The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Recall of the Week: General Motors expands SUV recall due to fire hazard

General Motors is recalling more than 193,000 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.

Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, GM said. The short may cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

A fire could occur while the vehicle isn't in use, the automaker said. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

Owners will be contacted, and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module isn’t functioning properly, it’ll be replaced, GM said. The repairs will be done free of charge.

GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, and Isuzu and Saab will contact owners of their vehicles. The recall is scheduled to begin July 24.

For information, owners can call Buick at 800-521-7300, Chevrolet at 866-694-6546, GMC at 866-996-9463, Isuzu at 800-255-6727, and SAAB at 855-880-0808.

GM's recall number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406 from last August to check nearly 250,000 SUVs for a short in a circuit board in the driver's door that could lead to a fire.

The automaker said it has received 58 reports of vehicle fires and 11 minor injuries related to the issue, most of them on vehicles in the original recall.

Consumers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Report raises concerns about overdraft costs on checking accounts

It’s difficult for consumers to anticipate and avoid overdraft costs on their checking accounts.

Those are the findings of a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which found wide variations across financial institutions when it comes to the costs and risks of opting in to overdraft coverage on debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals.

The report also found that consumers who opt in for overdraft coverage end up with higher account fees and more involuntary account closures than consumers who don’t opt in.

“What is marketed as overdraft protection can, in some instances, create greater risk of consumer harm,” said Richard Cordray, director of the bureau.

When consumers try to withdraw more money from their checking accounts than is available, the financial institution can reject the transaction. For some transactions, such as checks, the institution usually charges a non-sufficient funds fee. The financial institution can also choose to cover the payment by advancing funds on the consumer’s behalf, and often charges an overdraft fee for the service.

Most financial institutions have automated systems for handling overdrafts. The systems have contributed to the evolution of overdraft from an occasional courtesy to a significant source of industry revenues, said Cordray. The bureau estimates that overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees make up 60 percent or more of the fee income on consumer checking accounts.

Over the past decade, federal regulators have taken steps to improve overdraft practices. The bureau’s report will provide the basis to develop more uniform treatment of these issues across financial institutions, he said.

The report is based on data from large banks supervised by the bureau, other research, and information from consumers.

Findings from the report are:

Opting-in puts consumers at greater risk

In 2010, a new federal government regulation took effect requiring that financial institutions obtain a consumer’s consent or opt-in before charging fees for allowing overdrafts on ATM withdrawals and most debit card transactions.

Recall of the Week: Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries due to possible hepatitis A contamination

Townsend Farms Inc. is recalling certain lots of its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend berries because they may be contaminated with hepatitis A virus.

On June 3, Townsend Farms recalled all of the berries sold at Costco under the name Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag, and UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY” followed by the code T012415 through T053115, followed by a letter.

The berries were also sold at Harris Teeter stores from April 19 to May 7 under the product name Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend, 10 oz bag, and UPC 0 72036 70463 4, with a “BEST BY” code of T101614C and T041613E.

Consumers shouldn’t eat the recalled berries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The berries should be disposed of immediately.

Consumers should keep proof of purchase and contact Townsend Farms Customer Service by phone at 800-875-5291 or e-mail townsendfarms5148@stericycle.com for a refund.

A hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to the contaminated product, according to the CDC. The agency has this advice for consumers:

• If you consumed these berries in the last two weeks and have never been vaccinated, contact your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated. If you don’t have a health care provider, contact your health department. You can find your health department contact information at this website.

• If you have already received a hepatitis A vaccination in the past, you’re unlikely to become ill with the disease.

As of Friday, 79 people with acute hepatitis A infections that may be linked to consumption of the contaminated berries have been reported in eight states: Arizona, California Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington.

These numbers are expected to change as the investigation continues, the CDC said.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Are you wasting food?

With World Environment Day this week, food waste is in the news.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually.

Some countries waste more food than others, according to the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition. The total amount of food wasted in the United States exceeds that of the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, France, and Germany combined.

In addition, the U.N. Environment Programme estimates that global food production uses 70 percent of fresh water and causes 80 percent of deforestation. Food production is also the largest single driver of biodiversity loss and creates at least 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
 
UNEP’s recently launched Think.Eat.Save initiative is working with groups around the world to develop and coordinate projects to prevent the environmental problems that can result from food loss and food waste.

See the Food Tank’s website for more information on what’s being done to reduce food waste around the world.

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture are launching a program – called the U.S. Food Waste Challenge – that asks farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, communities, and government agencies to reduce wasted food.

