Public Service Announcement – Strangulation Hazards from Window Blind Cords
Strangulation Hazards to our Young Children and Pets!
The primary purpose of this article is to make you aware of any blinds you might have in your home that are over 10 years old. Actually, they may not be in compliance with today’s laws! Any blinds that have cords on them are not legal anymore and need to be removed or replaced. Our children see Mommy putting on pearls and Daddy putting on a tie resulting in them watching and putting the cords around their neck.
As an interior designer, it is my fiduciary duty to inform you of the laws that are being enforced strongly today. The Window Coverings Industry has worked hard for over that past 20 or more years to put an end to Infant Cord Strangulation. They are no longer for sale in the stores or any manufacturers, such as Hunter Douglas.
- Check it out for yourself. https://windowcoverings.org
Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC)
“The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is dedicated to educating parents and caregivers about the potential strangulation risks of window blinds and shade cords and urges consumers to only use cordless window coverings or window coverings, with inaccessible cords, in homes with young children.
Keeping kids safe can be a challenge and the dangers may not be obvious. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission calls corded window coverings one of the top hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and children accidentally becoming entangled in window blind cords. Put blind cord safety at the top of your child proofing checklist.” I am bringing this up because I was in an older home and their blinds were not in compliance with today’s laws and I didn’t want any of her grandchildren to get hurt.
Do I really need the blinds?
I am often asked the question, do I need my windows covered or decorated, if I have a room with a view? In other words, what if I don’t want them or need them? My answer has always been, ask yourself two questions:
- Does my room feel unfinished?
- Do I need the privacy or light control?
In my opinion, I believe you need either, a functional or decorative window treatment. Of course, if you have a window with a spectacular view, perhaps only a decorative valance is all that is needed.
Functional Window treatments – Horizontal or Vertical Shadings.
A vertical blind adds height to a room. A horizontal blind brings the ceiling in the room visually down. Remember, any vertical product can’t totally disappear, however, the horizontal blinds can be totally pulled up and visually disappear.
- Do you need functioning treatments for energy efficiency, privacy, room darkening, or simply to finish the room?
- Do you want motorized window treatments?
- Would you like your windows automated with timers?
- What is your budget?
- Are you planning to install them yourself? (Not recommended, improper measuring or installation can be costly.)
- Not every window needs to be treated. Know you needs and the finished look you want to create.
Other questions to consider.
- How long have you had the blinds in your home?
- Are they dirty and outdated looking?
- Do they have any of the hanging cords on them? If so, they need to be replaced.
Helpful hint – Don’t skimp on window blinds or try to do it yourself.
Too much can go wrong, and it can be a real hassle. Buy quality and wait for a sale. When it comes to blinds, it is a package deal. Get a professional installer to install them. You won’t be sorry.
Let me show you some of the products that I love and tell you why.
The first blind in the Hunter Douglas Duette®Honeycomb Shades. They are affordable and come in many colors. They are white on the back side, provide good insulation, and privacy. Plus, they can be pulled up and totally disappear, providing a clean classic look that works with every style and design in a room.
My next favorite Hunter Douglas blind is the Sonnette® roller shades.
This is a very elegant shading that provides room darkening as well. If you want a formal finished look, that is very sophisticated – this is your shade! It can be pulled up and totally out of the way. This provides a beautiful window shading!
Next is the Hunter Douglas Luminette®Privacy Sheer.
This carries a horizontal line giving the feeling of a sheer and is beautiful. It too can be room darkening, giving you privacy. This window shading can have a center split or pull one way and be out of the way of doors.
Last, there is the furniture of the window industry – Wooden Shutters.
Bottom line – there are no wrong choices — they are all beautiful!
Look at your needs and narrow the selection that way. These are only a few of the selections. My main purpose is to make sure your window treatments are safe for your children, grandchildren, and animals. Good luck in finishing your room with the proper treatment and look for you.
Review and photos by Hunter Douglas and Margi Kyle
Photo courtesy of Deborah Young Studios
Do you have a Design Dilemma? Building a new home or renovating an existing one? We’ve got an expert here at LKNConnect — Margi Kyle. A professional Interior Designer for over 50 years, Margi has an extensive portfolio, a brilliant vision for color and style, and a willingness to help the design-deprived among us! If you have a Design Dilemma, write to Dr. Margi at [email protected] and ask your question. Include pictures and details, and Dr. Margi will respond to your Design Dilemma with a perfect solution!
As Managing Editor for LKNConnectcommunity.com, she is always looking for writers, new businesses and opportunities to bring awareness to the ways Lake Norman is growing. Margi also co-host on WSIC Radio- NEWS. TALK. NOW. with Debbie O’Handley, – “Comm(unity) Centered”
If you have a new business product or ideas that you would like the area to know about – this is the place to share your new and exciting ventures. LKNConnect is your one-Stop-Shop for spreading your message to the Lake Norman Community. Together, we are making Lake Norman the most sought-after place to live – one article, interview, feature and radio show at a time.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them
and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.
