Home Product Recalls and Safety Alerts

ConsumerAffairs, the reviews platform whose content and tools give consumers an advantage when making difficult purchases, has named 12 more companies winners of its quarterly Buyer's Choice Awards, based on AI-assisted decoding of consumer reviews in the previous 12 months.

Awards this quarter went to companies serving three high-stakes aspects of homeownership—home safety, pest control, and flooring—and also companies that sell hearing aids, a category that’s grown harder for consumers to navigate due to new OTC offerings. 

"Buying decisions that consumers make during significant life events are what ConsumerAffairs covers, our sole beat," said Zac Carman, CEO of ConsumerAffairs. "Our Buyer's Choice Awards signify the companies that are really good at helping consumers make that one-time investment in something they’ve not had to understand until now."

Each Buyer’s Choice Award is created after rigorous analysis of reviews reveals what aspects of that particular industry’s buying journey are most important to buyers. “The Buyer’s Choice Awards winners are proven by reviews and ratings to fulfill their customers' handful of super-high-priority needs,” Carman said.

These five winners swept their industry’s awards by receiving each award given in their category:

Empire Today won all the flooring awards: Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff, Best for Installation, Best Speed of Service and Best Value for Price.  

Orkin Pest Control took home each of the pest control awards: Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff, Best Speed of Service and Best Value for Price.

Vivint won each award given in home alarms: Best Customer Service, Best Equipment, Best for Installation and Best Monitoring.

Finally, Hear.com and Starkey Hearing Aids won all of their category awards: Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff and Best Value for Price.

Criteria

How did ConsumerAffairs calculate the Buyer's Choice Award winners?

In an era of rampant faked or unhelpful consumer reviews, reviews on ConsumerAffairs must be submitted by a verified reviewer and vetted by a human moderator for authenticity, minimum length and depth of insight. 

The Buyer’s Choice Awards methodology then uses sentence-by-sentence analysis of reviews published in the previous year to calculate satisfaction levels for each aspect. Experienced auditors confirmed the accuracy of the AI-assisted sentiment analysis. 

Each quarter in 2024, ConsumerAffairs will announce Buyer's Choice Awards in new categories and use its website to flag the winning companies with a signature badge designed to guide consumers in need to trusted companies. Winners of each Buyer's Choice Award are limited to three or fewer by the rigorous statistical bar for positive sentiment set by ConsumerAffairs.

Multiple winners

Who are the other multiple winners of 2024 Buyer's Choice Awards?

Flooring: National Floors Direct (four wins: Best Experience with Staff, Best for Installation, Best Speed of Service and Best Value for Price) and LL Flooring (four wins: Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff, Best for Installation, and Best Value for Price).

Pest Control: Bulwark Exterminating (three awards: Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff and Best Speed of Service) and Hawx Pest Control (one award: Best Value for Price).

Home alarm: ADT (three awards: Best Customer Service, Best Equipment and Best Monitoring) and Vector Security (three awards: Best Customer Service, Best for Installation and Best Monitoring)

Hearing aids: Audicus (two wins: Best Customer Service and Best Experience with Staff)

For more information about the Buyer's Choice Awards and the recognized companies, please visit the awards page. One to three winners for each category will be recognized per industry, with new awards rolling out quarterly throughout 2024.

Think it’s safe to stay inside? Think again. In addition to the Top 10 most dangerous things in your house, new research has surfaced during Consumer Protection Week that may make you want to strap yourself onto your sofa and not move an inch.

A new analysis by the U.S. PIRG Education fund – Safe At Home in 2024 – shows the agency responsible for product recalls, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), enhanced its enforcement in 2023.

The agency was dogged about product recalls, issuing three times more public warnings when companies decided they wouldn't cooperate with a recall than in the year before. 

U.S. product recalls in 2023 were the highest in seven years, with 323 announcements about defective appliances, furniture, bike helmets, toys and other everyday products. The two largest civil penalties charged to companies who failed to report known hazards were Peloton Interactive Inc. and HSN Inc., formerly Home Shopping Network.

What’s worse were the injuries

The products involved in those recalls were tied to more than 550 injuries, 15 deaths, and more than 500 fires – before the recalls. Actually, the fatality count would be higher if it included the two re-announcements for infant rocker sleepers, which have been linked to about 115 deaths. 

“It’s clear that dangerous products truly threaten all of us, our children and our homes,” said Teresa Murray, U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s consumer watchdog director and author of the report.

“The injuries and deaths that occur are tragic and difficult to read about. We’re often not safe at home, and we don’t even know it.”

When you buy something, some simple steps can protect you from being a statistic

There are more recalls than you can imagine. In ConsumerAffairs daily digest of recalls, there are vehicles, toys, tech gear, appliances, etc. Subscribing to that list is a good start.

But, US PIRG suggests that you periodically take a look around your house – in the kitchen, laundry room, bedroom, and the medicine cabinet – and search for those at saferproducts.gov, recalls.gov, or cpsc.gov/recalls.

“Fill out online or mail-in registrations that come with products, especially anything that plugs in, has a battery or is used by children,” Murray said.

“If you’re concerned they’ll share your information, then at least provide a secondary email address. That way, companies can contact you in case of safety warnings.”

But, be careful with resale and foreign websites

Resale websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find used articles at great prices, but even though it’s illegal for a business to sell recalled products, most, if not all of those sites lack the time or personnel to go through every single listing to find out if it’s been recalled or not. Therefore, you could be buying a pig in a poke.

“Use even more caution when buying products being shipped from overseas or from websites that seem unprofessional,” Murray said.

“International sellers may not comply with U.S. safety standards, and unethical sellers may peddle all sorts of previously recalled or unsafe merchandise.”

Safe At Home offers more tips for consumers to protect themselves from dangerous products before they shop and if something they own gets recalled.

What’ll it be for you this Halloween? Trick or treat – or trip and sue? If you don’t want the latter, then you may want to make home safety a priority for Halloween.

Claims data from Travelers Insurance show that on Halloween, the insurance company experiences 15% more theft claims on-premises and 72% more vandalism and malicious mischief claims compared to every other day of the year. 

And it’s not just one or two things that can go wrong, either. On the theft side of the ledger of potential problems, a lot of consumers get lazy in two areas when they go trick-or-treating.

For one thing, Travelers researchers found that only 52% of respondents lock their doors when they go trick-or-treating. And another 35% of homeowners turn all their lights out in the house when they go out to trick-or-treat, giving the impression the house is empty to any thieves.

Another potential hazard waiting to ruin the celebration is live fire. Like all the candles we love to burn – 52% of survey respondents said they burn real candles inside their home and another 39% said they do the same outside. 

Sure, you may say “That’ll never happen to me” and you might – or might not – be right. But stuff happens.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are about 800 home structure fires every Halloween, reeking $13 million in property damage. Some 45% of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.

Then, there are a bunch of folks who like to have the neighbors over and build a bonfire in the backyard to keep everyone warm – another certain potential fire hazard if the fire’s not completely put out. And worse, yet, if the embers of the bonfire land on your neighbor’s property.

If you want to play it safe

Jennifer Wilbert, assistant vice president, Personal Insurance Property at Travelers told ConsumerAffairs that it’s actually pretty easy to play it safe at Halloween without losing your spooky mojo. Her advice goes like this:

• Do not put candles in places where they might be easily knocked over, and never leave a lit candle unattended. 

• Clear your yard and sidewalk of potential hazards that could trip up trick-or-treaters, and make sure the path to your door is well-lit. 

• If you’re heading out to enjoy Halloween festivities yourself, take steps to make your home appear occupied as a deterrent to thieves and vandals. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your property, and/or leave security systems, motion-triggered lights and other theft deterrents activated to make your home a less attractive target. You can even leave a light or TV on in the house to make it seem like you’re home. 

• If possible, park your car off the street — and ideally, in a garage. If you have to leave your car outside, make sure your valuables are removed or hidden from view, and that your car is locked. 

Wilbert says we should pay particular attention to our Halloween decorations. If you haven’t bought yours yet, she suggests avoiding dried flowers, cornstalks and crêpe paper because they are highly combustible.

“Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters,” she cautions.

As for electrical decorations, she recommends making sure that whatever you buy has been tested for safety. “Look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or another nationally-recognized laboratory,” Wilbert recommends, adding three other precautions for electrical safety:

• When plugging in decorations, avoid daisy-chaining extension cords, which may cause overheating.

• Never staple, nail through or fasten electrical wires or extension cords in any way that might damage the wire or insulation. This could cause electrical shock or fire.

• Plug all outdoor lights and decorations into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to help reduce the risk of electric shock. Portable GFCIs for outdoor use can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold.

And don’t forget your car

Another forget-me-not is that vehicle thefts and break-ins spike during Halloween. Wilbert says that you should always make sure your car is locked and stored in a garage if possible. Plus, avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle overnight like wallets, electronics, etc. 

