Consumers Are Logging On This Holiday Season to New Federal Web Site

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24, 2003
Release # 04-058

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

Consumers Are Logging On This Holiday Season to New Federal Web Site

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The reviews are in and the new federal Web site Recalls.gov is a hit. On November 25 the site was launched and in the first two weeks more than 100,000 visitors logged on to the site to find recall and safety information from all the federal agencies that work to keep consumers safe from harm.

"With the holiday season in full swing, we are encouraged to see that many parents and consumers have logged on to www.Recalls.gov," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Before purchasing or giving any gift, particularly one intended for a child, visit the site and check to make sure the item does not pose a hazard."

recallsdotgov banner

The new site is a "one-stop shop" for consumers to have easier access to all recall announcements from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The site also contains safety warnings and information on how to report a problem with a consumer product, cosmetic, motor vehicle, boat, food product or environmental product.

"By working with our federal, corporate and non-profit partners, we hope to serve the public more efficiently, while saving countless lives and preventing injuries," Stratton added. Consumers who use www.recalls.gov to link over to www.cpsc.gov will find that CPSC has useful holiday safety information concerning:

Toy Safety: look out for older toys that may have been recalled or have small parts
Holiday Decorations: avoid fire and shock hazards with Christmas trees and lights
Cooking Safety: protect against fire hazards while making your holiday dinner
Home Heating Safety: beware of the lethal dangers associated with carbon monoxide as the weather gets colder

In addition to CPSC's Web site (www.cpsc.gov), consumers also can obtain information on recalled toys and children's products and safety warnings by calling our toll-free Hotline at (800) 638-2772.