Home Safety

Cut the Cords on Risky Blinds
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reminding parents to go cordless when it comes to window treatments in nurseries and children's rooms. Accordingto the CPSC, since 1990 more than 200 children have died as a result of accidental strangulation from cords on window coverings.
Here are some easy ways to improve window safety in your home:
1. Install locks on all windows, even those on ground level, and install side locks that limit how far a window can open.
2. Avoid long drapiers. If a child - particulary a toddler learning to walk - pulls on the fabric, it can bring down the heavy window hardware as well.
3. Look for styles of window treatments that lack cords, like Hunter Douglas' Heritage hardwood shutters.
4. Keep cribs away from windows as well as furniture that a toddler could climb on to reach a window.
5. Retrofit your home's existing blinds, pleated shades and drapery. Kits and tie-downs can be ordered for free through the Window Covering Safety Counsil (http://www.windowcoverings.org/ or 800-506-4636).