What is your favorite summertime activity? Riding your ATV, time at the pool, firing up the grill?

All three of those can be fun but -- if you're not careful -- hazardous.

Fortunately, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has some advice on how to keep everyone safe -- especially children.

ATV Riding

Off  Highway Vehicles (OHVs), especially All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can be a lot of fun, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. CPSC figures covering the period from 2017 through 2019 show there were 2,178 deaths associated with OHVs; nearly 70% were ATVs and 283 OHV deaths were children under 16 years old.

The agency estimates that in 2021, there were 106,600 emergency room treated injuries associated with OHVs with 29% to children under 16 years old. The dangers are real and include overturning, collisions, and occupant ejection.

The following ATV safety tips can ensure a safe and enjoyable ride:

• Training: Get hands-on training from a qualified instructor.
• Seats: Never ride with more passengers than there are seats. Most ATVs are designed for one rider.
• Stay off paved roads: Never ride on public roads, except to cross, where permitted by law.
• No Drinking: Avoid drinking alcohol before or while driving an ATV.
• Age Limits: Riders younger than 16 should drive only age-appropriate youth models -never adult models.
• Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

Pool Safely

A dip in the pool may be a good way to escape the heat, but it is important to remember to stay vigilant when it comes to water safety. ConsumerAffairs recently covered pool safety in depth here, but it doesn't hurt to review the safety tips:

• Supervision: Never leave children unattended in or near a pool, and always designate an adult to watch over the pool area.
• Barriers: Install barriers around the pool, to prevent unsupervised access by children.
• Swimming Skills: Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
• Drains: Keep children away from pool drains and ensure that they are properly covered to prevent entrapment.
• CPR: Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults.

Outdoor Cooking and Grilling

What is summer without occasional outdoor cooking and grilling? While fun and enjoyable, these activities can also be dangerous if not done with safety in mind.

According to CPSC, 13 deaths occur on average every year, and in 2022, there were 5,400 ER-treated injuries associated with grills -- burns being the most common.

To reduce these risks and have a safe grilling experience, follow some general safety tips:

• Recalls: Check www.cpsc.gov to see if the grill has been recalled – follow the remedy if recalled. Earlier this year, there was one grill recall.
• Inspect: Look over the grill and any gas hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Replace, if necessary.
• Location: Use grills outside only, in well-ventilated areas and never indoors, in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that will burn.
• Starters: Only use appropriate fire starters and only before lighting the fire. Never add liquid fuel after trying to start a fire.
• Observe: Never leave a hot grill unattended and keep children away from the grill area.
• Clean up: Clean your grill with a ball of aluminum foil or nylon brushes, instead of wire grill brushes, to prevent stray wire brush strands from ending up in the food.
• Extinguishers: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure that everyone knows how to use it.

Summer is a lot more fun if you spend the time in the backyard rather than the emergency room.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about a potentially fatal device that they might have in their homes – fire extinguisher balls. 

Several popular brands, all of which are sold on Amazon, have been called into question for allegedly failing to extinguish fires, which ultimately increased the risk of serious injury – and possible death – to consumers. The agency warned about the following brands of fire extinguisher balls: LVYXON, TATTCHINE, ARMYJY, PETSTIBLE, HelloPharma, Vixuiyz, and JHEUAYK. 

For consumers shopping on Amazon, the following ASINs should be avoided, the agency said: 

• LVYXON: B0BCPL2QY8 and B0BCPH6M9L

• TATTCHINE: B0BCYXZ5H9 and B0BCYWR1VH

• ARMYJY: B0BB6Y1JQQ

• PETSTIBLE: B0BD3RL3K9 and B0BD3T4BNX

• HelloPharma: B09YNKKKM2

• Vixuiyz: B09YRRL241

• JHEUAYK: B0BCQ121VL and B0BCWR36DQ

Failing to meet guidelines

The CPSC explained that one of the biggest issues with these devices is that they don’t meet specific safety requirements for fire extinguishers. All of the brands mentioned above reportedly failed to meet three key safety guidelines: NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, UL 299 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers, and UL 711 Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers. 

All of these devices also posed serious health and safety risks for consumers by failing to actually extinguish fires, according to CPSC. 

“Specifically, the identified products can fail to properly disperse fire-suppressing chemicals and fail to extinguish a fire,” the CPSC wrote. “In addition, the products do not have a pressure gauge or pressure indicator, a locking device to reduce the risk of unintentional discharge, a self-closing valve for intermittent discharge, or a nozzle to direct the discharge.” 

For any consumers who may have these extinguishers in their homes currently, the CPSC encourages you to stop using them immediately and also dispose of them. Both hazardous waste facilities and local fire departments will accept these devices. 

The agency also recommends that consumers report any product-related injuries to SaferProducts.gov to ensure that any future extinguishers meet the UL 299 and UL 711 safety standards. 

Warmer weather will soon be upon us, and that means more time outdoors -- and at the pool.

Regarding the latter, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that thousands of people, many of them children, require hospital emergency room treatment each year for injuries associated with swimming pools.

Along those lines, CPSC reports that three separate manufacturers have issued recalls for pool drain covers.

Vijayli-US is recalling about 116 drain covers, Liusin is recalling about 40 covers, and Pickloud-US is recalling about 100.

All of the recalled products fail to conform to the entrapment protection standards of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), posing an entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.

No injuries involving any of the drain covers have been reported.

All three of the drain covers were sold exclusively on amazon.com from 2020 to 2023 for between $30 and $50.

What to do

For the Vijayli-US covers, consumers should immediately stop using pools with the recalled pool drain covers, remove the drain cover from the pool and contact the firm at vijayli2233@outlook.com for instructions on how to return the drain cover for a full refund.

Vijayli is contacting all purchasers directly.

Consumers may contact the firm by email at vijayli2233@outlook.com or online at https://www.amazon.com/sp?ie=UTF8&seller=A1JRUV5LNLJLG1&asin=B07SS1L5PN&ref_=dp_merchant_link&isAmazonFulfilled=1

For the Liusin drain covers, consumers should immediately stop using pools with the recalled pool drain covers, remove the drain cover from the pool and contact the firm at liuliusingus@163.com for instructions on how to return the drain cover for a full refund.

Consumers may contact the firm by email at liuliusingus@163.com or online at the Liusin-US page on Amazon.com and https://www.amazon.com/sp?ie=UTF8&isAmazonFulfilled=1&marketplaceSeller=1&orderID=111-7892181-1912255&seller=A1TKW763O7K0KI.

For the Pickloud drain covers, consumers should immediately stop using pools with the recalled pool drain covers, remove the drain cover from the pool and contact the firm at Jdbvxaa@hotmail.com for instructions on how to return the drain cover for a full refund.

Consumers may contact the firm by email at Jdbvxaa@hotmail.com or the Pickloud-US page on Amazon.com.

Pool safety tips

The best way to enjoy your time at the pool is to make sure you do it safely. To ensure that, the CPSC offers the following advice:

• Use non-slip materials on the deck surrounding your pool and on the diving boards and ladders.
• Have the electrical systems installed by licensed electricians and in accordance with recognized standards for safety.
• Fence in your pool area to prevent access to unsupervised children.
• Place a safety float line where the bottom slope begins to deepen (approximately the five-foot level) ,
• Keep all electrical appliances, such as radios, away from the pool because of the potential shock hazard which they present.
• And last, but not least, learn to swim well!

A combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the home can alert you to the presence of hazardous smoke and gas -- if it works.

If it doesn't, the consequences can be fatal.

On the heels of a recent warning about the failure of such devices to operate properly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is adding another three brands to its “do not use” list.

The agency says Petricor, Varwaneo and Wjztek detectors can fail to alert consumers to the presence of hazardous smoke.

CPSC performed sensitivity tests on the three brands and found that they failed to alert when exposed to pre-determined concentrations of smoke in violation of UL 217, a voluntary safety standard.

Death from fumes, not flames

Most deaths in residential fires are due to smoke inhalation, rather than heat and flames. There may be as little as one or two minutes to escape after the smoke alarm sounds before the conditions in the home become incapacitating or deadly.

According to CPSC, more than 2,390 people in the U.S. die every year from residential structure fires. In fact, people in homes without a working smoke alarm are twice as likely to die as those whose homes are equipped with detectors.

Here's what NOT to buy

The combination detectors in question are made of white plastic, with approximate dimensions of 4 x 1.5 x 4 inches.

The Petricor and Varwaneo models feature a digital display, and the Petricor and Wjztek models have a label on the back containing the model number.

The combination detectors are advertised to detect dangerous levels of smoke or carbon monoxide and alert with a flashing red LED and a loud alarm pattern.

Model No. MQ-808 was sold under the Amazon ASIN B09DPPFJZJ; and Model No. ACJ-512COM was sold under the Amazon ASIN B0928QZ21C; and Model No. KT-X3 was sold under the Amazon ASIN B07QVC2722 and B07M8LR9M7.

The combination devices were sold on Amazon.com for between $15 and $53.

What to do

The combination smoke and CO detectors, which should be battery operated or have battery backup, should be installed on each level of the home and outside separate sleeping areas. They should be tested frequently with batteries replaced as needed.

Consumers should stop using the combination smoke and CO detectors, dispose of them immediately and install new, working CO detectors.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has implemented new regulations that require furniture makers to meet a standard for safety and stability.

Specifically, dressers, armoires, wardrobes, and other clothing storage units must be made in such a way, or secured against a wall to prevent them from tipping over and crushing small children. These types of accidents occur more frequently than you might think.

According to the CPSC, 234 people, mostly children, have been killed by falling furniture since 2000. During that time 84,100 people have been injured by furniture tip-overs, averaging 5,300 injuries each year.

Congress passed a law late last year called  Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) that moved away from voluntary standards and toward mandatory requirements. It’s designed to protect children up to age six by setting requirements that include:

• Tests for stability when the unit is placed on carpeting

• Tests for stability with loaded drawers and with multiple drawers open

• Tests that simulate the weight of children up to 60 pounds interacting with the unit

Increased vigilance 

“With the implementation of the new mandatory standard, I expect industry to shift their efforts to quickly comply with these new safety requirements,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “The CPSC will be actively monitoring the marketplace and enforcing this important safety standard.”

A number of public interest groups, including Kids In Danger, pushed for the new mandatory standards. The group’s executive director, Nancy Cowles, said parents who lost children to tip-over accidents made significant contributions to the effort.

Child deaths from falling furniture have led to a number of furniture recalls over the years. One of the latest came in January 2021 when Chicago-based CB2 recalled about 11,355 Junction Tall Chests and Low Dressers sold in the U.S. and Canada. The company said it had received 10 reports of the chests and dressers falling but did not receive reports of any injuries.

Amid growing pressure, IKEA recalled Malm dressers in 2016 but not all of the recalled dressers were removed or anchored to the wall. By 2017 the dressers were believed to be responsible for eight deaths.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently warned consumers about two faulty carbon monoxide detectors that were commonly found on Amazon – the GLBSUNION and the CUZMAK detectors. 

Now, the agency is warning against another faulty device that’s designed to keep consumers safe – the OKEAH digital combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector. With carbon monoxide fatalities on the rise, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is properly protected in the event of an emergency. 

What are the risks?

The CPSC found that the OKEAH combination detectors were faulty at alerting users to both smoke and CO. 

When testing the smoke detection capabilities, the device failed to meet an important safety standard – UL 217. This means that when exposed to certain levels of smoke, the detector didn’t sound the alarm. 

The carbon monoxide side was similarly dysfunctional, the agency said. The test showed that the device failed to react when exposed to 400 pm of carbon monoxide – a violation of safety standard UL 2034.

While the device is supposed to flash lights and sound alarms when it detects certain levels of smoke or CO, neither happened during either test. 

The faulty devices were found on Amazon and sold under ASIN B097B63W44 for between $25 and $75. The CSPC encourages consumers to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they don’t have faulty devices installed in their homes. 

Should you have one of these detectors in your home, it’s important to dispose of it as soon as possible and install new devices. Any new smoke/CO detector should meet the UL217 and UL2034 safety standards. 

Additionally, consumers can report faulty products to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov. 

Tupperware, a kitchen essential for decades, is in trouble. The company that makes the containers for leftovers is struggling financially.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Tupperware Brands Corporation disclosed that it had received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that indicated the company is not in compliance with current regulations because it had failed to file Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

In the filing, the company said it is not confident it can file the report by the extended deadline. It further painted a gloomy picture of its future.

“In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-40, Going Concern, the Company evaluates whether there are certain conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” the company disclosed in the filing.

In other words, company executives have doubts about whether Tupperware Brands Corporation can stay in business. The filing says the company reached that conclusion after reviewing its financial situation and finding there simply isn’t enough money coming in to pay the bills.

Working with financial advisers

In a press release, the company said its board of directors is actively working with management in an effort to turn things around. It has also hired financial advisers to help it secure supplemental financing and is engaging in discussions with potential investors or financing partners.

Among the possible moves is the sale of certain real estate to raise capital. It said other assets could also be on the chopping block.

"Tupperware has embarked on a journey to turn around our operations and today marks a critical step in addressing our capital and liquidity position," said Miguel Fernandez, president and CEO of Tupperware Brands.  "The company is doing everything in its power to mitigate the impacts of recent events, and we are taking immediate action to seek additional financing and address our financial position." 

Tupperware was invented in 1946 by Earl Tupper, who developed the idea for plastic containers to be used in households to contain food and keep them airtight. He also developed a novel marketing approach to sell the products through “Tupperware parties” held in private homes.

This month kicked off with a number of intense storms in various states across the U.S., which begs an important question for consumers: are you prepared to stay safe during these dangerous storms? 

Whether your answer is yes, no, or maybe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Red Cross, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have all weighed in to help people prepare for the storm and ensure their safety until it passes. 

Prepare for the storm

Some of the most important work you’ll do is before the storm hits. Does your family have an emergency kit? Do you know where the safest place in your home is? Have you practiced tornado drills? These are all important questions as you prepare for the storm. 

During a tornado, the goal is to find a spot that’s safest during extreme winds. This is often the lowest level of a home in a room that has no windows. In terms of tornado drills, being able to get to the designated area as quickly as possible is key. 

Consumers should also be thinking about stocking their homes in the event of a storm. Water bottles, non-perishable foods, and medications are a good place to start. 

The Red Cross recommends having a “go-kit,” which would have three days of important supplies that you can carry with you, and a “stay-at-home kit,” which would have at least two weeks of supplies. When it comes to medications, the agency recommends keeping a one-month backup supply for emergencies like this. 

The CDC also recommends keeping fresh batteries on hand in case of a power outage, as well as devices that are battery-operated to stay connected to any important weather updates. 

Staying safe if the power goes out

The CPSC offered a number of tips for consumers should the power go out in the middle of a dangerous storm. 

Many people turn to a portable generator when the power goes out, but as helpful as these devices are, they also can come with a number of risks. One of the biggest risks is carbon monoxide poisoning, and the CPSC recommends having a generator that comes with a CO shut-off safety feature, as these will turn off automatically when CO levels become too high. 

Portable generators should also never be used inside the house – this includes carports or porches. Consumers should be at least 20 feet away from their homes when using these devices. 

Similarly, when using portable heaters, charcoal, or candles, safety is key. Portable heaters should never be closer than three feet to anything that could catch fire – curtains, bedspreads, sofas, clothes, etc. These devices should only be used in dry locations – never near water – and should only be plugged into wall outlets – not under carpeting or into power strips. 

Candles and charcoal pose similar threats, and the same warnings apply. Battery-operated candles are a safer option for consumers, while charcoal should never be burned indoors. 

During a dangerous storm, experts recommend that you closely follow the news in your local area for any important updates, and check in with your friends and family as often as possible. 

With no smell or smoke, carbon monoxide poses a significant threat to consumers’ health and well-being. While CO detectors play an important role in both public and private spaces, a new report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to be more aware of the risks of the invisible gas. 

The report looked at CO-related deaths from 2009 through 2019 and found that in 2019, there were roughly 250 related fatalities – a figure far higher than any other year in the report. Because of this upward trajectory in recent years, the CPSC hopes to spread awareness of the risks of CO. 

Know what devices pose the biggest risk

The report analyzed CO-related deaths over the course of a decade, breaking down the cause of each one. The factors include space heaters, pool heaters, ranges and ovens, grills and camp stoves. 

Ultimately, engine-driven tools proved to be the biggest risk when it came to CO-related fatalities. Over the course of the entire study, these devices were responsible for the largest number of such deaths – 118 in 2019 alone, and 50% of all such deaths on average.

Of these devices, gas-powered generators were associated with the greatest CO risk. Fatalities linked to these devices went as high as 89 in 2017, and accounted for 36% of all CO-related deaths on average.  

Heating systems, and more specifically furnaces, were the second biggest CO risk. Heating systems of all kinds accounted for nearly 30% of CO-related deaths, while furnaces were responsible for 10%. Portable heaters are another CO risk, as these devices were also linked to 10% of all related deaths. 

Following best practices

Just because these devices pose a risk regarding CO, that doesn’t mean consumers need to avoid them entirely. Instead, the CPSC hopes this report encourages consumers to take their safety more seriously when using potentially dangerous devices. 

To ensure that heating products are used for their primary purpose – keeping spaces warm – and not unintentionally poisoning consumers with CO, proper cleaning and maintenance of vents and all heating devices on a yearly basis is recommended. This goes for wood stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys and boilers. 

