“Anchor It!”

Children like to climb on furniture. As you childproof, you may not be aware that unsecured TVs, furniture and appliances are hidden hazards in many rooms. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently launched the “Anchor It!” campaign which is a national public education campaign to prevent furniture and TV tip-overs from killing and seriously injuring children.

Tip-overs are one of the top hidden hazards in the home, and CPSC’s new safety campaign is aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries from tipping furniture and TVs.

According to CPSC data, unstable and unsecured TVs and large pieces of furniture kill a child every two weeks, on average, in tip-over incidents that are easily preventable. CPSC also reported that 38,000 Americans go to emergency rooms each year with injuries related to tip-overs of top-heavy furniture or televisions placed on furniture, instead of a TV stand.  Two-thirds of those injuries involved children younger than 5.  Additionally, between 2000 and 2013, 84 percent of the 430 deaths reported to CPSC involved children younger than 10.

Safety Tips:

USE STURDY FURNITURE
Televisions should only be placed on furniture designed to hold a television, such as television stands or media centers.

SECURE YOUR TV
Televisions that are not wall mounted should still be anchored to the wall.

MOUNT FLAT-SCREEN TVS
Mount flat-screen TVs to the wall or to furniture to prevent them from toppling over.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to secure TVs and furniture properly.

LOW AND STABLE – CRT TV
CRT televisions should only be placed on furniture designed to hold a television, and should be anchored to the wall or the TV stand.

SECURE TOP-HEAVY FURNITURE
Existing furniture can be anchored with inexpensive anti-tip brackets. New furniture, such as dressers, are sold with anti-tip devices. Install them right away.

REMOVE TEMPTING OBJECTS
Remove items that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture.

For accessible information as it relates to this graphic please click here.

Hoverboard/Balanceboard Update

Many of you might remember the post on our blog, back on December 11, regarding a Hoverboard fire in Gaithersburg (November).

Since then, cases of Hoverboard fires have increased as you can see by the tweet earlier this week from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  As well, and not to be overlooked, the number of injuries are increasing.

With that in mind, MCFRS is offering an updated list of safety tips below. In addition, we are posting several articles of interest on the topic. Be informed and be safe. Our firefighters do not wish to meet you or a loved one by "accident!"

Safety Tips (some from CPSC)

• Only buy a “Hoverboard” which has been certified by a recognized testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). The box and/or “Hoverboard” should have the logo imprinted on it.
• If you own one already - only charge the ‘hoverboard” if you are, and will be, present the entire time.
• Charge and store in an open dry area away from combustibles (meaning items that can catch fire). 
• Do not charge directly after riding. Let the device cool for an hour before charging. 
• Don't modify batteries in an attempt to get more power/charge out of them. (Use high/good quality batteries) 
• Use the correct charger. Using cheap chargers could be problematic. 
• If a product containing a rechargeable battery shows any signs of damage, overheating, swelling, or deformation, get rid of it because those are serious warning signs. 
• Follow manufacturers instructions 
•  Do not ride near vehicular traffic. 
• Wear safety gear when using a hoverboard. It should be the same safety gear that you would wear when riding a skateboard -- a skateboard helmet, and knee and elbow pads and wrist guards for protection from falls.

Some media coverage of interest:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2016/01/04/american-university-joins-list-of-places-to-ban-hoverboards/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/hoverboard-fires-destroy-homes-in-california-and-australia/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialm&utm_campaign=dlvr.it

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Hoverboard-Starts-Fire-at-Gaithersburg-Home-361576801.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/hoverboard-linked-to-fire-in-house-in-montgomery/2015/12/11/8edd4a32-a07b-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2015/12/10/airlines-are-banning-hoverboards-after-fires-trigger-safety-concerns/

http://abcnews.go.com/US/charging-hoverboard-sparks-maryland-house-fire-officials/story?id=35725668

http://www.wusa9.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2015/12/10/delta-bans-hoverboards-airlines-fret-fire-risk/77110988/

http://wjla.com/features/7-on-your-side/7oys-consumer-alert-the-continuing-saga-of-hoverboard-hazards

http://wjla.com/news/local/11-year-olds-hoverboard-explodes-catches-fire-in-home

http://www.thebaynet.com/news/hoverboard-sparks-fire-in-maryland-home.html

#hoverboards: 28 fire investigations in 19 states. Many fires occurred while charging/soon after. Keep this nearby. pic.twitter.com/O9UGtAyfb7

— U.S. CPSC (@USCPSC) January 4, 2016

Safety Recalls

Below are several safety recalls via our partners in safety - Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

NVIDIA Recalls Tablet Computers Due to Fire Hazard

Cooper Lighting Recalls Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard

Whirlpool Recalls Jenn-Air Wall Ovens Due to Risk of Burns

Avon Recalls Nut Chopper Due to Risk of Injury

Instant Pot Pressure Cookers Recalled by Double Insight Due to Shock Hazard (Recall Alert)

Bexco Recalls DaVinci Brand Cribs Due to Entrapment, Fall and Laceration Hazards

Olympus Recalls Digital Point-And-Shoot Camera Due to Shock Hazard; Sold Exclusively at HHGregg Appliance

Several Safety Recalls

Several safety recalls occurred yesterday that I wanted to make you aware of. They cover potential injury hazards.

