Window covering safety
Learn about the strangulation risk associated with window coverings with long, accessible cords and how to reduce the risk.
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About
Cords and kids don't mix. Did you know that ordinary household items like window coverings with long accessible cords can seriously harm or cause death to a child?
In 2021, new regulations for corded window coverings came into force. Before the change, an average of one child per year died from strangulation by a window covering cord. One death per year involving a home décor product is one too many.
Reduce the strangulation risk by replacing window coverings with long accessible cords with newer window coverings that do not have long accessible cords.
Canada's requirements for window coverings are the strictest in the world, and apply to all products sold in Canada, both custom-made and off the shelf.
Health risks
In Canada, there have been many reports of strangulation deaths and near-fatal incidents caused by window coverings with long, accessible cords. Children between 1 and 3 years old are most at risk.
Strangulation can occur when a child:
- places their head through a cord loop
- wraps a single long cord around their neck
- pulls inner cords out of the window covering and puts their head through a loop
Strangulation happens quickly and quietly. It can happen even when caregivers are nearby. It only takes 22 centimeters of cord (or a 44 centimeter loop), to strangle a child. This can cause:
- unconsciousness in 15 seconds
- brain damage in 4 minutes
- death in 6 minutes
Reduce the risk
Replace window coverings that have long accessible cords
Any type of long accessible cord, such as cords on the side, inside or back of the window covering, can strangle a child. The safest window coverings are ones without long accessible cords.
To keep your child safe:
- Remove window coverings that have long accessible cords.
- If you can only replace some window coverings, start with those in children's rooms and play spaces.
- Use all additional components and accessories that come assembled with your window coverings (for example, a cord shield). These components help keep children safe and should not be removed.
Safety tips for long accessible cords on older window coverings
If you can't replace your older window coverings that have long accessible cords, you can still take steps to reduce the risk. Until you can replace them, make sure to:
- Always keep cords out of reach of children.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and read all warnings.
- Never place cribs, beds, and playpens near a window where a child could reach a cord.
- Do not place furniture that a child can climb near a window.
- Securely attach tension devices supplied with window coverings to the wall so a child can't place the cord around their neck.
- Install a cleat or tie-down device up high on the wall and use it to keep cords out of reach.
- Never tie knots in cords. Immediately untie any knots that form accidentally.
- Remove any devices that form dangling loops, whether at the bottom, middle, or top of the cords.
Window coverings with long accessible cords can become an even greater risk if incorrectly installed. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing and using window coverings.