Americans throw away up to 40 percent of their food. They send more food to landfills and incinerators than any other type of solid waste – 35 million tons – even more than paper and plastic, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. 

In another program created in 2010, the EPA began working with organizations along the food lifecycle to adopt more sustainable practices. EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge provides technical assistance and a tracking system to help organizations to reduce their food waste. 

When food waste is measured, organizations can identify changes that lead to reductions.

For tips for consumers on how to reduce food waste, see EPA’s Food Waste Reduction and Prevention.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

After 10 years, Treasury Department issues voluntary rules for alcohol labeling

I wondered the other day why there’s so little information on wine bottles about what’s in the wine.

It’s taken the Treasury Department 10 years to issue interim regulations on alcohol labeling, and unfortunately, they’re only voluntary.

In a 2003 petition to the department, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the National Consumers League, and other organizations asked for a mandatory label that made calories, alcohol by volume, and servings per container easy to see.

The groups also asked the agency to require companies to disclose ingredients in alcoholic beverages.

Including fat and carbohydrates on a label could imply that an alcoholic beverage is healthy, especially when the drink's alcohol content isn't prominently labeled, the center said.

Since obesity rates are so high in America, calorie labeling is very important to inform or remind consumers that alcoholic drinks aren’t "free" when it comes to calories.

In addition, the center thinks that a useful alcohol label would state the government's definition of moderate drinking as no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Happy Memorial Day

Whether you’re visiting a cemetery to remember a loved one, attending a Memorial Day event, hosting a barbecue, shopping at the Memorial Day sales, traveling to an exciting destination, or relaxing at home, I hope you’re having a great Memorial Day.

Pres. Barack Obama proclaimed Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, “as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.”

Best wishes to you on this day of remembrance.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Insolroll roller shades with solar powered and rechargeable motor due to fire hazard

Insolroll is recalling about 1,500 Insolroll solar powered and rechargeable motor roller shades.

The motor of the roller shades has a built-in lithium battery that can overheat while being charged, posing a fire risk, according to the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Insolroll has received one report of the motor on the shade overheating and creating a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Manufactured in the United States by Insolroll Window Shading Systems, the window shades were sold at Insolroll independent window covering installer retailers nationwide from June 2012 through March 2013. The cost was between $400 and $700 per shade.   

The recall includes Insolroll roller shades available with a solar powered motor, model #IN-SOL-R, or rechargeable motor, model #IN-RCG-R. The model numbers are printed on the body of the motor located inside the roller tube.

The rechargeable motors on Insolroll interior solar screen and blackout shades have built-in lithium ion batteries that are used with a solar panel charger or plug-in charger.

The 18-inch by 1-5/16-inch solar panel charger is white on the interior side and black toward the exterior. The plug-in charger is black and measures about 3-inches by 1-5/8 inch by 1-1/16 inch and has a 13-foot cord.

The motors raise and lower the shades controlled by a hand-held remote control or surface-mounted wall switch. The manufacturer’s name is printed on a sticker on the roller tube that can be seen by taking down the shade and removing the fabric.

Consumers should immediately unplug the solar panel charger or unplug the plug-in charger and contact their Insolroll dealer to receive a free replacement motor and installation instructions. If the dealer is unknown, contact Insolroll for a list of dealers. 

For information, call Insolroll at 800-447-5534 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or online at www.Insolroll.com and click the Product Recall button.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Facts and figures for Memorial Day

Memorial Day was created to honor American men and women who died in military service. The focus on those who died sets it apart from Veterans’ Day, which honors all military veterans, living and dead

What are your plans for Memorial Day?

Activities

A poll conducted by the Indiana County News showed that people had the following Memorial Day plans:

• 39 percent – grill outside and enjoy a day off

• 20 percent – go to the cemetery to put flowers on their family's graves.

• 13 percent – participate in, or attend, a Memorial Day service.

• 12 percent – have no plans; it's just another day.

• 9 percent – have to work.

• 9 percent – have other plans.

Travel

AAA Travel projects 34.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 0.9 percent decrease from the 35.1 million people who traveled last year.  

The decline in holiday travel is mainly due to a decline in air travel of 8 percent, concerns about rising costs among travelers, and a waffling economy.

Safety

All terrain vehicles

During the Memorial Day, the number of people riding all terrain vehicles increases, and so do accidents, injuries, and deaths.

Reports analyzed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that during the four days of the 2012 Memorial Day weekend, there were at least 14 deaths and about 2,750 emergency room treated injuries associated with ATV usage. That an average of four deaths and 700 injuries each day. Two of the 14 fatalities during that weekend involved children under age 16. 

