Your window blinds filter sunlight, block window drafts, give you privacy and boast impeccable style. In fact window blinds bring many advantages to your home, however they pose unforeseeable dangers to children and animals which can be serious if there are no safety procedures in place to stop this from happening.
Loose cords and chains from window blinds pose a dangerous risk to young children, babies and pets, who can seriously injure or strangle themselves through innocent play. They are naturally inquisitive, especially vulnerable and as a result supervision is an absolute must!
Remember to ‘Make it Safe’
Since 1999 twenty-seven children are known to have died in the UK alone, as a result of becoming entangled within a cord or chain; half of these deaths occurred in the last three years. As a result the ‘Make it Safe’ campaign was launched by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) in 2009 to prevent these deaths and set mandatory requirements for fitted blinds.
However the new standards permitted do not apply to blinds already installed in people’s homes. It is essential that home owners, more importantly parents, understand the risks blinds bring and the simple steps they can take to make their blinds safer.
Blind Safety Steps
• Ensure all window blinds and chains are kept out of reach of babies, children and animals by using chain/cord tidies or cleats.
• If you’re having new blinds installed opt for the cordless blind. This isespecially advised for children’s bedrooms as you won’t always be there when they first wake up to supervise them.
• Move cots, beds and any furniture away from windows and blinds. Remember children and animals love to climb!
All of Expression Blinds products are fitted with safety accessories to minimise risk of injury. For more information please visit the ‘Make it Safe’ website and for any questions regarding Expression Blinds get in touch today!
