17 October 2011

Parents Urged To Choose Safest Window Coverings

Parents are being urged to choose new curtains and blinds carefully to ensure they are buying products that are safe around young children.

Following reports in New Zealand and overseas of injuries, and even deaths, from children getting strangled by cords, industry leader NZ Window Shades has issued advice for Kiwi families.

“While there are no regulations in New Zealand governing window coverings, at NZ Window Shades we offer a wide range of different technologies to enable people to choose the best solution for their circumstances,” says Rob Watson, general manager marketing and sales.

“We can advise on how to make sure hazards in the home are minimised, ranging from simple cordless options like shutters and wand controls to full remote control automation.”

NZ Window Shades is the manufacturer of Luxaflex®, Rufflette® and Weathermaster ® products in New Zealand, all of which have child safety options that are compliant with international child safety regulations.

Watson urged parents to seek advice before they bought window coverings to ensure their houses were as safe as possible. Advice can be sourced through reputable retailers and websites such as Luxaflex.co.nz

Safety tips include:
• If you have window coverings with cords, install child safety cords and cleats on them
• Check for loose or looped cords that children could reach from the floor or by climbing on furniture and secure loose cords out of reach
• Move anything a young child could sit, stand or climb on – such as cots, highchairs, beds, sofas, tables, chairs and bookshelves - away from windows with cords or chains
• If possible, choose safe blinds and curtains which don’t have cords at all

ENDS

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