ATVs continue to be the fourth most deadly product the commission oversees, with more than 700 ATV-related deaths per year.

For safety tips, see “Ride Safe, Stay Alive: Data Show That Memorial Day Weekend Can be Tragic for Many ATV Riders” and ATVSafety.gov.

Swimming

Memorial Day starts the summer season for many, and adults and kids will be heading out for swimming fun.

Last year, 90 children younger than 15 were reported to have drowned in swimming pools from Memorial Day to mid-summer, according to the commission.

An additional 106 children that age required emergency response for near-drowning incidents.

The figures show that young children and toddlers are especially vulnerable to drowning because 72 percent of the children reported to have drowned from Memorial Day to mid-summer last year were younger than 5 years old.

Click here for safety tips when kids are in or around water.

Sales

Memorial Day bargains are available for those who like to shop.

See “Memorial Day Sales to Shop Now: Spend the Holiday Doing What You Really Want” and “What to Expect From Memorial Day Sales” for ideas.

Best wishes for your Memorial Day weekend celebrations. I hope you have a fun and safe time.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for charity fraud, home repair scams, and price gouging following tornadoes in Oklahoma

Photo: Ks0stm

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt Tuesday issued a warning for Oklahomans and donors around the country to beware of charity fraud and scams following the severe storms in Oklahoma.

“For those folks around the country who want to donate funds to help families in Oklahoma, please be alert and only donate to reputable relief charities such as the Salvation Army or the Red Cross,” Pruitt said. “The first scam we typically see after devastation like this is charity fraud. We have more than 30 investigators in the field to help Oklahomans avoid scams, fraud, and price gouging as communities work to recover and rebuild.”

Investigators for the Attorney General’s Office ask that consumers who suspect charity fraud or experiences price gouging at gas stations, grocery stores, rental car companies, or hotels to call the agency’s hotline number immediately at 405-521-2029.

Over the next few weeks, criminals will shift focus to scams involving clean-up, removal, home repair, and tree trimming, he said.

“Home and business owners will want to quickly repair their property, but we urge them to be cautious and patient and to use reputable contractors,” Pruitt said. “We ask that residents pay particular attention to criminals known as ‘travelers’ who go from one community to the next to take advantage of vulnerable Oklahomans.”

Pruitt cautioned Oklahomans to be wary of repair services and contractors who:

• Solicit for work door-to-door.

• Offer discounts for finding other customers.

• “Just happen to have” materials left over from a previous job.

• Accept only cash payments.

• Pressure you for an immediate decision.

• Ask you to pay for the entire job up-front.


The Attorney General’s Office suggests the following tips for choosing a qualified contractor or repair service:

• 

Ask for referrals from people you trust.

• Try to do business with local companies.

• Request to see proof of certification and insurance.

• Check out the repair service with the Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit and the Better Business Bureau.
  

• Ask for customer references.

• Get written estimates from several companies.

• Don’t do business without a written contract.

• Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing.

• Agree on start and completion dates, and have them in the contract.


For more tips and resources, go online to www.oag.ok.gov/oagweb.nsf/Consumer, or call the Public Protection Unit at 405-521-2029.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Optimus infrared quartz radiant heaters due to fire hazard

Optimus is recalling about 355,000 portable infrared quartz radiant heaters.

The heater design can fail to prevent ignition of nearby combustible materials that come in contact with the unit, posing a fire hazard to the consumer, according to the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

This recall involves two models of Optimus infrared quartz radiant heaters with model numbers H-5210, produced in 2011 and H-5211, produced in 2012.

The model number and the year of production are located on a label on the back of the heater. The recalled heaters are white and are approximately 12-inches wide by 13-inches tall by 6-inches deep. “Optimus” is printed on the top left of the heater. The control knob is located on the top right side of the heater.

No injuries have been reported.

Manufactured in China, the heaters were sold at Best Buy Market Place, Family Dollar, Heartland, Northern Tool,  Rite Aid, and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, ebay.com, and Walmart.com from October 2011 through December 2012. The cost was between $25 and $30.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Optimus to request a free replacement heater, the company and the commission advise. Consumers have the option of a comparable ceramic heater or new model quartz radiant heater, model H-5510, which will be available after August 2013.

For more information, call Optimus Enterprise Inc. at 888-672-5832 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to www.optimusent.com and click on “recall.” Consumers can also e-mail the firm at return.optimus@gmail.com.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist