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Entrapment / StrangulationAugust 26, 2009CPSC #09329

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

Product
Window Coverings
Units affected
15,400
Remedy
repair

What 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.

Hazard

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.

Injuries

In May 2006, CPSC received a report of a 4-year-old girl from Pensacola, Fla., who strangled in the loop of a vertical blind cord that was not attached to the wall or floor.

Made in

United States

Where it was sold

  • Vertical Land stores in Panama City and Pensacola, Fla. from January 1992 through December 2006 for between $60 and $200 (depending on the size of the blind).

Photos

Recalled Horizontal Window BlindRecalled Horizontal Window Blind Showing CordRecalled Vertical Window BlindRecalled Vertical Window Blind Showing Cord
View official CPSC recall

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