Nationwide Blinds Recall

CNNMoney.com – Six window-treatment manufacturers recalled a total of 5.5 million blinds and shades Wednesday after three children were reportedly strangled in attached cords. These six different recalls did not include any Hunter Douglas Branded Products.

The three deaths involved blinds or shades made or imported by Lewis Hyman and Vertical Land, said the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Also included were Lutron, Target, Pottery Barn and Ikea.

One child dies each month in the U.S. after being strangled in a window cord, said CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson.

“Any exposed loop in a window covering can become a noose for a child, “ Wolfson said. “We’re concerned about the inadequacy of current standards for shades and blinds.”

To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

• • Install only cordless window coverings in young children’s bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today’s safer products.
• • Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
• • Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.
• • Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.

Consumers wishing to obtain additional information or repair kits for older products can contact the Window Covering Safety Council at www.windowcoverings.org or its toll-free phone line at 1-800-506-4636.