The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is warning consumers of a potential child-strangulation hazard stemming from the "inner" or "lift" cords of window blinds.

According to the CPSC, the problem occurs when a corded horizontal blind or miniblind is lowered, but not locked into position. Infants or toddlers placed in cribs within reach of a window have reportedly then been able to grasp and pull the inner cord into the crib and around their necks.

The CPSC reports that 16 children have accidentally strangled on the inner cords of window coverings since 1991. To eliminate the identified problem, WCSC is offering consumers free "cord stops" to retrofit corded blinds. The simple-to-install cord stops have been added to the Council's existing window-cord safety kit, and can be ordered at no charge by phoning 1-800-506-4636.

The Council has also announced that all corded horizontal blinds manufactured after September 15, 2000, have been redesigned to eliminate any need for retrofitting. Products manufactured before that date, but still in retail inventory, have been labeled with warning stickers directing consumers to obtain cord-stops from the retailer or the WCSC hot line.

The Window Covering Safety Council is a coalition of major U.S. firms that manufacture, import or sell window coverings. Since 1995, the Council has worked to educate consumers on window-cord safety and the continuing efforts of the U.S. window covering industry to improve product safety through engineering and design advances. In discussing the potential inner-cord problem, WCSC Executive Director Peter Rush reminded parents that window safety begins by moving cribs and other furniture away from windows, locking blinds into position, and securing all cords out of reach. Rush also suggested that cordless blinds and shades may be more suitable for use in children's rooms and play areas.

BASIC CORD SAFETY

Childproof Window Coverings by Eliminating Cord Hazards WCSC offers free safety kits

The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) continues to urge parents to childproof their window coverings from potential cord hazards.

Despite increased awareness of cord safety, the development of cordless window coverings, and a dramatic drop in accidental window-cord deaths, WCSC Executive Director Peter Rush says several infants and toddlers still strangle in window cords every year.

Most cord-strangulation incidents occur among children between the ages of 10 months and 3 years. Infant cord deaths almost always involve window cords within reach of a child's crib. Toddlers and older children frequently become entangled in the cords by climbing on beds or low-standing furniture placed near a window.

Basic Safety Precautions

WCSC officials say the key to window-cord safety is to eliminate or severely reduce a child's access to windows and window cords by following these safety rules: • Move all cribs and low-standing furniture (beds, bookshelves, toy boxes, etc.) as far away from windows as possible, preferably against another wall. • Install cord stops on corded horizontal blinds and miniblinds to prevent inner-cord access. • Secure all pull cords out of reach by using either a cleat or permanent tie-down device. • Eliminate looped pull cords on older (pre-1995) corded miniblinds and shades by cutting the loop and attaching safety tassels to the pull-cord ends. Cord-safety devices, including cord stops, safety tassels and tie-down devices, can be ordered at no charge by phoning the WCSC hot line at 1-800-506-4636. Installing Cord Stops

WCSC was recently notified by the CPSC of a potential strangulation hazard stemming from the "inner" or "lift" cords of horizontal window blinds manufactured before September 15, 2000. The problem identified by the CPSC occurs when a corded horizontal blind is lowered, but not locked into position. Infants placed in cribs within reach of window blinds have reportedly been able to then grasp and pull the inner cord into the crib and around their necks.

To eliminate the inner-cord problem, corded horizontal blinds should be fitted with cord stops, which are small donut-shaped disks that are knotted on to pull cords near the headrail. Cord stops make it impossible for a child to accidentally loosen and pull out the inner-cord of a lowered blind.

Eliminate Cord Loops

Two-corded miniblinds and pleated shades manufactured before 1995 may have looped pull cords. These loops can usually be eliminated by cutting the looped cord just above the tassel; removing the tassel and equalizer buckle, if any; and attaching new tassels to the ends of the resulting two pull cords.

It is important to note that looped pull cords on vertical blinds and certain draperies requiring a continuous loop cannot be cut and still operate. In such cases, use a tie-down device or cleat to pull the cord loop tight and secure it to the wall or floor. This will reduce a child's access to the loop.

Contact WCSC

Since late 1994, WCSC has spearheaded a nationwide campaign to educate Americans on window-cord safety and to provide consumers with free cord-safety devices and information.

Through its 24-hour hotline, the Council offers free window-cord safety kits for retrofitting corded window blinds, shades and draperies. The kits consist of cord stops, safety tassels, installation instructions and an illustrated cord-safety brochure. Consumers may also request tie-down devices at no charge.

The Window Covering Safety Council is the coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings.