Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roll-Up Blinds by Lotus & Windoware: Sold Exclusively at Ace Hardware and Big Lots

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: ¼" Oval Roll-up Blinds

Units: About 250,000

Importer: Lotus & Windoware Inc., of Memphis, Tenn.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: This recall involves all roll-up blinds without release clips (see picture below). The roll-up blinds have plastic, ¼" oval-shaped slats, and measure either 48" or 72" long. The blinds were sold with two warning hang tags indicating ways to avoid strangulation.

Sold at: Ace Hardware and Big Lots stores nationwide from January 1999 through April 2009 for between $6 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately check the backside of the roll-up blinds to determine if they have release clips. If the roll-up blind does not have release clips, stop using the blinds immediately and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org

Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.

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Big Lots Stores, Inc. Recalls to Repair Bunk Beds Due to Collapse and Fall Hazards

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Wooden Bunk Beds

Units: About 20,000

Importer: Big Lots Stores, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio


Hazard: The bunk beds' mattress support slats and side support railings can break, posing a risk of the bunk bed collapsing and a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Big Lots has received 14 reports of the recalled bunk beds' support slats cracking or breaking, including four reports of minor injuries.

Description: This recall includes wooden bunk beds with a three step ladder. Model numbers WP-9108-1 and WP-9108-2 are included in this recall. The model number is located on a sticker on the bunk bed's interior panel of the headboard or the footboard.

Sold exclusively at: Big Lots stores nationwide from May 2008 through February 2009 for about $300.

Manufactured in: Vietnam

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using recalled bunk beds and contact Big Lots to return the defective parts and to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.biglots.com.

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Hair Dryers Recalled By Big Lots Stores, Inc. Due to Electrocution Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Style Elements Hair Dryers

Units: About 31,000

Importer: Big Lots Stores, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio

Hazard: The hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection device to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Electric shock protection devices are required by industry standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Style Elements Cool Shot Turbo hair dryers. The hand-held dryers have a silver body and black handle. Model number 3615T is printed on a label near the on/off switch.

Sold exclusively at: Big Lots' stores nationwide from July 2008 through December 2009 for about $12.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the hair dryers and return them to any Big Lots store for a full refund.

Contact: For additional information, contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.biglots.com .

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