Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall To Repair Window Blinds By Vertical Land
Recall 09329 · Aug 26, 2009 · Vertical Land Inc.
15,400
units affected
15,400
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 09329
- Date
- Aug 26, 2009
- Company
- Vertical Land Inc.
- Units affected
- 15,400
- Product
- Horizontal and Vertical Blinds and Cellular Shades
- Product type
- Blinds, Shades & Cords
- Hazard
- Strangulation
The product
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.
What can happen
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.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Sold at
- 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).
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled horizontal and vertical blinds and cellular shades?
Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit.
What is the 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.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.