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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 23, 2010 · 26 Spring Home and Garden A final touch for your new window treatment ­ safety By Simon Molyneux (NC)--If there's an opportunity to get into trouble, little kids will do it. Just like kittens. Just like puppies. It's all part of learning about the bright new world they've recently arrived in, and nothing you can do will stop them. But you can make sure that the trouble they get into won't do any lasting damage. Many shades and blinds have tempting cords dangling within a toddler's reach. If you share your home with small children or pets, you should take care that this temptation is removed. The window covering industry is taking steps to eliminate this kind of danger, and I asked Mary Dobson, who is Levolor spokesperson in Canada, how things stand right now. "We belong to the Window Coverings Safety Council," she said. "It identified a number of safety issues with blinds and shades in the U.S., and Health Canada has followed their lead. In both countries Levolor Window Fashions and other manufacturers are reaching out to consumers, helping them convert potentially dangerous shades, and the industry is redesigning products to make them safer." You might ask how blinds and shades can be raised, lowered, opened and closed without cords. If so, you'll be surprised at how many alternatives are offered by Levolor. You'll find cellular, wood, pleated, metal, natural and roman shades in totally cordless versions. To open the shade, you lift it from the bottom, and it stays in place until you close it by pulling it down. Then there are motorized shades, operated by a switch or a remote control, like a television. There are blinds that are controlled by twisting a wand, high up beyond the reach of a child. And there are others operated by a continuous loop of cord or chain that's held closely against the wall and to remove any possibility of entanglement. "If you can't afford to replace existing shades, it's not difficult to shorten the cords to put them out of harm's way," says Mary. "You should also place nursery furnishings out of reach of temptation." You can learn more about safety in window coverings online at www.levolor.ca/support/kb/modelcat/4/soft-vertical-shades. Introduces $139. within zones Their Signature Plus Series TK2340 Hurry, Sale Ends April 30! Signature Plus features: · Planks up to 8 foot lengths · A titanium enhanced finish · Sunshield protection · Antimicrobial protection · An ultra clear finish · A 35 year wear warranty ONTARIO SOD 905 2376 Royal Windsor Drive, Oakville 849-1915 For Lawn & Garden TIPS visit: www.GrowWithGreenThumb.com You Just Couldn't Buy Better! Now through April 30th You call - we deliver, even if you're not home.TM Come see why a Signature Plus floor is the best in the industry! Offer Available at: Pick-up and disposal fee $127. Call Ontario Sod (905) 849-1915. Savein-stock % 10 on all Signature Plus Flooring. 59 Bramalea Rd., Brampton 905-450-6268 1-866-450-6268 bramptonhardwood.com