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CPSC Moderate Active

Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall To Repair Window Blinds By Vertical Land

Reported: August 26, 2009 Initiated: August 26, 2009 #09329

Product Description

This recall involves all Vertical Land custom-made vertical and cellular window coverings that do not have a cord tensioning device and horizontal blinds that do not have inner cord stop devices. A sticker identification label can be found on the head rail of some of the window coverings which lists the company's name, address and telephone number.

Reason for Recall

Horizontal Blinds: The blinds do not have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. If an inner cord is pulled out, a child can become entangled in the loop and strangle. Vertical Blinds: Strangulations can occur if a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop formed by the bead chain or by the cord with a weighted device. Cellular Shades: Strangulations can occur if a child's neck becomes entangled on the shade's free-standing looped cord.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit.

Details

Units Affected
About 15,400 (horizontal), 16,400 (vertical), 800 (cellular shades)

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves all Vertical Land custom-made vertical and cellular window coverings that do not have a cord tensioning device and horizontal blinds that do not have inner cord stop devices. A sticker identification label can be found on the head rail of some of the window coverings which lists the company's name, address and telephone number.. Recalled by Vertical Land Inc., of Panama City Beach, Fla.. Units affected: About 15,400 (horizontal), 16,400 (vertical), 800 (cellular shades).
Why was this product recalled?
Horizontal Blinds: The blinds do not have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. If an inner cord is pulled out, a child can become entangled in the loop and strangle. Vertical Blinds: Strangulations can occur if a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop formed by the bead chain or by the cord with a weighted device. Cellular Shades: Strangulations can occur if a child's neck becomes entangled on the shade's free-standing looped cord.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on August 26, 2009. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 09329.