I am posting these as all of us at MCFRS hope to prevent any of you from having to call 911 because you have been injured.  Help us to help YOU by reviewing the recalls below and take the recommended steps to handle the situation if you find you are impacted by any of the recalls.

As always thanks to our partners in safety, Consumer Product Safety Commission, for making this important information available.

Recalls:

1. Schylling Recalls Police Press and Go Toy Vehicles Due to Choking Hazard 
2. IKEA Recalls Pressure-Mounted Safety Gates Due to Fall Hazard 
3. Cost Plus World Market Recalls Twist Swivel Stools Due to Fall Hazard

Safety Recalls

Several safety recalls occurred yesterday that I wanted to make you aware of. They cover potential fire and injury hazards.

I am posting these as all of us at MCFRS hope to prevent any of you from having to call 911 because you have been injured or your house has caught fire.  Help us to help YOU by reviewing the recalls below and take the recommended steps to handle the situation if you find you are impacted by any of the recalls.

As always thanks to our partners in safety, Consumer Product Safety Commission, for making this important information available.

Recalls:

Lenovo Expands Recall of Battery Packs for ThinkPad Notebook Computers Due to Fire Hazard

Gorsuch Recalls ERTLRENZ Ski Boot Heat Liners Due to Fire Hazard

Hair Dryers Recalled by AG Hair Due to Electrocution Hazard

Trek Recalls Bicycles Equipped with Front Disc Brakes to Replace Quick Release Lever Due to Crash Hazard

Recent Recalls

On Thursday our partners in safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced several recalls that I wanted to make you aware of.

Please take a moment to review the below recalls and pass along to anyone you feel may benefit from this information. Certainly take a moment to make sure you do not have any of these items in your home.  If you do, please follow the instructions as to actions to take.

Kidde Recalls Disposable Plastic Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Discharge 

SRAM Recalls Zipp 88 Bicycle Wheel Hubs Due to Crash and Injury Hazards 

Jackco Transnational Recalls ZETA Battery Pack Due to Fire Hazard 

Attention Middle School Parents And Students

Attention all Middle School parents & students: CPSC sponsoring nationwide carbon monoxide safety poster contest.  Great opportunity to showcase your talent and help spread a valuable life safety message!

CO Poster Contest Brochure

Poster Contest On Carbon Monoxide Safety

Correction 11:47 AM December 6: The CPSC Contest actually does not start until early 2013.  The below information is not accurate.  We will post the new contest information as soon as it comes out in 2013.

Sorry for any confusion this has caused!

Stay Safe,

Bill D

Recently (read yesterday) I was made aware of a wonderful poster contest for middle school children being sponsored by our friends at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

It is related to Carbon Monoxide (CO) and the dangers of CO in the home.  Because you can not see or smell CO, it is often referred too as the invisible killer.

So if you have a middle school student in your household, or are a middle school teacher, please pass along the below flyer with the contest parameters.  The deadline is already fast approaching but there is still time!

My hope is that the contest will also help spread the word of safety and prevention.  It would be wonderful to see a Montgomery County student win the contest and, indirectly, assist us here at MCFRS to prevent these terrible events from occurring.  

Cpsccontest Poster Final.pdf

GE Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

Please take a moment to review a very important recall from our friends at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.


GE Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: GE, GE Adora(tm), GE Eterna(tm), GE Profile(tm) and Hotpoint(r), Dishwashers

Units: About 1.3 million in the United States

Manufacturer: GE Appliances, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element can pose a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: GE has received 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, including seven reports of fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint brand dishwashers. They were sold in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel(tm) exterior colors and finishes. The model and serial numbers can be found on a metallic plate located on the left tub wall visible when the door is opened. Model and serial numbers will start with one of the following sequences:

Brands GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile, Hotpoint

Model Number Begins With (except Hotpoint): GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GSD61, GSD62, GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69, GLDL, PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, EDW5, EDW6, GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GHDA4, GHDA6

Model Number Begins With (Hotpoint): HLD4

Serial Number Begins With:  FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL, AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM, AR, DR, FR, GR

Sold at: Appliance dealers, authorized builder distributors and other stores nationwide from March 2006 through August 2009 for between $350 and $850.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire. For all dishwashers, contact GE for a free in-home repair or to receive a GE rebate of $75 towards the purchase of a new GE front-control plastic tub dishwasher, or a rebate of $100 towards the purchase of a new GE front-control stainless tub dishwasher or GE Profile top control dishwasher. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where they purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (866) 918-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com/recall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12244.html

                                                                                                                                                                                         

Several Product Recalls Due to Fire and Shock Hazard

Usually, we post Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  Every once in a while, they put out a whole lot at once and it is best to put them all here on our blog in one spot.

