Oct 15 2009
Window Covering Features Enhance Safety, Eliminate Hidden Hazards
Every home should provide a safe haven, but hidden dangers lurk in virtually every home. Window treatments are often overlooked as potential hazards. Yet, since 1990, over 200 strangulation deaths have occurred in the United States after young children became entangled in dangling window cords, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). This year kathy ireland Home and Budget Blinds are teaming up to provide solutions for families to make window areas safer.
While safety is an everyday consideration for both companies, they are choosing October, which is Window Covering Safety Month, to raise awareness of the potential dangers and encourage homeowners and landlords to take steps to enhance safety.
"The privilege of partnering with the extraordinary leaders at Budget Blinds to nationally raise awareness on child safety is a great honor. We know that families can not have peace, unless they are confident that the products they bring into their homes are safe," said Kathy Ireland, CEO kathy ireland Worldwide.
The CPSC warns that older window treatments pose the biggest threat because they lack adequate safety features. Homeowners can add safety-enhancing features to new window coverings to eliminate cords.
"The best way to avoid dangling cords is to eliminate them completely," said Tracy Christman, director of Budget Blinds' Vendor Alliance. "When you're shopping for window treatments, ask about cordless operation and motorization."
Budget Blinds, a key retail partner of kathy ireland Home by Alta, provides busy people with a turnkey solution to purchasing window treatments. Each complimentary in-home consultation includes an assessment to determine what window covering and which features will best meet the demands of the homeowner's style and lifestyle. Budget Blinds style consultants do all the measuring to ensure a proper fit and professionally install the custom window treatments when they arrive.
"While nothing can replace the watchful eye of a loving parent or caregiver, a properly installed window treatment with modern safety features eliminates a hidden hazard," Christman said.
Budget Blinds carries the complete line of kathy ireland Home by Alta window coverings, which meet or exceed federal safety standards.
"Budget Blinds and kathy ireland Home by Alta are working diligently to communicate the powerful message of window coverings safety to everyone. Please join us as we work to save children's lives in October and every day," added Kathy.
Features to Ask About When Shopping For Window Treatments
- Cordless Operation
- Motorization
- Safety Wand Controls
- Retractable Cords that remain at a constant length
- Cord Cleats
More Ways to Enhance Safety Around Windows
- Replace window treatments featuring looped cords or treatments from before 2001 with cordless or motorized options to minimize strangulation hazards.
- Place cribs and other low-standing furniture, e.g., beds, bookshelves, toy boxes, chairs, away from windows to prevent young ones from accidentally tumbling from windows.
- Install window guards.
- Keep all cords out of reach from small children and pets.
- If a new purchase isn't in your budget, request a retrofit kit to address looped pull cord window treatments.
Source: http://www.budgetblinds.com/