When it comes to portable generators, consumers should never use these devices inside the home. That goes for the basement, crawl space, attached garage, or shed. Twenty feet from the home is the recommended distance when using these devices. Additionally, a portable generator with a CO safety shut-off feature is recommended to ensure that emissions never get to dangerous levels. 

CO detector testing

Recently, a few brands of CO detectors commonly purchased on Amazon were found to be defective. Without a properly functioning carbon monoxide detector, consumers are significantly increasing their risk for CO poisoning or death. 

Consumers should regularly check that their CO detectors are working and well-maintained and always have extra batteries on hand in case of emergencies. CO detectors should be found on every floor of the home, as well as outside of every sleeping area. 

Carbon monoxide detectors play an important role in consumers’ safety in their homes, and now two brands have come under fire for failing to do their jobs. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about two digital carbon monoxide detectors that are currently sold on Amazon that have allegedly failed to alert consumers to dangerous levels of CO: the GLBSUNION and the CUZMAK. 

Following tests done on the GLBSUNION and CUZMAK detectors, CPSC said neither device was effective at signaling when an area had reached 400 ppm – a violation of safety standard UL 2034. Failure to detect CO puts consumers at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. 

Even though there is no recall, the CPSC is urging consumers to dispose of these detectors if they have them in their homes and to replace them with working devices. The agency also hopes that companies stop making them accessible to consumers.

What to avoid

The CPSC is identifying which specific makes and models of these CO detectors consumers should avoid. 

Model number CD01 was sold on Amazon under the ASIN: B07MPVK6HG and B07K44HLCV. Model number AJ-938 was sold on Amazon under the ASIN: B093Y1KK5Q and B093Y637CM.

Both detectors have digital display screens and are supposed to alert consumers of dangerous levels of CO with both a loud alarm and a flashing red light. 

The CSPC encourages consumers to only purchase CO detectors that meet the UL 2034 safety standard. Additionally, for optimal safety in the home, the following actions are recommended: 

• Regularly replace the batteries in your CO detectors

• Ensure that every floor of the home has a CO detector

• Ensure that CO detectors are located outside of all sleeping areas

• Keep backup batteries on hand for your CO detectors 

• Do routine tests of your CO detector

More faulty CO detectors

These two faulty CO detectors join a seemingly growing list of defective devices that are designed to keep consumers safe. Just a few months ago, another CO detector sold on Amazon – the HECOPRO – was found to have the same issues as the GLBSUNION and CUZMAK. 

While none of the items have been recalled, it’s important for consumers to know what risks are out there. 

Supplemental heating devices such as space heaters are good to have when the weather turns frigid and you need a little something extra to warm up that room.

But the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants you to know that there can be danger associated with these devices if you're not careful.

CPSC urges consumers to take safety precautions while keeping their home warm this winter.

Portable Heaters

Portable heaters – including electric space heaters – according to CPSC estimates -- were involved in an average of 1,700 fires per year, from 2017 to 2019, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually.

In this case, size really does matter.

Mallory Micetich, Home Expert at Angi – formerly Angie's List – says you need to be sure the heater is compatible with the size of your room. A space heater that is too large for the room, carries the risk of starting a fire.

“You should also consider the placement of your space heater,” she advises. “Keep it far away from any combustible materials to reduce the risk of fire.”

Placing them too close to combustible materials, such as drapes, furniture or bedding, raises that risk, so she recommends keeping them at least three feet away from these materials.

Fire isn't the only concern with space heaters.

Using space heaters in smaller rooms can dry and dehumidify a room too much, which can lead to respiratory issues.

CEO Tim David of Airlucent, which deals with HVAC/Heating/Air Quality issues, says that when air becomes too dry, “it can cause dryness in the nose and throat, leading to irritation and making it more difficult to breathe." “

This is especially bad for people with conditions such as asthma or allergies.

"You should consider using a humidifier if you are susceptible to these dry air conditions,” David adds.

Generators

If your power goes out in the midst of a winter blast, that presents another problem.

If you have a gasoline-powered generator be wary. Generators can produce as much carbon monoxide (CO) as hundreds of cars, according to CPSC.

The agency estimates that more than 800 people died from CO poisoning associated with generators from 2011-2021 -- over 103 in 2020 alone.

Portable generators should be used outside only, and at least 20 feet from the home with exhaust pointed away from any nearby building. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage.

Earlier this month the White House felt compelled to address reports that the Biden administration was open to a ban on the use of gas stoves in U.S. households. The White House says it is not.

“The president does not support banning gas stoves,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. “And the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is independent, is not banning gas stoves. I just want to be very clear on that.”

The subject came up after Republicans pounced on comments by Richard Trumka Jr., a member of the CPSC, who called gas stoves a “hidden hazard” during an interview with Bloomberg News.

Gas stoves have been used in American kitchens for 100 years but in recent months have become somewhat controversial. Natural gas is a fossil fuel and Democrats generally frown on it. 

But chefs, both professional and amateur, seem to prefer gas ranges for their ability to finely tune heat. As of 2020, about 38% of the country’s households were using natural gas for cooking, according to U.S. Census data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Popular in Democratic states

In four states — New Jersey, California, Illinois and New York — approximately 60% to 70% of homes cook with gas. Since all four states are “deep blue,” it makes the gas stove controversy a political hot potato for Democrats.

Who would want to ban gas stoves? Republicans say environmentalists are behind it, part of a campaign to discourage the use of all fossil fuel. In his interview, Trumka seemed to lay his cards on the table. 

“We need to be talking about regulating gas stoves, whether that’s drastically improving emissions or banning gas stoves entirely,” he said. “I think we ought to keep that possibility of a ban in mind, because it’s a powerful tool in our belt, and it’s a real possibility here.”

Trumka said gas stoves can release dangerous levels of toxic chemicals, even when they aren’t being used. In a tweet in response to the controversy his remarks triggered, Trumka said the CPSC would “consider all approaches to regulation.”

The Sierra Club, a major environmental group, is in Trumka’s corner on this one. The group claims that gas stoves are a major contributor to childhood asthma. 

The group cites a recent study it says shows nearly 13% of all asthma cases in children in the U.S. can be linked to indoor air pollution caused by the burning of fossil gas in kitchens. 

While the price of Thanksgiving dinner has been top of mind for many consumers this year, what about preserving all of those leftover meal items to last as long as possible? 

Food safety experts are sharing their best tips on how to ensure that your family and friends are only eating foods that are fresh and safe this holiday season. 

Pay attention to meat 

With turkey being the star of the show for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s important to make sure that the meat is safe and cooked at the right temperature. Experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourage consumers to have a meat thermometer ready for Thanksgiving. 

Turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit in three key places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing. Checking each part of the turkey with a meat thermometer will ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and not overdone.

This also goes for leftovers; be sure all food that is reheated is done so to the proper temperature. 

“It’s important to keep food out of the danger zone, which is the temperature between 41 and 135 degrees,” said Alexis Hamilton, a postdoctoral associate and incoming assistant professor of food processing microbiology at Virginia Tech. “It’s important that foods pass through this range as quickly as possible. Basically, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.” 

When it comes to preparing the turkey, experts from USDA also recommend not to wash it, and only to thaw it in the refrigerator. Washing raw meat can increase the risk of bacteria, while defrosting in the refrigerator allows the meat to thaw all the way through at a consistent rate. 

Storing food

When it comes to storing food, there are several key factors to keep in mind. For starters, all hot food should be left to cool before being transferred to the refrigerator or freezer. 

On the other hand, leftovers can’t last forever, and it’s important to know when food has gone bad. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a chart that consumers can keep handy that details how long certain foods can last either in the refrigerator or in the freezer. However, should those foods go bad, consumers should look for: a weird taste, an odd texture, a bad smell, or mold. 

If you’re really unsure whether or not something is spoiled or safe to eat, the USDA has a FoodKeeper app that’s available for both iPhone and Android. In the app, consumers can learn about how to safely handle and store over 650 food items, and get specific storage timelines for individual foods. 

To prevent food from spoiling – and maximize your time with your Thanksgiving leftovers – the general rule of thumb is that most foods will last three to four days when properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator. That is unless they’re all eaten before then! 

This rule stands for cooked meats, fish, macaroni and cheese, or casseroles. However, storing food in the freezer can extend the lifespan by months. Thanksgiving dinner can last through the new year if properly stored in an air-tight container or wrapped in tin foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. 

“One trick I like to use is to put meals onto plates and place the amount for a few days in the fridge and put the rest in the freezer, where the foods will safely keep for a few months,” said Hamilton. “If you like Thanksgiving foods the best after a few weeks, I would suggest that you freeze the meal on Thanksgiving Day and defrost it when you want to eat it.” 

If you have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home, better check the brand. If it’s a HECOPRO, a federal safety agency says you should replace it.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says tests have shown that this particular brand of CO detector failed to provide an alert when exposed to pre-determined concentrations of carbon monoxide at 400 ppm. That violates federal safety standards.

