Two children were nearly strangled by the cords of Roman shades, sold exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. The cords of the shades wrapped around the chidlren's necks, prompting a recall of the product: the Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades. Approximately 364,000 units are involved in the recall.
The first incident occurred in July 2008 and involved a 20 month old boy who became entangled in the inner cord from the shade. Fortunately, his grandfather heard the child’s cries and responded immediately and saved the child. The second incident occurred in April 2009 and occurred when a mother responded the cries of her 3 year old son. He was found with red marks across his neck, stemming from ear to ear. The marks were left after the boy was able to free himself from the cord. Both children survived and neither child suffered permanent injuries.
The blinds were manufactured in China, and were imported through Louis Hornick & Co. Inc., of New York, N.Y. They were sold exclusively through Bed Bath & Beyond in stores and online through August 2007 until September 2009. The shades retailed between $40 and $130.00. The recall includes all colors and sizes of the Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades. Color selections include navy, khaki, cream, and chocolate. There is a label on the back of the head rail that reads, “Cords and bead chains can loop around child’s neck and STRANGLE.”
The company, Louis Hornick & Company is providing consumers with a free repair kit to repair the shades. The kits will be available at the end of November. Until then, consumers should stop using the shades.
Consumers may contact Louis Hornick & Company toll-free at (800) 517-3612 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hornickindustries.com with any questions.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is still compiling incident reports regarding the Roman shades. If you would like to submit an incident report, you may do so here.
You may also contact the CPSC here: Hotline at (800) 638-2772



More Headline News Bed Bath & Beyond recalls shades after two children nearly strangled