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords.

"Parents who replace their window coverings with the cordless products available can feel more confident about their child's safety," explains Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) Executive Director, Peter Rush.

To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today's safer products.
Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.
Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.

The Window Covering Safety Council is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings. Consumers wishing to obtain additional information can contact WCSC at www.windowcoverings.org or its toll-free phone line at 1-800-506-4636.

Contact: Todd Costello: (212) 297-2100

SOURCE Window Covering Safety Council