http://www.cpsc.gov/ http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Accepting-Nominations-for-Chairmans-Circle-of-Commendation-Awards/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) begins accepting nominations for the  Chairman's Circle of Commendation Award  program today. Completed nominations should be received at CPSC by May 15, 2013. The program was established in 2011 by CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum to identify and honor people and organizations that have made significant contributions to consumer product safety. “Recognizing those who demonstrate a relentless commitment to product safety and develop innovative ways to prevent deaths and injuries is an inspiring part of my role as Chairman,” Tenenbaum said. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, businesses, state and local governments or other groups residing in or outside of the United States. Nominations should include a cover form (available online ), a description of the individual or organization, a description of how and to what extent the nominee has contributed to improving consumer product safety, and a summary of... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Accepting-Nominations-for-Chairmans-Circle-of-Commendation-Awards/ Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-and-ACCC-Warn-of-Poison-Dangers-with-Liquid-Laundry-Packets/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) are urging parents to take immediate action to ensure their family is not exposed to the hazards posed by liquid laundry packets or capsules. Young children who are exposed to the highly concentrated, toxic detergent are at risk of serious injury. Reports of incidents in the United States and Australia have prompted the product safety agencies to warn parents about what can happen if these products are not used safely. Children who have ingested detergent from the packets have required medical attention and hospitalization for loss of consciousness, excessive vomiting, drowsiness, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing. Eye contact has also resulted in reports of injury, including severe irritation and temporary loss of vision. “A product intended to make your clothes clean and bright should not lead to a parent having to call the poison help line... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-and-ACCC-Warn-of-Poison-Dangers-with-Liquid-Laundry-Packets/ Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/50-Years-of-Poison-Prevention-Efforts-Result-in-Lives-Saved/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) celebrates the nation’s longest running public health campaign: National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), from March 17 to 23, 2013. As a longtime supporter of NPPW, one of the CPSC’s greatest contributions to the effort has been the requirement of child-resistant closures on certain medicines and household chemicals. When NPPW was launched more than 50 years ago, about 400 children a year died from unintentional poisoning. The most common culprit: aspirin. Today, about 40 children a year die from unintentional poisoning. Although this demonstrates significant progress, CPSC believes that is still too many, which is why the agency continues to identify and address new and recurring poison dangers. “During National Poison Prevention Week, we celebrate the tremendous success of this public safety campaign,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “There are still children who need to be protected from household poisoning, ... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/50-Years-of-Poison-Prevention-Efforts-Result-in-Lives-Saved/ Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Consumer-Product-Safety-Agencies-in-North-America-Joining-Forces-to-Promote-Poison-Awareness/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with the consumer product safety agencies in Canada and Mexico, are reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of unintentional poisoning. During Poison Prevention Week 2013 (March 17 - 23), the agencies will promote poison awareness. Unintentional poisoning is one of the leading causes of injury among children. Even though these incidents can be prevented, thousands of children in the United States visit emergency rooms each year after consuming poisonous substances. "Child-resistant packaging saves lives," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "When used properly, this special packaging can prevent a child's exposure to hazardous items. Parents must always remember to reseal the packaging after each use." Child-resistant packaging, critical safety messaging, and education efforts have contributed to a significant decline in injuries and deaths. However, the United States, Canada, and Mexico are aimin... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Consumer-Product-Safety-Agencies-in-North-America-Joining-Forces-to-Promote-Poison-Awareness/ Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Kolcraft-Agrees-to-400000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failure-to-Report-Defective-Play-Yards/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, has agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $400,000. The penalty agreement has been accepted provisionally by the Commission in a 2-1 vote. Commissioner Nord voted to provisionally accept the agreement as originally drafted. Chairman Tenenbaum and Commissioner Adler voted to provisionally accept the agreement with amendments which were included in the final agreement. In addition to paying a monetary penalty, Kolcraft agrees to implement robust changes to its internal control and compliance systems. Specifically, Kolcraft agrees to: maintain and enforce a system of internal controls and procedures to ensure that the company promptly and accurately reports required information about its products to CPSC; give CPSC staff written documentation of its improvements, processes, and controls related to its reporting procedures upon request; and establish... