Cutting the Cord: Preparing for the Next Wave of Window Coverings

摘要

Cordless blinds and shades have several features and benefits that have contributed to their growing popularity. Clean, elegant styles dress up a room. Simpler mechanics make them easy to use and can reduce maintenance requirements. But the most important benefit cordless window coverings offer is the elimination of a lurking danger within homes. Window treatments with cord pulls create a breathtaking hazard for small children and pets. On average, one child each month dies in an accident involving cords on window blinds and shades (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/12/11/569463027/window-blind-cords-still-pose-a-deadly-risk-to-children). From 1990 to 2015, more than 16,000 children made emergency room visits for blind-related injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Video/go-cordless-on-your-window-coverings) regards corded blinds as one of the top five hidden safety hazards in homes. A December 2017 study (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/141/1/e20172359) published in Pediatrics reinvigorated our understanding of and response to the deadly risk. It noted that while all blind-related injuries were not necessarily related to entanglement with the cords, two-thirds of those that were resulted in death. The Pediatrics study prompted swift industry response. Within a month of its publication, the Window Coverings Manufacturer Association (WCMA) announced new standards (http://www.wcmanet.org/pdf/WCMAstandardapproved_1%2026_18_release.pdf) to end the manufacture of corded blinds by December 15, 2018. This raises some important decisions for public housing owners and operators to make about their window shades and blinds. The type of properties, residents and tenants you serve will determine your needs and options for buying or replacing window coverings. Here are some keys to consider for making the right choices as manufacturers and properties of all types begin to cut the cord.