Product Recalls: What You Can Do to Protect Your Family

When thinking about keeping your household safe, consider that some products you bought may have been recalled due to defects without you knowing about it. It might seem hard to find the time to search out all products that have been recalled, but several websites are available to help make the process easier. By focusing on specific product categories, you can prevent possible injury from a defective product without investing a lot of time.

Product recalls are important in preventing injury, especially in products used by children. Despite recall notices and warnings, many potentially harmful products are still in use by consumers. Unless a recall makes national news, consumers may not know that a recall is in place.

Often people don't choose to look for recalls because they don't know where to look. Many Web sites are available to research products, but these sites are often overwhelming because of the massive volume of product recalls they list. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) site alone offers recalls for thousands of household products; searching for one specific product can be time consuming, and looking up every product in you home would be exhaustive.

So how can consumers protect their families? The CPSC urges consumers to focus on nine specific categories of the most dangerous products and either repair or remove defective items.

CPSC Recall Round-Up List

• Old power tools
• Old extension cords, power strips and surge protectors
• Window blind cords with loops
• Halogen floor lamps
• Old cribs made before CPSC and industry safety standards
• Hairdryers without immersion protection devices
• Disposable and novelty lighters that are not child-resistant
• Drawstrings around the neck of children’s sweatshirts and jackets

Obviously not every product recalled appears on this list, but there are still ways you can protect your family. Always fill out and return registration cards you receive with new products. Many manufacturer and retail Web sites offer free weekly e-mails that include recall information, and the Food and Drug Administration offers weekly e-mail newsletters as well.

The best way to protect your family is to catch a problem before a recall happens. Be aware of products in your home:

• Inspect your child’s toys for broken parts
• Look out for sharp points
• Watch for frayed appliance cords

Prevent an accident before it happens. If you do come across a defective product, report it to help keep other consumers safe.

Having a safe household and peace of mind is worth a little time, effort, and attention to products in your home. A little effort can go a long way towards protecting your family.