All Parents need to know these vital Blind Safety Tips!

Every year children die or are seriously injured by looped blind cords or curtain cords. These incidents may be very rare, but it is still important to be aware of the dangers blind cords can cause.

Blinds 4 You specialises in custom made, high-quality window treatments such as roman blinds, roller blinds, venetian blinds, PVC wood blinds, bamboo blinds and so much more! For a free quote on professional, tailor-made blinds and installations, please contact Michael on 072 458 5457 or email mike@blinds4you.co.za.

Here are 6 important ways to protect your children straight from the professionals at Blinds 4 You…

Where are the dangers when it comes to blinds?

1. Never place your child’s cot, bed, highchair or playpen next to a window where they can grab the blinds or the curtains. The cords can easily put a child’s life at risk if they wrap around their necks while they’re playing or sleeping.

2. Do not place your couches, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near the window with corded blinds or curtains. Small children love climbing furniture, so if they can reach the cords they may easily become entangled in them and suffer strangulation or other serious injuries.

How to prevent accidents from happening…

- Choose blinds that have safe design features and warning labels
- Always make sure that all cords are far out of reach of children
- Use cleats to secure cords out of reach of children
- If loops are necessary, ensure that are attached to the wall using a cord guide
- Cut loops and rather install safety tassels on your window blinds
- Move all furniture, beds and cribs away from the windows

Cleats. Most children are more than capable of unravelling a cord from the cleat, so you must always use a cleat to secure your curtain or blind cords at least 160cm above the ground.

Cords. Install cord guides so that the loose cord cannot form into a loop and ensure that is not less than 160cm off the ground.

Pull Force. Cleats need to be properly secured and cords should be able to withstand a certain amount of force so that nothing detaches.

Last of all, the most important tip that every parent should know is – Never leave your children unsupervised! It is best to always maintain a clear line of sight so you can keep an eye on them and what they are doing!

This video is important for all parents to watch, it shows just how easy it is for children to get themselves into serious danger and how easy a strangulation can happen - even in the most loving homes!