As we observe Child Safety Awareness Week (3rd – 9th June 2024), it’s essential to highlight the importance of making our homes safe for the little ones. One significant area of concern is window coverings, specifically blinds and shutters. The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) has been proactive in promoting window blind safety through its Make it Safe campaign. This initiative emphasises the need to ensure that window blinds and shutters in homes, public buildings, and other environments are safe for children.

Understanding the Risks

Window blinds with cords or chains that form loops can pose a severe hazard to babies and young children. These loops can be dangerous if not kept out of reach, potentially leading to tragic accidents. The Make it Safe campaign provides extensive information on how to make existing blinds safe and what features to look for when purchasing new ones.

Safety Devices and Solutions

For those with existing blinds, various safety devices can be easily fitted to reduce risks. These include:

  1. 1. Cord/Chain Tidy or Tensioner: These keep looped cords or chains taut, preventing them from forming hazardous loops.
  2. 2. Cleats: Used to secure loose cords, keeping them out of children’s reach.

 

Safe by Design

Choosing blinds that are safe by design is another effective way to ensure child safety. Blinds that are cordless or have concealed or tensioned cords are inherently safer. Examples include:

  1. 1. Spring Operated Blinds: These can be moved into position by hand, eliminating the need for cords.
  2. 2. Motorised Blinds: These offer ease of use and child-safe operation, often integrating with home automation systems.
  3. 3. Wand Operated Blinds: Wands can be used to open and close blinds and tilt slats, removing the need for cords.

     

How Plantation Shutters Enhance Child Safety

Here at Plantation Shutters we are committed to child safety, offering a wide range of blinds and shutters designed with this in mind. Here’s how Plantation Shutters support child safety:

  1. 1. Cordless Operation: Our shutters and blinds can be adjusted without the use of cords, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
  2. 2. Spring Assisted Operation: This allows blinds to be moved into position by hand easily and safely.
  3. 3. Wand Operation: Venetian blinds can be operated using a wand, eliminating the need for dangerous cords.
  4. 4. Motorisation: For ultimate safety and convenience, motorised blinds can be controlled via home automation systems, smartphones, or tablets. This technology ensures that blinds can be adjusted without any physical contact, keeping children safe from potential hazards.

 

The Bottom Line

As we participate in Child Safety Awareness Week, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure our homes are safe for children. By choosing plantation shutters and blinds that prioritise child safety, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is a secure environment for your family.

Plantation Shutters supports the BBSA’s Make it Safe campaign and is dedicated to providing window coverings that are both stylish and safe. For more information on our child-safe products, or to learn more about making your existing blinds safe, visit www.makeitsafe.org.uk.

 

Your child’s safety is our top priority, and with plantation shutters, you can combine style, functionality, and peace of mind.

Interested in getting shutters, blinds, or awnings? Get in touch, get a quote, or book a survey today.

Reliability, craftsmanship, and decades of experience since 1982 – it’s what sets us apart as your trusted shutter experts.