If a consumer installs a CO detector that does not alert to the presence of carbon monoxide, and carbon monoxide enters the home, the consumer will not be warned of the presence of this harmful gas, making injury or death very likely.

More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental, non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products.

CO can be produced from many sources, from a fireplace to a space heater. CO detectors emit a loud alarm – much like a smoke detector – when it detects dangerous CO levels.

As yet, no recall

So far, there is no recall of the product.

The HECOPRO CO detectors are made of white plastic and measure approximately of 4.1 x 1.8 x 4.1 inches. The devices feature a digital display on the front.

The CO detectors in question were sold on Amazon.com under ASIN B07T66J7KJ for between $9 and $13.

The CPSC warns consumers they should not purchase these devices or sell them secondhand. Consumers should replace the detectors and dispose of the defective ones.

The agency recommends that consumers install working CO detectors on each level of their homes and outside separate sleeping areas. CO alarms should be battery operated or have battery backup. Consumers should also test CO alarms frequently and make sure batteries are working.

President Biden is calling on Congress to extend the federal halt on evictions due to the threat of the COVID-19 Delta variant. The eviction moratorium is set to expire Saturday, but White House officials say Biden has asked Congress to extend the order “without delay.” 

"Given the recent spread of the Delta variant, including among those Americans both most likely to face evictions and lacking vaccinations, President Biden would have strongly supported a decision by the CDC to further extend this eviction moratorium to protect renters at this moment of heightened vulnerability. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement on Thursday.

"In light of the Supreme Court's ruling, the President calls on Congress to extend the eviction moratorium to protect such vulnerable renters and their families without delay.”. 

Congressional action needed

The federal eviction ban was put in place last September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way to help Americans who had fallen behind on their rent during the pandemic. The eviction freeze has been extended several times since then. 

Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the eviction moratorium to remain in place until July 31. Lawmakers said no further extensions would be approved without congressional action. Since then, however, concern about the highly contagious Delta variant has risen. Housing advocates have said that ending the eviction ban is likely to lead to a huge spike in homelessness, which would only worsen the spread of the virus. 

“The confluence of the surging delta variant with 6.5 million families behind on rent and at risk of eviction when the moratorium expires demands immediate action,” said Diane Yentel, executive director of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “The public health necessity of extended protections for renters is obvious. If federal court cases made a broad extension impossible, the Biden administration should implement all possible alternatives, including a more limited moratorium on federally backed properties.”

Psaki said Biden has asked the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs to extend their respective eviction bans through the end of September. As Saturday approaches, states and localities are being urged to "urgently accelerate" their efforts to get emergency rental assistance funds to those in need.

A federal judge has overturned the moratorium on evictions put in place by health officials during the pandemic. 

D.C. District Judge Dabney Friedrich issued a 20-page ruling on Wednesday that stated, in part, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overstepped its authority with the temporary eviction ban. 

"The question for the Court is a narrow one: Does the Public Health Service Act grant the CDC the legal authority to impose a nationwide eviction moratorium? It does not," Friedrich wrote. 

The nationwide halt on evictions was enacted last September and extended twice this year under President Biden -- first until April, and then through June. Health officials said allowing renters to remain in their homes would keep millions of cash-strapped Americans from being displaced and prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from worsening again.

DOJ reviewing the decision

At her daily news briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the Department of Justice "is reviewing" the decision and would offer further comments on it later in the day.  

"We also recognize of course the importance of the eviction moratorium for Americans who have fallen behind on rent during the pandemic. A recent study estimates that there were 1.5 million fewer evictions filed during 2020 than would be expected due to the eviction moratorium so it clearly has had a huge benefit," Psaki said.

In her ruling, Dabney said the coronavirus pandemic has “triggered difficult policy decisions that have had enormous real-world consequences.” 

“The nationwide eviction moratorium is one such decision," Friedrich wrote. "It is the role of the political branches, and not the courts, to assess the merits of policy measures designed to combat the spread of disease, even during a global pandemic."

Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, told CNBC that it remains unclear whether lifting the ban will affect the entire country. 

“Several court rulings have attempted to strike down the moratorium, but all had limited application,” she said. “While this ruling is written more starkly than previous ones, it likely has equally limited application, impacting only the plaintiffs who brought the case.”

Federal safety officials are warning families with elderly family members that the bed rails designed to keep the bed occupant safe could pose a threat to their life.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said consumers should immediately stop using three models of adult portable bed rails manufactured by Bed Handles, Inc. The agency said the railings leave too much space between the mattress and railing and can pose a risk of someone becoming trapped and suffocating.

The models in question are:

• AJ1

• BA10W

• BA11W

Ordinarily, there would be a recall for these products but the CPSC said that’s not possible because Bed Handles, Inc. is no longer in business. So it is advising consumers to immediately stop using the bed rails and dispose of them.

CPSC said it evaluated the bed rails and discovered that it is easy for a person to become trapped between the bed rail and mattress, or within the portions of the bed rail itself, leading to asphyxia.  

If you purchased one of these bed rails, you probably got it by ordering it online at Walmart.com, MedontheGo.com, soymedical.com, bpimedicalsupply.com, sonomasurgical.com, or other online retailers and paid around $80 to $100.  

Authorities say the bed rails have also been found for sale on secondary sites, such as eBay. The model number can be found on a white label located on the bottom of the handle.

The rails lack retention straps

The CPSC is concerned that a significant number of the bed rails may still be in use. It announced a recall of a previous version in both 2014 and 2015. The agency warned that the rails, made between 1994 and 2007, were sold without retention straps.  

According to reports to the agency, four people died after becoming trapped in the bed rail. All four victims were elderly or disabled individuals.  

Since 2007, the bed rails have been sold with retention straps, but CPSC has found that the straps do not adequately protect consumers.

CPSC urges consumers to stop using these bed rails and report any related incidents to the agency at www.SaferProducts.gov.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning to owners of the Peloton Tread+ treadmill after it said one child was killed in an accident and several others were injured.

The agency said it acted after an investigation, reporting that its staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses “serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death.”

The warnings drew strong pushback from the company, which said the treadmill is safe when safety rules are followed. Peloton said it reported to the CPSC in March when it learned of a child’s death caused by the machine. 

“On March 18, 2021, Peloton's co-founder and CEO John Foley sent an urgent reminder directly to Tread+ members to follow the critical warnings and safety instructions that accompany the Tread+, which state that children, pets, and objects should be kept clear of the Tread+ at all times,” the company said in a statement. “Members were also reminded to remove the safety key and store it out of the reach of children when an adult is not using the Tread+.”

‘Inaccurate and misleading’

Peloton said information in the CPSC press release about the incidents is “inaccurate and misleading” and said its efforts to aid in the investigation of the incidents were rejected.

The CPSC said its investigation turned up at least 39 reports of children, and one pet, being injured while the machine was in operation. It released a video showing one incident in which a child was injured. (Warning: Video content may be disturbing to some viewers.)

“In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately,” the agency said.

The CPSC believes that at least one incident occurred while a parent was running on the treadmill, suggesting that the hazard cannot be avoided simply by locking the device when not in use. Reports of a pet and objects being sucked beneath the Tread+ also suggest possible harm to the user if the user loses balance.

All treadmills can be dangerous

Injuries caused by any kind of treadmill are not uncommon. The CPSC has reported that 24,000 Americans were treated for treadmill injuries at hospitals in 2014. However, that statistic includes patients treated for injuries from overuse, such as pulled muscles and tendons.

Deaths from treadmill accidents are said to be somewhat rare. In 2015, SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg died of a head injury after falling while using a treadmill at a resort.

According to Sadler, a sports and recreation insurance provider, the treadmill is among the riskiest of all workout equipment because it has a motor that propels it.

The CPSC says consumers who decide to keep using the Peloton+ treadmill should keep it in a locked room. They are also advised to keep all objects, including exercise balls and other equipment, away from the machine. When not in use, the agency says it should be unplugged.

The strictness of gun laws varies from state to state. Recently, experts have found that in areas where these laws have tighter restrictions, the outcomes are better for both school safety and teens’ mental health.

Now, a new study conducted by researchers from Rutgers University has found that stricter gun laws also contribute to fewer overall instances of gun violence among young people. 

“We understood the role of individual characteristics in youth gun carrying, but we often ignored the broader environmental context surrounding youth gun carrying behavior, such as whether gun laws are in place in a state to discourage access to guns,” said researcher Paul Boxer. “Our study helped prove clarity to these associations.” 

Young people are safer

To better understand how gun laws can impact youth gun violence, the researchers looked at each state’s gun laws and compared them to related instances of violence -- particularly among young people -- between 2005 and 2017. 

The researchers learned that regulations around guns were a big indicator of whether or not young people were carrying weapons and whether gun violence occurred. The study showed that regions with more laws prohibiting carrying weapons were less likely to experience youth gun violence, while states with more lenient laws had more young people carrying weapons and more instances of gun violence. 