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Kolcraft-Agrees-to-400000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failure-to-Report-Defective-Play-Yards/ Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Daylight-Saving-Time--Replace-Batteries-in-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarms/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Do you have working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home?  If not, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges you to install them. Smoke and CO alarms add an important layer of safety to your home. There are more than 366,000 home fires every year and more than 2,300 people die in them, according to CPSC’s latest Residential Fire Loss Estimates report . If you do have smoke alarms, make sure they are working properly and have fresh batteries.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. When changing clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time this weekend, replace the batteries in alarms.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey for 2011, only three out of four homes reported they changed the batteries in their smoke alarms in the last six months. Batteries need to be replaced in alarms every year. In addition, CPSC... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Daylight-Saving-Time--Replace-Batteries-in-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarms/ Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Chairman-Inez-Tenenbaum-announces-intent--to-not-seek-renomination/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Having led the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) through one of the most significant transformations in the agency’s history, Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum announced today that she will not seek renomination when her terms expires in October 2013.  In an address at the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization annual meeting, the Chairman stated: “I plan to stay on as Chairman until my successor is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, so that I can be sure that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is in safe hands.”  “So many qualified, deserving people have wanted to serve in the President administration—and he chose me.  For the rest of my life, I will be grateful to President Obama for nominating me to be Chairman of the CPSC and for giving me the opportunity to serve in his administration,” added the Chairman.  “It has been my great privilege to serve as Chairman of the CPSC, and the best part of my... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Chairman-Inez-Tenenbaum-announces-intent--to-not-seek-renomination/ Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:30:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Port-Surveillance-News-CPSC-Stops-Nearly-3M-Units-of-Violative-Imported-Products-in-3rd-Quarter-of-Fiscal-Year-2012/   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigators continued to improve the agency’s ability to enforce product safety compliance at U.S. ports by stopping nearly three million units of consumer products that violated U.S. safety rules from reaching consumers in the 3 rd quarter of fiscal year 2012.  This was nearly three times the number of violative units stopped in the previous two quarters combined. In the 3 rd quarter, CPSC investigators screened more than 5,700 different imported consumer products and identified 420 of the screened products as being noncompliant with CPSC’s safety rules.   From October 2011 through June 2012, through their combined efforts, CPSC investigators and their U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) counterparts have prevented about four million units of violative and hazardous imported products from entering the domestic stream of commerce and ending up on store shelves. According to a joint release issued by CPSC and... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Port-Surveillance-News-CPSC-Stops-Nearly-3M-Units-of-Violative-Imported-Products-in-3rd-Quarter-of-Fiscal-Year-2012/ Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:30:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Whalen-Furniture-to-Pay-725000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failing-to-Report-Defective-Childrens-Beds/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Whalen Furniture Manufacturing Inc., d/b/a Bayside Furnishings, of San Diego, Calif., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $725,000. The penalty agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission in a 3 to 0 vote. The settlement agreement resolves CPSC staff allegations that the firm knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, a defect involving two models of its boat-style children's beds with toy chests.  The two models included LaJolla boat beds and Pirates of the Caribbean twin trundle beds. The beds include a toy chest with a 20 lb. lid.  The lid supports on the toy chests fail to prevent the lid from closing too quickly, posing an entrapment and strangulation hazard to young children. Whalen sold the defective children's beds between January 2006 and May 2008. In November 2007, Whalen learned that a 22-month-old boy from Roseville, Calif. had died... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Whalen-Furniture-to-Pay-725000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failing-to-Report-Defective-Childrens-Beds/ Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:30:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Check-Your-Home-for-These-Cold-Weather-Related-Products-Recalled-Last-Summer/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - With winter weather upon us, you may be hauling out products recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) last summer. Play it safe by checking if your cold weather-related products have been previously recalled. It could save your life or that of your family. You can find out about these and other recalled winter products at www.SaferProducts.gov Note: by clicking on any of the images below, you can view a larger version. Product Recall Press Release Hazard Photo ECHO Bear Cat log splitters (120 units) 12-189 The end cap of the log splitter's hydraulic cylinder can break away from the body of the log splitter, posing an impact hazard to the user or bystander. Big Lots Portable Ceramic Space Heaters (70,500 units) 12-200 The heaters can overheat and melt, posing a fire or electric shock hazard. Harbor Breeze Bath Fans with Heater and Light (68,000 units) 12-212 The fan's heater blades can fail to rotate properly, causing the fan to overheat and... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Check-Your-Home-for-These-Cold-Weather-Related-Products-Recalled-Last-Summer/ Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Sues-Star-Networks-USA-Over-Hazardous-High-Powered-Magnetic-Balls-and-Cubes/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to prevent children from suffering further harm, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff filed an administrative complaint on December 17, 2012  against Star Networks USA, LLC, of Fairfield, N.J., alleging that their Magnicube Magnet Balls and Magnet Cubes contain defects in their design, packaging, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury to the public. The Commission voted 2-1 to approve the filing of the complaint, which seeks, among other things, an order that the firm stop selling Star Networks Magnicube Magnet Balls and Magnet Cubes, notify the public of the defect, and offer consumers a full refund. The Commission staff filed the administrative complaint against Star Networks after discussions with the company and its representatives failed to result in a voluntary recall plan that CPSC staff considered to be adequate and the company resumed sale of these products in November. Magnicube Magnet Balls and... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Sues-Star-Networks-USA-Over-Hazardous-High-Powered-Magnetic-Balls-and-Cubes/ Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Bon-Ton-Agrees-to-Pay-450000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failing-to-Report-Drawstrings-on-Childrens-Jackets-and-Sweatshirts1/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. of York, Pa., has agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $450,000. The penalty agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission in a 3-0 vote. The settlement resolves CPSC staff allegations that the firm knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that its children’s hooded jackets and sweatshirts were sold with drawstrings through the hood. Children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings, including jackets and sweatshirts, pose a strangulation hazard to children. CPSC and three U.S. importers announced recalls of children’s jackets and sweatshirts with drawstrings through the hood on February 18 , March 10 and May 27 , 2010. Bon-Ton was a retailer of about 800 total jackets and sweatshirts in all three recalls. CPSC began warning about drawstring dangers in the early 1990s. The agency issued guidelines in 1996 about... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Bon-Ton-Agrees-to-Pay-450000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failing-to-Report-Drawstrings-on-Childrens-Jackets-and-Sweatshirts1/ Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/The-Tipping-Point-Highest-Number-of-TV-and-Furniture-Tip-Over-Deaths-Recorded-By-CPSC-in-2011/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents of young children to anchor and stabilize their televisions, furniture, and appliances to prevent tip-over related incidents.  In a quest to reach a toy, TV or game remote, or other desired item, young children are using dressers and tables as climbing devices and the results are tragic. A new CPSC data report issued today shows that 349 consumers (84 percent of them were children younger than age 9) were killed between 2000 and 2011, when TVs, furniture or appliances toppled over onto them.  Last year (2011) had the highest one-year number of fatalities reported. The 41 recorded fatalities is an increase from 31 in 2010 and 27 in 2009. This total also may increase in future years as additional fatalities are reported. “We know that low-cost anchoring devices are effective in preventing tip-over incidents,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture and... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/The-Tipping-Point-Highest-Number-of-TV-and-Furniture-Tip-Over-Deaths-Recorded-By-CPSC-in-2011/ Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Five-Infant-Deaths-Prompt-CPSC-to-Sue-Manufacturer-of-Nap-Nanny-and-Chill-Infant-Recliners/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to prevent children from suffering further harm, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff filed an administrative complaint[ Complaint ] [ List and Summary of Documentary Evidence ]today against Baby Matters, LLC, of Berwyn, Pa., the manufacturer of Nap Nanny® and Nap Nanny Chill™ infant recliners.  The complaint alleges that the Nap Nanny Generation One and Two, and Chill model infant recliners contain defects in the design, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to infants.  