Hunter Douglas Fabrication Co. out of West Sacramento has voluntarily recalled about 4,400 custom-made cellular and pleated window coverings that were sold nationwide between January 2011 and August 2012. The breakaway cord stop of the recalled shades were tied in a single knot, which hinders the function of the shade, according to the recall issued last Wednesday. Although no incidents have been reported to the company or to the CPSC, the single knot poses a hazard to children who can become entangled in a cord loop and possibly suffer strangulation as a result.
Retailers sold the window coverings in various colors across the nation. The Hunter Douglas logo is printed on the tassels on the single cords that descend from the breakaway cord. These shades allow consumers to raise and lower the shades from the bottom to the top or from the top to the bottom, and they sold for about $240 and up, depending on the size, style and dealer.
According to the recall alert, the CPSC urges consumers to check the cords inside the breakaway cord stop, which is the plastic device that attaches two cords from the end of the blind to a single cord used to adjust the blinds. If there is a single knot in the two cords, the CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product and contact Hunter Douglas for a free repair kit with instructions on untying the knot.
Consumers can contact Hunter Douglas Monday through Friday at (800)997-2389 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET or visit the manufacturer’s website for the free repair kit and a video that provides instructions on how to fix the hazard.