In this instance, a lot of fire related recalls.  Please take a moment and click on the links below to learn more and see if you possibly have one of these potentially dangerous products in your home.  If you do immediately take the steps recommended.

PajamaGram Recalls Children's Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Pajamas Recalled by Ishtex Textile Products Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Lounge Pants and Boxers Recalled by Rigo International Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

IKEA Recalls Track Lighting System Due to Electric Shock Hazard

Watkins Manufacturing and Therm Products Recall Spas Due to Fire Hazard

Exhaust Fans Sold at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Made by Delta Electronics Dongguan

Several Product Recalls Due to Fire, Burn, and Shock Hazard

Usually, we post Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  Every once in a while, they put out a whole lot at once and it is best to put them all here on our blog in one spot.

In this instance, a lot of fire related recalls.  Please take a moment and click on the links below to learn more and see if you possibly have one of these potentially dangerous products in your home.  If you do immediately take the steps recommended.

Big Lots Recalls Portable Ceramic Space Heaters Due to Fire, Electric Shock Hazard

Ceiling Mounted Light Fixtures Recalled by Thomas Lighting Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Bel Air Lighting Recalls Outdoor Wall Mount Lanterns Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards

Air Movers Recalled by EDIC Due to Fire Hazard

Check Your Home for These Recalled Recreational and Home Products Now that Spring is Here

Our partners in safety, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have just put out a timely reminder that could save the lives of you and your loved ones.  From playground sets to lawn care equipment, these products could be in your back yard or inside the home.

So please take a moment to look at the products below that have been recalled and make sure you take the appropriate steps to protect your loved ones (and you)!

Stay Safe,

Bill

Note: by clicking on any of the images below, you can view a larger version.

Product	Recall Press Release	Hazard	Photo
Adventure Playsets (240,000 units)	11-262	The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard.
Pacific Cycle Dartmouth Swing Sets (5,500 units)	11-313	The sling-style swing seats can crack or split prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Slalom Glider (900 units)	12-109	The Slalom Glider is a playground slide that lacks a transition platform on the top and sides on the chute. Children can fall when moving from the ladder to the slide and when descending the chute.
Uni-O Portable LP Gas Grills (4,530 units)	12-077	The regulator on the grill can leak gas, which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Westinghouse Ceiling Fans (7,000 units)	12-135	The two 60-watt light bulbs included with the ceiling fans exceed the fan’s maximum wattage, which can cause the ceiling fans to overheat or fail. This poses fire and shock hazards to consumers.
Pourable Gel Fuel (2.5 million bottles)	11-255 11-336 11-337 11-338 11-339 11-340 11-344 11-346 12-002 12-007 12-020	The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Gel fuel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers that can be fatal.
Kiddieland Toys Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes (12,000 units)	12-029	The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar, posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them.
Build-A-Bear Swimwear Set With Inflatable Inner Tube (19,720 units)	12-041	The inner tube accessory can be pulled over a small child’s head, posing a strangulation hazard.
American Honda Grass Trimmers (14,000 units)	12-121	The shaft can crack and cause the lower gear case and cutting attachment to detach, posing a laceration hazard to the operator and bystanders.

Several Recalls of Note

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued several recalls yesterday involving either a burn or fire hazard that I thought all of you should be aware of. Please take a look at the recalled items below to see if any of them are in your home. If you find some familiar items in the list, please follow the instructions of the CPSC and the manufacturer.

1. Rachael Ray(tm) Brand Two Quart Teakettle Recalled by Meyer Corporation, U.S. Due to Burn Hazard, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11059.html

2. Circo Children's Camping Combo Pack Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target Stores, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11060.html

3. Silver Metallic Pillar Candles Sold Exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond Stores Recalled By General Wax & Candle Company Due to Fire Hazard, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11061.html

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Recalls

Several recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that I thought might be of interest. Normally, I just “tweet” these out through Twitter and Facebook but the large number of recalls made me think it best to place all here in one spot.

So, please take a moment to review the below:

Stainless Steel Carafes Recalled by J & H International Due to Burn Hazard

Robert Bosch Tool Corp. Recalls Bosch Hammer Drills Due to Electrical Shock Hazard

Metallic Taper Candles Sold Exclusively at Yankee Candle Stores Recalled by General Wax & Candle Company Due to Fire Hazard

Meijer Recalls Oscillating Ceramic Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

If you are traveling today at some point PLEASE be SAFE out there!

Happy and Safe Holidays,

Bill

Lumetique Recalls Botanika Candles Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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.

For More Go HERE.