The findings highlight two states in particular that show these disparities: New York and Louisiana. In 2013, New York had more than 60 laws in place that prohibited weapon carrying; in turn, the rate of gun violence among young people that year was at just three percent. Conversely, Louisiana had 13 gun laws in place in 2017; that year, they experienced the highest rate of gun violence across the entire country, at nearly 13 percent. 

Moving forward, the researchers hope that legislators realize just how important these findings are. State’s gun laws can have a ripple effect on consumers’ safety in public places, and reducing gun violence should be the top priority. 

“Though more work is needed, the current findings point to the potential of gun laws to lower youth gun carrying behavior, which all sides of the gun-law debate can agree is unwanted and dangerous,” said researcher John Gunn. 

Halloween is meant to be a fun-filled night for young trick-or-treaters, but it can also be dangerous if homes aren’t prepared for visitors. To reduce the chance of an accident or injury, it’s important for consumers to prepare their porch and front yard for the arrival of Halloween visitors.

By making sure your home is scary for all the right reasons, you can help ensure that trick-or-treaters have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are a few safety precautions you can take to prepare for the spookiest night of the year.

Prepare your lawn and walkway

When candy and excitement converge, giddy little ones may sprint to your door instead of walking. To reduce the risk of falls or injuries, make sure your lawn, driveway, walkway, and stairs are clear of trip hazards.

Cut off access to exposed tree roots or other unsafe areas, and be sure to repair any wobbly railings, cracks in stairs, or loose pavers. You should also sweep the sidewalk leading to your home to clear away loose gravel, sticks, or wet leaves.

If your front yard is decked out in light-up seasonal decor, make sure electrical cords are safely out of the way so they don't trip up young children or their supervisors.

And although Fido might want to mingle with Halloween revelers, it’s probably best to keep him indoors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends restraining pets so they don’t jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Light up the night

Another way you can get your home ready for the holidays is to make sure it’s well-lit. Signal trick-or-treaters that you’re open for business by turning your porch light on. You can also brighten up the path to your door by turning on floodlights, laying down rope lighting, or putting up walkway lights.

However, it’s important to ensure that all exterior illumination is safe and won’t cause a fire hazard. Consider using battery-powered lighting in candles and jack-o-lanterns, and keep any candle decorations on a sturdy, level surface that is well away from anything that could burn. Halloween is unfortunately one of the top five days for candle fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Without proper precautions, “a seemingly innocent candle decoration or a flowing costume can quickly turn the holiday into a true horror,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications.

Make safe candy choices

When buying Halloween candy, consider avoiding treats that pose a choking hazard to toddlers. You might also want to purchase candy that will be safe for children with peanut allergies.

When shopping for allergy-safe candy, check the candy bag’s label carefully. Even if it doesn’t contain peanuts, it may have been made in a facility that processes peanuts. Another option is to purchase alternative treats for kids with food allergies, such as stickers, coloring books, or games from the party favor aisle.

If you plan to provide a non-food trick-or-treat alternative, be sure to put a teal-colored pumpkin on your doorstep. Participating in the teal pumpkin project lets others know you have allergy-friendly treats on hand.

Home appliances are often blamed for starting fires, and now a Hotpoint refrigerator made by Whirlpool Corp. is being identified as the source of a deadly fire that killed at least 79 people in a London high-rise.

“We are looking at every criminal offense from manslaughter onwards,” Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack said on Friday in a press briefing, according to a Bloomberg report. "That includes health and safety and fire safety offenses.” 

Police identified the refrigerator as a Hotpoint FF175BP. Officials said the device is being examined by technical experts to “establish whether any further action is required,” such as a recall.

“At this stage there is no specific reason for consumers to switch off their fridge freezer pending further investigation,” the Department for Business said.

The fire gutted Grenfell Tower, in London's most affluent district of Kensington, in the west of the city.

"Matter of utmost urgency"

In a statement, Whirlpool said it was treating the investigation "as a matter of utmost urgency and assisting the authorities in any way we can.” It has issued what is called a "product notice" in Great Britain, sort of a preliminary recall notice.

It is asking for customers who have one of the refrigerator-freezers to register their details for further information while an investigation takes place.

In a statement quoted by The Sun, a London newspaper, Hotpoint said: “Words cannot express our sorrow at this terrible tragedy. We offer our most profound condolences to the victims, those who have lost loved-ones, homes, and possessions, and to their friends and families.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved, including the emergency services who risked their lives to extinguish the blaze and rescue those in the building.”

The company said that 64,000 of the fridges were manufactured by Indesit between 2006 and 2009, when the model was discontinued, several years before Whirlpool acquired the company.

Maytag recall in U.S.

In 2009, Maytag -- now a part of Whirlpool -- recalled 1.6 million fire-prone refrigerators in the United States. The company said that an electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

At the time, Maytag said it had received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

That recall included certain Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators.

The recall followed reports from consumers like Christopher of Castaic, Calif. "I was awakened this evening to the smell of electrical smoke. I traced it to the motor of my fridge," he told ConsumerAffairs.com.

Kim of Sandy, Utah, had a similar experience.

"Our Maytag side by side refrigerator model no. MSD2756AE started to smoke out of the control panel in the door for the ice and water dispenser. I took the control panel so I could unplug it to stop the smoking," Kim said in a December 2008 review. "The solenoid was so hot it melted all the surrounding plastic to a point it was dripping. We were very lucky to be home when this started so it did not start a fire or cause more damage."

"I contacted our local Maytag repair shop and the technicain said there were no recalls and this sort of thing happens all the time with refrigerators," Kim said.

Not just Maytag

Some Whirlpool owners said in 2009 that they experienced similar problems although there was no recall of their model.

"Compressor relay almost caught fire. Wires were charred, they smell. I noticed recall for Maytag products for the same issue, but not the Whirlpool brand. It's the same problem as Maytag," said Robert of Auburn, Alabama, in a ConsumerAffairs review. 

Spring cleaning can unearth quite a few items to sell at yard or garage sales. But while one man’s trash may be another man’s treasure, second-hand buyers should be aware that certain used items can pose safety risks.

Before jumping at the chance to snag a bargain on children’s items or electronics, consumers should look for signs that the item may be unsafe. Getting a great deal shouldn’t come at the cost of safety and quality.

Children’s items and electronics “tend to be ‘big gets’ at yard sales, but require caution and recall research,” said the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in a recent newsletter.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while shopping at yard, garage, or thrift sales.

Children’s items

Budget-conscious families should cautiously evaluate children’s items for potential problems. Cribs, toys, and other children’s items are frequently recalled, and shoppers are ultimately responsible for discovering if an item has been recalled.

“When it comes to products offered through rummage or yard sales, the assessment of an item’s safety is the responsibility of the buyer,” said Frank Frassetto, Administrator for DATCP’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection.

“You may not be able to return a defective or problematic purchase, so if an item looks unsafe, put it back. The cost savings are not worth the risk.”

To ensure the safety of the second-hand toy, look at the following:

• The toy’s condition. Make sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t have any broken, loose, or missing parts.
• Batteries. Check that batteries in electronic toys are securely enclosed and inaccessible to kids.
• Recall alerts. Make sure the item hasn’t been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting the CPSC website and doing a search for the product.

Electronics

Yard sales are also a great place to find deals on battery-powered items, such as tools and electronics. But before bringing home used electronics, the DATCP recommends checking the battery compartment for signs of corrosion.

When buying electrical items, steer clear of items with frayed wires or questionable repair jobs on cords.

“If you are able to test these items on-site, run them through their paces before you turn over your cash,” the DATCP says.

For the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's dementia, home can be a perilous place. Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s judgement, senses, behavior, and physical ability, which may lead caregivers to become concerned for their loved one’s safety at home.

People with Alzheimer’s may forget how to use household appliances, have difficulty understanding instructions, and have physical coordination problems. Moreover, they may have an impaired sense of time and place -- a change that could result in getting lost on their own street.

But caregivers can implement a few safety measures at home to make sure their loved one stays safe, even as their abilities change.    

Tips for caregivers

Here are a few ways caregivers can make home a little safer for those living with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

• Evaluate the home. Take a look at your loved one’s home environment to see where safety risks may be present. Pay special attention to areas where there are more likely to be tools, chemicals, cleaning supplies, and items that may require supervision. Consider your loved one’s abilities when determining what changes need to be made.
• Make the bathroom safer. Consider installing a walk-in shower. To prevent falls, add grab bars to the shower or tub and at the edge of the vanity to allow for safe movement. Add textured stickers to slippery surfaces.
• Kitchen safety measures. If the person you’re caring for is still cooking, consider installing appliances that have an auto shut-off feature. If your loved one has experienced a change in their sensitivity to temperatures, consider adding a temperature-controlled water faucet.
• Prepare for emergencies. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in a prominent place and be sure the home has working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Add extra lights. Remove clutter and tripping hazards and keep walkways well-lit. To reduce disorientation, consider adding night lights to hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Safely store dangerous items. Lock up or remove items that may pose a safety hazard. This may include firearms, cleaning supplies, medications, alcohol, matches, and sharp objects.
• Install locks. If you fear your loved one may wander out of the house, place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors. 

Bancorp South will pay more than $10 million to settle charges that it "redlined" consumers taking out mortgages in minority communities in the Memphis, Tennessee, area. 

The Justice Department and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) charged that the bank discriminated against African-Americans and other minorities in certain neighborhoods in the Memphis area and in neighboring areas of Mississippi and Arkansas. Bancorp South will pay nearly $7 million in relief for victims of the illegal practices and will invest $800,000 in advertising and outreach efforts. It will also pay a $3 million civil penalty. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval.

“When banks discriminate on the basis of race, they violate our civil rights laws and threaten the foundation of a fair economy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “The Civil Rights Division will continue to enforce our nation’s fair lending laws to ensure that qualified applicants and borrowers can access credit and invest in their financial future without facing unlawful barriers.”

“BancorpSouth’s discrimination throughout the mortgage lending process harmed the people who were overcharged or denied their dream of homeownership based on their race, and it harmed the Memphis minority neighborhoods that were redlined and denied equal access to affordable credit,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. 

“Today’s action is a reminder that redlining and overt discrimination are not yet remnants of the past, and that federal enforcement is needed to bring real relief to communities and individuals. The Consumer Bureau and the Department of Justice will continue working together to root out discrimination in the marketplace and ensure consumers receive fair and equal treatment under the law.”

The complaint alleges that from at least 2011 to 2013, BancorpSouth engaged in redlining and thereby failed to serve the credit needs of predominantly minority neighborhoods in the region.  

It also alleges the bank had only limited standards in place to ensure that loan officers price mortgage loans fairly and consistently. Such wide flexibility in loan underwriting and pricing resulted in the bank’s denying African-American applicants for mortgage loans at significantly higher rates than white applicants with similar credit profiles. It also resulted in the bank charging African-American borrowers higher interest rates than comparable white borrowers.

Lumber Liquidators (an Authorized Partner) is pulling all Chinese-made laminate flooring and Lowe's is pulling Tecsun products because of concerns about chemical emissions.

Lumber Liquidators (an Authorized Partner) says it is hiring former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh to review it sourcing program to ensure the safety of its products, and it says initial results of tests conducted in customers' homes finds that 97% were within established guidelines for formaldehyde levels in indoor air.

"Despite the initial positive air quality testing results we have received, we believe it is the right decision to suspend the sale of these products." said CEO Robert M. Lynch in a prepared statement. "We will work diligently to meet the needs of our customers and to ensure their satisfaction."

The company faces an investigation by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as well as hundreds of lawsuits filed after CBS News' "60 Minutes" aired a report about the issue. 

Lowe's said it has been moving away from Chinese-made products and hopes to have only U.S.-made flooring products in its stores by July.

Human carcinogen

Formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen commonly found in many household products including laminate flooring, furniture, permanent press clothing, floor coverings and personal care products. Other sources of formaldehyde in the air include cigarette smoke and emissions from wood-burning fireplaces, kerosene heaters and natural gas stoves.   

In early March, Lumber Liquidators (an Authorized Partner), based in Toano, Va., began offering free indoor air quality screening to customers who had purchased laminate flooring sourced from China. Home air test kits were used to measure the total level of formaldehyde in indoor air from all sources, not just from the flooring. 

"We developed this testing program to address questions raised by customers about the air quality in their homes," said Lynch. "Although these tests do not identify the specific source of any formaldehyde emissions, we believe this testing provides valuable information for our customers."

The testing program was reviewed by Dr. John McCarthy, the president of the consulting firm Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc., who said that indoor air quality screening "is a useful tool to obtain reliable information that can be used by both consumers and regulators."

Orders canceled

Lowe's and Tecsun confirmed that Lowe's has canceled outstanding orders for flooring.

“We take concerns like this very seriously,” Lowe's spokesperson Connie Bryant said, according to Bloomberg.

In both the Lumber Liquidators (an Authorized Partner) and Lowe's cases, a Wall Street short seller, Xuhua Zhou, raised the initial alarm, claiming that flooring from the companies contained "toxic" levels of formaldehyde. Lumber Liquidators' (an Authorized Partner) stock price has plunged in the wake of the charges.

Back in December the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumersthat using antibacterial soap might expose them to unnecessary risks from the chemicals they contain.

The FDA also warned manufacturers that it would consider regulations on the products, adding that it had found no evidence over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soap products are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water.

Antibacterial soap products contain chemical ingredients, such as triclosan and triclocarban, which the FDA says may carry unnecessary risks, given that their benefits are unproven.

"New data suggest that the risks associated with long-term, daily use of antibacterial soaps may outweigh the benefits," said Colleen Rogers, Ph.D., a lead microbiologist at FDA.

Among the risks, says Rogers, are indications that certain chemicals in antibacterial soaps may contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics, and may have unanticipated hormonal effects.

Industry response

In the months since the FDA issued its statement, manufacturers have been preparing their case.

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and the Personal Care Products Council – trade groups representing manufacturers – say regulations that remove antibacterial soaps and body washes from store shelves could lead to 7.5 million new cases of foodborne illness each year.

"Washing the hands with an antiseptic handwash can help reduce the risk of infection beyond that provided by washing with non-antibacterial soap and water," the groups said in joint comments to the FDA.

What about the FDA's argument that there is no evidence the chemicals in antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular soap and, in fact, may cause harm?

The trade groups turn the question around, questioning the agency's concern about the chemical in the soaps.

"No scientific studies currently exist to demonstrate a correlation between the active ingredients considered in the proposed rule and adverse health effects on consumers,” the groups said. “As a result, there are no measureable benefits of the proposed rule."

2010 lawsuit

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) disagrees. In 2010 it filed a lawsuit to pressure the FDA to regulate antibacterial soaps, claiming that the chemicals they contain can cause a number of undesirable side effects, including damage to reproductive organs and lower levels of sperm and thyroid hormone.

The NRDC suit noted that the FDA began to regulate these products in 1978 but never completed the process. While the FDA considers picking up where it left off, at least one state has acted on its own.

Minnesota last month enacted a ban on antibacterial soaps, preventing their sale within the state. The Minnesota law specifically bans the chemical triclosan.

Antibacterial soaps are most often sold in liquid form, but not all liquid soap is classified as antibacterial. Antibacterial soaps are often sold in traditional bars.

The earliest antibacterial soap brand is Dial, developed after World War II for use in industrial environments. In the 1966 TV commercial below, Dial links the removal of bacteria from the body with its deodorant powers.

Today, antibacterial soaps are mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms, especially bathrooms in public locations.

How do you tell if a product is antibacterial? Most antibacterial products have the word "antibacterial" on the label.

Also, a drug facts label on a soap or body wash is another sign a product contains antibacterial ingredients. Cosmetics must list the ingredients, but are not required to carry a drug facts label.

A Silicon Valley tech start-up known for its Internet-connected home thermostats is branching out into the Internet-controlled smoke-detector business, too.

If you’re a consumer who enjoys connecting as much of your technology as possible to your smartphone, this is great news because “Yay, a new frontier in convenience for home safety devices!” And if you’re a hacker with mischievous or outright malicious intent, this is great news because “Yay, a new frontier of wifi-connected home safety devices I can hack!”

In 2011, Nest released its successful Nest Thermostat, which has been credited with increasing energy efficiency by adjusting itself to its owners’ specific energy needs.

The forthcoming smoke alarm, called Nest Protect, is intended to solve a more serious problem with conventional smoke alarms, according to Nest co-founder Matt Rogers: due to smoke alarms’ tendency to do things like go off while people are cooking, or wake people up with annoying high-pitched chirp noises after the batteries run low in the middle of the night, people tend to disconnect their alarms or remove the batteries, so if there’s an actual fire the smoke alarm stays silent and the end result is who-knows how many preventable fire deaths each year. (If you’re wont to humblebrag, now would be a good time to frown, look confused and then say “Smoke alarms going off while cooking? For all the many meals I’ve made, I’ve never heard of such a thing.”)

Like the Nest thermostat, Nest Protect can be monitored by a smartphone app, which will send alerts to your phone in the event that your battery runs low or the alarm goes off; in the latter case, it’ll also give you a button you can press to call 911.

Be careful

For anyone who decides to get a wifi-connected thermostat or smoke alarm, we offer the same warning we give to anyone with a wifi-controlled baby monitor, pacemaker, automobile or anything else connected to wifi: make sure your connection is well-guarded against hackers.

To offer just one cautionary tale, last August a Texas family reported that an anonymous somebody managed to hack into their home baby-monitoring system to watch and heckle their deaf daughter. Hackers breaking into your home smoke alarm might find fewer opportunities to outright spy on your family, but that’s the only good thing to be said about the scenario.

Haier America Trading LLC has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $587,500 to settle allegations that it failed to inform the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of a defect and fire hazard in the company's Oscillating Tower Fan, model FTM140GG.

The penalty settlement, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that New York City-based appliance manufacturer knowingly failed to report immediately -- as required by federal law -- that the fan posed a risk of fire. Repeated bending of the fan's wires during oscillation caused the wires to break, resulting in a fire hazard.

From May 2004 to October 2004, Haier America received as many as 14 reports of incidents involving the fans, including some fires and one report of injuries. During that time, it conducted testing and other analysis.

Haier America finally reported to CPSC in December 2004, only after CPSC asked the company to report. In November 2005, Haier America and CPSC announced a recall of the fans.

Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard, or ban enforced by the CPSC.

"Prompt reporting in this case could have prevented fires and injuries," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Companies have a responsibility to immediately let us know of potential hazards, and we will hold them to their duty."

Fans aren't the only Haier America appliances with problems.

Darcee of Aptos, California, tells Consumeraffairs.com that a few days after her new (full size) Haier fridge was installed she noticed a small puddle near the base. She says the tray under the freezer was full with a sheet of ice.

When she called for repair, she was told by the repairman (verbally and in writing) that the problem was that the tube that should drain condensation had been "foamed up" with insulation during manufacturing. She says the service tech also warned that she was likely to have other problems because of the defect.

Darcee says customer service at Haier said "someone" would "get back to us" regarding a replacement. She says she's still waiting.

Mike from Columbus, Indiana, says a Haier dishwasher he bought stopped working less than 3 months after he bought it. He tells Consumeraffairs.com that when he called the company he was told that there were no service people in his area -- that he should return dishwasher to Menards where he bought it and exchange it.

Menards gave Mike a refund on the spot, but he says he spent another $220.00 for a better brand, asking what is the use of a warranty if the company does not have service techs in the area.

In agreeing to the Oscillating Tower Fan settlement, Haier America denies CPSC's allegations.

The colder months always bring on stories about accidental deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) estimates that about 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment.

But there is an even more dangerous, though little-noticed, killer lurking in many homes -- and just like carbon monoxide, it is invisible, odorless and tasteless.

It's radon -- a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and is associated with up to 22,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Radon is commonly found in the air and water, where it poses little risk. But but radon that creeps into your home from the soil can be a much greater risk.

Radon can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or flooring, so higher levels of radon are normally found in the basement and first floor. It doesn't matter if your home is old or new, high levels of radon have been observed in every type of dwelling, in every part of the country.

Not just hype

While there are critics who claim the radon problem is nothing but hype, every major health organization has found that long-term radon exposure causes cancer.

These include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers first noticed a high incidence of lung cancer in uranium miners, and subsequent studies on rodents confirmed the results.

Critics will point out that miners were exposed to a higher level of radon than most people would have in their home, but health organizations believe that while the level of radon is important, the length of exposure is more significant.

A miner might be exposed to a high level of radon for 8 hours per day. A homemaker might be exposed to a decreased level, but for 18 hours per day or more. Researchers estimate that the same negative effects are likely due to the increased exposure time in the home.

Additionally, because the home is sealed, the colder months can produce higher radon levels. The same applies to a home closed in the summer because of air conditioning.

Home inspectors

Because more consumers have become aware of potential problems from radon, many home inspectors are performing radon testing as part of their routine. This means that radon has had an effect on both home sellers and buyers.

Joseph, of Morristown, New Jersey was one such buyer.

"Everything was done, all the underwriting was complete and then ... the house inspection! With 99% of the loan process complete, the home inspection showed a radon level above the state standard," Joseph told ConsumerAffairs.com.

"This concerned us because of our newborn, so we decided to hold off on the particular house and keep the home search going," Joseph wrote.

Not just homes

It's not just homes that can harbor radon. In Nevada, parents in the Lake Tahoe area are protesting a plan to consolidate two schools, using Zephyr Cove Elementary, which has high radon levels.

According to the Nov. 3 tests done by Fallon Heating and Air Conditioning, five rooms in Zephyr Cove were above the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air.

Blown to bits

In a November, 2007 episode of the ABC show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," a large home was blown into toothpicks. The home wasn't blown to bits because it was the scene of a past mass murder. And it wasn't destroyed because it was condemned.

ABC blew up the house because it showed high levels of radon.

"Blowing up your home is not the answer to a radon problem, unless you're looking for good TV ratings," said Gary Hodgden, president of Midwest Radon, based in Olathe, Kansas.

"If a home does test at a high level of radon, there are proven methods that reduce the measurements to a safer level," Hodgden said. "But the first step is to test. Testing is the only way to know if there is a problem."

Hodgden says there are a few different testing methods. The first and quickest is the short-term test, generally a charcoal-based test that takes only a few days.

These kits can be purchased for around $15.00 to $20.00, but be sure to note whether this includes the lab reading and a prepaid return mailer.

On the flipside, a long-term test will give you more accurate results of the year-round radon levels. Typically called an alpha-track test, it will take at least 90 days, but 6 months to a year is recommended. Expect to pay $20.00 to $40.00 for this kit.

"If a neighbor's home has a low level of radon, it doesn't mean you shouldn't test your own residence," Hodgden said. "Everything we know about radon shows that one home can show a low level, but the home next door can test high."

Radon is measured in "picoCuries per liter of air," or pCi/L. The EPA recommends a level at or below 4 pCi/L. Achieving a zero rating is impossible because even the outside air typically has a level of 0.4 pCi/L.

The EPA says that although no amount of radon is safe, most homes can be reduced to a level of 2 pCi/L or below. Additionally, while various removal methods exist, one reduction method has proven to reduce radon levels by up to 99%.

Known as the soil suction system, a small fan draws air from under the home and sends the radon gas through a pipe to the outside.

The cost?

"Consumers can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to about $3,000," Hodgden said. "The cost depends on many factors, such as the type of home, area of the country, etc. Most fans have a five-year warranty, so the only real maintenance is making sure the fan is running."

As Hodgden said, the only way to know if a problem exists is to test. You can find do-it-yourself test kits online or at local hardware and home supply stores. You can also locate a radon specialist in your state by contacting your state radon office.

Many states have safety organizations that sell kits at discounted prices. The Utah Safety Council sells an EPA-approved, short-term test kit for $10.

The suits also name General Electric's Monogram Credit Card Bank, which issues the store-brand credit cards for both Home Depot and Lowe's.

The lawsuits charge that both Home Depot and Lowe's hide the fact that consumers won't be able to pay off any existing or future in-store credit-card balances until after they pay off the "interest-free" promotional purchases.

Home Depot's promotion offers "no payments and no interest for six months" on purchases of $299 or more when customers use Home Depot's credit card. But in face, the suit alleges, the company's Web site states that finance charges accrue from the date or purchase and will be added to the customer's account if the purchases aren't paid in full by the end of the six-month period.

We believe Home Depot and Lowes blindsided consumers with this promotional shell game, said Steve Berman, one of the attorneys in the case. In effect, this promotion puts customers in the position of having to pay more now, or more later not the deal the consumer expected.

According to Berman, if a customer who had a $300 balance at 21 percent on a store credit card purchased a $500 washer under the interest-free promotion, the customer could not pay off the $300 balance which is racking up high interest charges until the $500 interest-free washer is completely paid off.

Lowe's offers a similar promotion for purchases includinig flooring products.

Suits have been filed in California and Washington and others are expected to follow.

Named plaintiffs Teresa and John Kaminski spent more than $670 on their Home Depot credit card in January 2003, taking advantage of the six-month interest-free terms offered by the store, the suit states. Then the Kaminskis spent nearly $300 at another Home Depot store in February and sent in a payment for the exact amount of that purchase, the suit claims.

Later, after receiving their statement, the Kaminskis discovered that Home Depot applied the $300 payment to the interest-free $670 purchase and continued to charge them 21 percent per annum interest on the February $300 purchase, according to the suit.

I felt like Home Depot is using a credit-card shell game with us, said John Kaminski. We thought Home Depot was offering us a fair deal, but in reality they were rigging it so we would lose every time.

When Kaminski contacted Monogram Credit Card Bank, the providers of the credit service to both Lowes and Home Depot and also named as a defendant in the suit, asking for a clarification of the no-interest promotion, he received a written response that stated, No payments are required on the amount of this promotional purchase during the term of the promotion. Payments are required, however, on purchases on existing balances, which are not on a No Payment Promotion, according to the suit.

The response from Monogram does not mention that the only way to pay off regular purchases is to first pay off all promotional purchases, according to the complaint.

Even when responding to consumers direct questions, our suit claims Monogram used indecipherable double-speak to cover up the deplorable structure of the promotion, said Sim Osborn, an attorney for the plaintiffs.