…….Consumer Products and Fire
Safety
Many fires and related injuries
may easily be prevented if consumers are aware of potential hazards associated
with products in their possession.
There are several things that a
consumer can do to become more aware of the potential dangers that may exist
with products that are around the house. The City of
- Read and follow the manufactures instructions and
recommendations. Although much of the information may seem obvious, there
may be critical details pertaining to safe operation and maintenance that
the user must be aware of. Whenever you purchase a product, always read
and save the owners manual or related paperwork for future reference.
- For a newly purchased product is register with the
manufacturer using the mail-in post card, web site, etc. If the
manufacturer should become aware of a hazard associated with the product,
this registration will help them notify you as soon as possible.
- If you didn’t register with the manufacture at the time
of purchase or you obtained the product second-hand, check with the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC is an independent federal
regulatory agency that was created to "protect the public against
unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer
products." This agency has jurisdiction over about 15,000 types of
consumer products, from automatic-drip coffee makers to toys to lawn
mowers and more. The easiest way to check if a product in your possession
has ever been recalled is to log onto the federal government website: http://www.recalls.gov or
www.usfa.fema.gov to obtain fire safety related product recalls.
- Apply common sense. If a product seems to present a
hazard, stop using it immediately! Have a qualified person perform
maintenance or repairs and report any product that you feel is unsafe for
any reason to the CPSC. To report an unsafe consumer product or a
product-related inquiry, call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at (800)
638-2772.
- Anyone needing assistance or without Internet access may
contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau at (203) 924-1555.
Always have working smoke alarms
installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean
and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for
help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
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