Child & pet Safety

Keeping Your Children & Pets Safe Around Blinds In Your Home

Window blind can pose a serious safety risk to children and pets. The cords and chains used to operate window blinds can create a strangulation hazard, especially for young children and pets who may become entangled in them. Therefore, it’s essential to take some precautions.

It is reassuring to know that all blinds manufactured after February 2014 are now required to meet child safety standards. However, although this may provide some sense of security, there are additional measures that can be taken to safeguard pets, infants, and children in your household.

Tips to make your window blinds safer

Choose cordless window coverings: Cordless window blinds and shades eliminate the risk of entanglement and make it safer for children to be around them. Cordless options are available in many styles, including roller shades, cellular shades, and horizontal blinds.
Retrofit with cordless kits: If you already have window blinds with cords, you can retrofit them with cordless kits that are available in many home improvement stores. These kits are designed to eliminate cords and make window coverings safer for children.
Use cord cleats or wind-ups: You can install cord cleats or wind-ups to keep the cords away from curious hands and paws. These devices secure cords to the wall or window frame and keep them out of reach.
Position cords out of reach: If you cannot use cordless window coverings, position cords out of reach by tying them up high or using a cord tensioner. Cords should be at least 3 feet off the ground to prevent children from accidentally getting entangled in them.
Keep furniture away from windows: Children can climb on furniture to reach the window, increasing the risk of accidents involving window blinds. By keeping furniture away from windows, you can reduce the chances of children reaching the window cords.
Supervise children and pets: Don't leave children or pets unattended in a room with window blinds or shades with cords. Be sure to supervise them and teach them about the dangers of playing with window cords.
Regularly inspect and maintain window coverings: Regular maintenance of window blinds is crucial for child safety. Check your window coverings periodically for any damaged or frayed cords, and replace them immediately if you find any. Broken cords can increase the risk of accidents and should be addressed promptly.

UShade & Child safety

Ushade is a UK-based company that specializes in providing high-quality window coverings, including blinds and shutters. We are committed to providing safe and reliable products to our customers, and we are a member of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA).

The BBSA is an organization that promotes child safety in the window covering industry. The organization works with manufacturers, retailers, and installers to ensure that their products meet the latest safety standards. The BBSA also provides guidance to consumers on how to make their homes safer for children.

Ushade is a proud BBSA member, which means that we follow the BBSA’s guidelines on child safety and their ‘Make It Safe’ campaigns.

Our membership in the BBSA demonstrates our dedication to child safety, and our range of safe window coverings makes UShade a great choice for families with young children and/or pets!

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.