Window Cord Safety Guidelines

The Window Covering Safety Council urges parents and caregivers to check all windows for potential cord hazards and use the following guidelines to ensure your home is safe: 

• Install only cordless window coverings in bedrooms and sleeping areas for young children
• Move all cribs, beds, furniture, and toys away from windows and cords, preferably to another wall
• Ensure tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Keep cords out of reach of young children by installing and using cord cleats
• Cord stops must be properly installed and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords
• Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a window sill
• Replace blinds, shades, and drapes manufactured before 2001 with products that meet updated safety standards
• If replacement is not possible, repair window blinds, corded shades, and draperies manufactured before 2001 with retrofit cord kits, available by emailing windowcoverings.org or calling 1-800-506-4636