5 Ways to make your home child safe

Did you know that more than half of injuries that happen to children are in and around the home?

Window coverings such as blinds are essential in Australian homes for temperature and light control. Blinds commonly have cords to enable them to be raised, lowered and opened or closed. Unfortunately blind and curtain cords can present a strangulation hazard to children, as they can become entangled in them while trying to use, play with or play around window coverings. Even when coverings are raised, children can access them by climbing on furniture. Cords can also strangle infants sleeping or playing in cots placed near windows where cords are within reach or hanging into cots.

Whilst it is highly recommended to arrange furniture away from windows to minimise risk, Macarthur Home Improvements have a range of child safe blinds and products to help make your home even safer. Macarthur Home Improvements endorses the Australian Standard and is committed to its values in ensuring the safety of Children. Macarthur Home Improvements is required by law to meet the Australian Standards and ensures all blinds installed by Macarthur Home Improvements meet these safety standards.

Blind Cords are just one of many potential hazards that can be in the home. Kidsafe have a comprehensive checklist that you can use to organise the rest of your home.

NSW Fair Trading has joined forces with Kidsafe NSW to raise awareness of the danger posed by blind cords, with the distribution of 10,000 blind cord safety device kits. Fair Trading advice to protect children:

• Keep children away from all cords – move furniture, cots and beds away.

• Check all blind and curtain cords – both at home and when away on holidays. Make sure they are out of children’s reach.

• Make loose cords safe – use safety devices or if necessary cut the cord loop and attach a tassel at the end of each strand.

• Choose safe blinds– check new curtains and blinds have warning labels.

• Order your blind cord safety device kit from NSW Fair Trading here.

Visit Macarthur Home Improvements showroom to view our Child Safe range or contact us for an in home no obligation free quote today.