Young children can quickly and silently become strangled on pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords or any other accessible cords on window coverings. On this National Window Covering Safety Month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to take the time to choose cordless window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings.

Affordable, cordless blinds, shades, draperies and other types of window coverings are widely available at most major retailers and online. For children’s safety, consumers should buy and install cordless window coverings (labeled as cordless) in all rooms where a child may be present.

If consumers are unable to replace existing window coverings with cordless ones, CPSC recommends the following safety steps:

• Eliminate any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible.
• Keep all window covering cords out of the reach of children.
• Ensure that cord stops are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords.
• Anchor to the floor or wall continuous-loop cords for draperies and blinds.
• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.

For more information, visit CPSC’s Window Covering Safety Education Center.