The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the filing of the complaint, which seeks an order requiring that the firm notify the public of the defect and offer consumers a full refund. CPSC is aware of four infants who died in Nap Nanny Generation Two recliners and a fifth death involved the Chill model. To date, CPSC has received a total of over 70 additional incident reports of children nearly falling out of the product. The staff... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Five-Infant-Deaths-Prompt-CPSC-to-Sue-Manufacturer-of-Nap-Nanny-and-Chill-Infant-Recliners/ Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-NFPA-and-the-Maryland-State-Fire-Marshal-Team-Up-to-Prevent-Holiday-Decoration-Fires-and-Injuries/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Maryland’s Office of the State Fire Marshal are helping consumers give the gift of a safe holiday home. Each November and December, thousands of consumers are injured and millions of dollars in property losses are reported as a result of falls, fires, and other incidents associated with holiday decorations. Since 2009, the estimated number of holiday decoration-related injuries has increased at a rate of 1,000 per year, from 12,000 in 2009, to 13,000 in 2010, to 14,000 in 2011. Between 2008 and 2010, property losses from Christmas tree fires have increased from an estimated $18 million to $19 million. Candle-related fires during this same period resulted in reports of 74 deaths and $347 million in property losses. "Make sure you water your Christmas tree frequently, use holiday lights that are tested and certified and safe and not damaged, use candles carefully,... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-NFPA-and-the-Maryland-State-Fire-Marshal-Team-Up-to-Prevent-Holiday-Decoration-Fires-and-Injuries/ Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Chairman-Inez-Tenenbaum-Announces-New-General-Counsel-/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced the hiring of Stephanie Tsacoumis as the new General Counsel for CPSC. Ms. Tsacoumis will begin her tenure with the agency on December 10, 2012. “Ms. Tsacoumis brings more than 25 years of award-winning legal experience to CPSC and our vital safety mission on behalf of American’s consumers,” said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.  “Adding her impressive skill set to the fantastic team we have at CPSC will make us even more effective and help us sustain our position as the global leader in consumer product safety.”        Ms. Tsacoumis joins CPSC after serving as Vice President and General Counsel at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from 2009 through 2012.  She was responsible for all legal affairs and compliance matters at the university, including health and safety regulations, litigation, federal contracts and grants, and intellectual property.  Ms. Tsacoumis was named “Outstandi... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Chairman-Inez-Tenenbaum-Announces-New-General-Counsel-/ Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Standing-Guard-for-Consumers-CPSC--CBP-Working-at-US-Ports-to-Protect-Families-This-Holiday-Toy-Shopping-Season/ PORT ELIZABETH, N.J. - Today, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deputy Commissioner David Aguilar announced at Port Elizabeth, N.J. that more than 2 million units of dangerous or violative toys and children’s products were seized in 2012 and were prevented from reaching the hands of children. CPSC investigators and CBP inspectors are working arm-in-arm at ports across the United States to keep families safe during this holiday toy shopping season. Over the past four years, CPSC and CBP have stopped more than 8.5 million units of about 2,400 different toys and children’s products due to safety hazards or the failure to meet federal safety standards. By seizing dangerous toys and children’s products at the ports, those products remain off store shelves and out of consumer’s homes. Chairman Tenenbaum and Commissioner Aguilar urged parents to remain vigilant when making toy purchases and always keep safety... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Standing-Guard-for-Consumers-CPSC--CBP-Working-at-US-Ports-to-Protect-Families-This-Holiday-Toy-Shopping-Season/ Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Approves-New-Federal-Safety-Standard-for-Infant-Swings/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (3-0) to approve a new federal mandatory safety standard to improve the safety of infant swings to prevent injuries and deaths to children. Infant swings are stationary juvenile products with a frame and powered mechanism that enables an infant to swing in a seated position. An infant swing is intended for use with infants from birth until a child is able to sit up unassisted. Cradle and travel swings are also included in the standard. The new federal standard, which incorporates provisions in the voluntary standard ASTM F2088 - 12a, requires the following: a stronger, more explicit warning label to prevent slump-over deaths. The warning advises consumers to use a swing in the most reclined position until an infant is 4 months old and can hold up its head without help; a stability test that prevents the swing from tipping over; a test that prevents unintentional folding; tests on restraint system... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Approves-New-Federal-Safety-Standard-for-Infant-Swings/ Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Urges-Consumers-to-Change-Batteries-in-Alarms-This-Weekend-When-Changing-Clocks-for-Daylight-Saving-Time/ WASHINGTON, D.C. -  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is encouraging consumers to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms this weekend. "When changing clocks this weekend for Daylight Saving Time, remember to change the batteries in smoke and CO alarms," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Fresh batteries in alarms are essential to keeping your alarm working and on guard to protect you and your family." Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 4, 2012. About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don't work. CPSC also recommends that consumers test their alarms once each month and place smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. Fire departments responded to more than 366,700 residential fires nationwide that resulted in more than 2,300 deaths, more than 12,500 injuries, and $7.09 billion in property losses annually, on average,... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/CPSC-Urges-Consumers-to-Change-Batteries-in-Alarms-This-Weekend-When-Changing-Clocks-for-Daylight-Saving-Time/ Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Halloween-Safety-Tips-for-Selecting-Costumes-and-Decor/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - As consumers across the country prepare for haunted Halloween fun, CPSC offers tips for selecting and creating safe costumes and home decorations. "The trick to a safe Halloween celebration is to choose wisely from the start," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Make selections with safety in mind. Choose well-fitting costumes flame-resistant materials and the appropriate tools for decorating. The treat is keeping your family safe this holiday." Last year, more than 3,500 Halloween-related injuries were reported between October and November. Incidents involved burns, lacerations from pumpkin-carving, falls related to ill-fitting costumes, and injuries from collisions due to impaired vision. Pumpkin carving was associated with the most Halloween-related injuries in 2011. Consumers should create a stable base and use the appropriate tools to prevent cuts and lacerations. When selecting a costume, make sure it fits well, does not drag the ground, and is not too large... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Halloween-Safety-Tips-for-Selecting-Costumes-and-Decor/ Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Survival-Tips-After-The-Storm/ Hurricane Sandy is a massive, slow moving storm that has left millions of Americans along the East Coast without electricity. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are warning residents in hurricane-impacted areas about the deadly dangers that still remain as Hurricane Sandy tracks north. Consumers need to use great caution during a loss of electrical power, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from portable generators, fire from candles, and electrical shock from downed power lines increases. In order to power lights, keep food cold or cook, consumers often use gas-powered generators. CPSC, FEMA, and USFA warn consumers never to use portable generators indoors, in basements, garages, or close to a home. The exhaust from generators contains high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), greater than that of multiple cars running in a garage, which can quickly incapacitate and kill. "Our goal... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Survival-Tips-After-The-Storm/ Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:30:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Aqua-Leisure-Agrees-to-650000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failure-to-Report-Defective-Baby-Boats/     The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc., of Avon, Mass., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $650,000. The penalty agreement (pdf) has been accepted provisionally by a 4-0 vote of the Commission. The settlement resolves CPSC staff allegations that Aqua-Leisure knowingly failed to report a defect involving its inflatable baby boats to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law. The leg strap in the seat of baby boats manufactured from August 2002 to July 2008 can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning. In 2001, Aqua-Leisure and CPSC conducted a recall of 90,000 "Sun Smart" inflatable baby boats after receiving 12 reports of the seats tearing and causing children to fall into the water. Four children became completely submerged before a caregiver was able to reach them. No injuries were reported. After the 2001 recall, Aqua-Leisure continued to produce different... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Aqua-Leisure-Agrees-to-650000-Civil-Penalty-for-Failure-to-Report-Defective-Baby-Boats/ Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMT http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Kitchen-Fires-1-in-New-Report-Smoke-Alarms-and-Escape-Plans-Key-to-Surviving-Fires-in-the-Home/ In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are providing new statistics on fires in American homes and urging consumers to install smoke alarms in their homes and check to make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.  It is also vitally important to develop and practice a family fire escape plan. In a report released today, CPSC estimates there were an average of 366,700 unintentional residential fires, 2,310 deaths, 12,550 injuries and more than $7 billion in property damage each year attended by fire service between 2008 and 2010. The top cause of fires in the home is cooking equipment, accounting for an estimated 147,400 or 40 percent of residential fires each year between 2008 and 2010.  Cooking was also associated with the largest percentage of fire-related injuries, an estimated average 27.4 percent or 3,450, in the home. Home heating and cooling equipment, including portable space... http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2013/Kitchen-Fires-1-in-New-Report-Smoke-Alarms-and-Escape-Plans-Key-to-Surviving-Fires-in-the-Home/ Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMT