Recall of Outdoor Candles by IKEA
May 18, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Outdoor Candles
Units: About 133,000 packages of six candles
Manufacturer: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Hazard: The candle’s wax can catch fire causing a high flame and posing a fire and burn hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: IKEA has received 16 reports of incidents involving flaring of the outdoor candles, seven of which involved minor burn injuries.
Description and Models: The recall involves the ANGAR (#200.301.24) and SAMLAS (#100.999.58) outdoor candles. The candle’s container is made of silver-colored metal and measures about four inches wide by two inches high. The container is filled with white wax. The candle’s wick is about ½ inch square and is made of brown fiberboard. They were sold in packages of six candles. The candle name and article number (#) is written on the instructions for use accompanying the candles.
Sold Exclusively at: IKEA stores nationwide from February 2001 through July 2005 for about $4.
Manufactured In: Estonia
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled candles immediately and return them to the nearest IKEA store’s “Returns and Exchanges” department for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact IKEA at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ikea-usa.com
To view this recall online, please visit our website at: cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06168.html
Quick Check-Up can Save You Money on Gas
May 18, 2006
Gas prices are rising every day, and it seems that there is little you can do to keep from spending more and more. But there are simple steps you can take each time you stop to fill up your tank that could save you money. It used to be that each time you pulled into a service station for a fill-up, the attendant would open the hood and do a series of checks. In these days of self-service, these mini-check ups are no longer done on a regular basis.
You can, however, do these checks yourself. Make sure that you only check under your hood if your engine is off. If you are at a busy station, you can simply pull to the side after fueling your car. While it may seem like these checks can not do much to save you money on gasoline, it will pay off in the long run. An engine that is not running properly or improperly inflated tires will decrease your gas mileage and cost you money over the long run. The following are some of the components you’ll want to check each time.
Coolant overflow tank: Although you should never remove the radiator cap, as the escaping steam could harm you, you can check the coolant overflow tank. A mix of coolant and water should go all the way to the fill line.
Engine oil: Use the dipstick to make sure the level reads between the full and low marks. If it is below the one-quart down mark, you will need to add motor oil.
Brake fluid: If necessary, top off the brake fluid reservoir to the fill line. When replacing the cap, be sure to wipe it clean to keep out any contaminants.
Battery: Check to make sure your battery terminals are free from corrosion. Today, most batteries do not require any addition of fluid.
Other fluids: You can also check your power steering and transmission fluids when you fill up your tank. Power steering fluid can be checked when the engine is either hot or cold. To check the transmission fluid, you will need make sure the engine is warm, running, and your car is in the “park” position.
Tires: Ideally, air pressure should be checked when your tires are cold or before you’ve driven more than a few miles. If needed, add or release air pressure. The recommended pressure is usually listed on the information printed on the driver’s door well or in your car’s manual.
How to Prevent Clothes Dryer Fires
May 16, 2006
Any appliance that generates heat can be a potential fire hazard. There are over 24,000 clothes dryer fires each year in the United States, according to The Consumer Products Safety Commission. Most of these fires cause considerable property damage.
The good news is that these types of fires are in many cases preventable. Lack of maintenance is the leading cause of dryer fires. Lint is the material that is most often ignited in a dryer fire. The key is to provide for proper airflow, allowing the dryer to heat and dry efficiently, without causing excess lint buildup or reduced airflow.
There are some simple things you can do to help prevent a dryer fire.
- Never leave home or go to sleep when your dryer is running, or leave a running dryer unattended.
- The lint screen should be cleaned after every load.
- Synthetic material, like rubber, foam, or plastic, should never be put into a dryer.
- Also, any material that has been in contact with flammable liquids should not be placed in a dryer, even after washing.
- Periodically, your dryer should be moved forward in order to vacuum up any lint that has collected behind and underneath. When replacing your dryer, be sure to allow for adequate space behind the dryer so as not to crush or kink the vent duct or fittings.
Dryer fires can also be caused by failure of the mechanical or electrical parts of your dryer. If you notice that clothes are taking a long time to dry, or are hotter than usual at the end of a cycle, you should get your dryer inspected.
In addition to being safer for you and your family, a properly working dryer can save you money. By retaining the ability to dry effectively at a lower temperature, your utility bills will be lower, your dryer will last longer, and your clothes will last longer and look better.
