When you have children or pets, it’s inevitable that at some point, you make adjustments to
your home to keep them safe; you move the breakables nice and high (which makes them
harder to dust, but no one notices that); the sharp corners are covered, and the knife drawer
has that little thing on it which means you have to fiddle about with your hand under the top
trying to release it and makes chopping vegetables a major operation that reminds you of
getting under the bonnet of a car!
Phew!
Then there’s a crash and a scream, and someone small and fragile manages to tangle
themselves up in a curtain and pull what seems like half the wall down on top of them. Help!
Thankfully, you got there in time.
But you don’t want it to happen again – what can you do about curtains and the types of blinds
that present a clear safety risk?
Being Realistic About the Hidden Danger in Your Home
In the UK, the Child Accident Prevention Trust suggests that two children a year are
killed through strangulation from blind cords. While we’re not about to make up more statistics
we don’t have for sensationalism, the fact is that even if the evidence is often anecdotal, long
draping curtains and many blind styles can put your children and animals at risk. Consider the
following:
– Suffocation from being wrapped in heavy curtain fabric
– Entanglement in blind cords
– Curtains above child cots or beds that may be pulled down
– The dangers from ornaments and other objects knocked down and broken due to
curtains
Regulation changes in 2014 mean all window blinds installed from that date are subject to BS
EN 13120, which covers the manufacture and design of blinds to provide additional layers of
safety; however, many homes still have blinds that predate this standard, and even with these
safety measures, accidents can happen.
At the Scottish Shutter Company, we’re keen to increase awareness of this hazard and offer
solutions that completely remove the risk.
Solving the Problem: Shutters
Shutters are the safest option for homes with pets and children. Their design is inherently safe
as a solid window covering with nothing hanging. Not just that, though, internal shutters can
serve as an effective barrier that’ll stop toddlers and cats from climbing on the window sill.
Desired for their many features and benefits, shutters have a lot more to offer beyond their
impressive safety record. As a window covering, they provide:
Superior Light Control
There’s no window covering that is as good at redirecting the sunlight as shutters. With no
leaking light coming in around the sides or underneath, properly fitted shutters provide
excellent room darkening that helps aid sleep (or just makes the home cinema really
impressive!). Add to that the adjustability of the louvres, and you will achieve the perfect level
of light control throughout the day.
Soundproofing
Shutters can keep out more than just light. Say goodbye to general street noise, annoying
neighbours, and the beeping of trucks reversing at 6 a.m.
Privacy
Shutters offer impressive privacy, with adjustable settings that allow you to get the light and
view from outside without strangers being able to peek in.
Insulation
Keep those energy bills low with the impressive insulation properties of shutters. With edge-to-
edge fitting and solid materials, shutters offer levels of heat control that other window
coverings cannot manage.
Fitting
Shutters are bespoke and fitted to your windows, making them perfect for strange-shaped
windows, such as gable windows, portholes, door windows and more – shapes that curtains
simply don’t cover.
Solving the Problem: Cordless Blinds
Shutters are stunning, but they’re not for everyone. Let’s be honest – completely installing
customised shutters in your home can be expensive. Fortunately, they are not the only safe
solution – what if we got rid of that dangerous blind cord?
Cordless blinds offer the same practicality as their corded cousins but without the constant
worry of a dangling rope. They work by having a tension spring as part of their mechanism;
you simply pull gently to unlock the mechanism, move the blind to the required height, and let
the spring lock back into place. No cords, no hassle, no danger.
Or consider the advanced SmartCord from Hunter Douglas Luxaflex, which is a favourite
option for us at SSC. Providing a child and pet risk-free option, the SmartCord system keeps
the whole mechanism safe while not limiting your choice of overall blind design. Choose from:
– Honeycomb blinds
– Extra thermal blinds
– Roller blinds
– Venetian blinds
But they’re not the only safe blind option – why not upgrade to the modern smart home
alternative?
Extra Extra! Mechanised Blinds
Mechanised blinds automate the opening and closing of your blinds with smart home controls.
They are great for windows that are difficult to reach and ensure your window coverings are
as safe as possible.
Integrated with your smart home or simply controlled using remote, mechanised blinds can be
set to a schedule. For example, you can set your child’s room to allow sunlight during the day
and automatically close the blinds when bedtime approaches.
No cords; maximum convenience.
Safety Tips
Of course, updating your house to new window coverings doesn’t happen overnight. Here are
a few simple measures to keep any curtains or corded blinds as safe as possible in the
meantime.
– Secure long cords with cord cleats or tensioners.
– Rearrange children’s bedrooms to move beds away from curtains or temporarily switch
curtains over for blinds if appropriate.
– Use tie-backs for curtains to keep them out of reach
– Remove unnecessary curtains, such as those in doorways. In the longer term, you can
get specialist shutters and blinds that are perfect for patio doors.
Child and Pet Safety with SSC
Nothing is more important than the well-being of your children and pets. At the Scottish
Shutter Company, we’re here to help you make your home safe for your little loved ones.
Contact us today for some immediate advice, or download a brochure to see the options
available. Not only will you make your home a wonderful, safe environment, but you’ll enjoy a
fantastic sprucing up in the process!
