The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Recall of the Week: Crib and play yards tents due to strangulation and entrapment hazard

By Rita R. Robison

A voluntary recall to provide refunds to consumers who own crib and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind Inc. is being announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and five retailers. About 330,000 tents are included in the recall.

The commission is warning parents and caregivers who own these products that infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and entrapment hazards from these products.

Tots in Mind recalled the play yard tents in July 2010 and offered a repair kit that’s no longer available. The company has shut down and all sales have stopped.

The commission staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these crib and play yard tents immediately. Don’t attempt to repair these products, the commission advised in a statement.

The commission is aware of 27 tent failures including one fatality and one serious injury that occurred between January 1997 and April 2012 from crib and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind Inc.

In 2008, a two-year-old boy died after becoming entrapped between the bottom rail of a play yard tent and the top rail of a play yard. The fatality was reported in a prior recall with the firm in July 15, 2010.

In 2007, a two year old boy had a catastrophic brain injury when the crib tent attached to his crib inverted and the product’s broken rod trapped his neck. The remaining 25 reports to commission involved inverted crib tents – entrapments between the tent and the crib or play yard or failures of the tent fabric and zippers.

Three of these 25 reports also resulted in injuries; in one such case, a parent reported finding her child turning blue and entrapped between the product and the top rail of the play yard.

Since Tots in Mind Inc. is out of business, retailers who sold these products are offering refunds or store credit to consumers.

The crib and play yard tents can present an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers if the dome portion inverts inside the crib or play yard or if the product becomes partially detached from the crib or play yard.

The recalled products were sold at many retail stores including Bed Bath & Beyond/Buy Buy Baby, Burlington Coat Factory, Toys R Us/Babies R Us, Wal-Mart, and online on websites including Amazon.com. The cost was between $60 and $85.

Consumers should contact the store listed below where the crib tent was purchased to receive either a refund or store credit, depending on the retailer. If the consumer is unsure of where the crib tent was purchased, see the return policy for individual retailers below on their website:

• Amazon.com [Amazon.com]
• Bed Bath & Beyond/Buy Buy Baby [bedbathandbeyond.com or buybuybaby.com or 800- GOBEYOND
• Burlington Coat Factory [burlingtoncoatfactory.com or 888-223-2628
• Toys R Us/Babies R Us [toysrus.com or babiesrus.com or 800-869-7787
• Wal-Mart [walmartstores.com or 800-925-6278

The recall includes various models of crib or play yard tents. Consumers can identify their tent by the 2 inch by 1½ inch label with Tots In Mind logo located on the non-mesh portion near the top of the tent.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What to look for at this year’s Memorial Day sales

Planning to hit the stores on Memorial Day weekend to look for great bargains?

Many times, holiday sales are a lot of hype with savings just average.

However, dealnews.com is reporting that Memorial Day is different for a few product categories.

For the past two years, dealnews.com has seen many retailers offer respectable sales that feature sizable stacking coupons. In many cases, these extra discounts were the best dealnews.com had seen so far that year. In fact, 50 percent of Memorial Day branded discounts from 2010 and 2011 were the best it had seen since that February, if not earlier.

What makes up the bulk of those "best of the year" offers?

Sales from apparel retailers and a few home goods stores top the list. The hottest sales from last year, for example, included discounts from Perry Ellis, Last Call Neiman Marcus, ShopEcko, Designer Living, Pottery Barn, and West Elm.

Memorial Day weekend sales are timed well if you're looking for clothes, as spring apparel is already starting to see late-season discounts. A large stacking coupon will make for some good bargains. Expect to see promotion codes that take up to an extra 50 percent off, but more regularly an additional 30 percent to 40 percent off.

However, despite the good news within the apparel category, that doesn't mean all Memorial Day weekend sales are great. It's always an awkward period for electronics and summer-specific items such as patio furniture and grills will see better discounts the longer you wait in the season.

So, as you prepare to shop at one of the many Memorial Day weekend sales, first consider what you're looking to buy. Apparel is more likely to see the best discounts. But, in order to know whether that sale or coupon is something special or about average, check the comparison information that dealnews.com offers.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Kennedy International folding step stools due to fall hazard

By Rita R. Robison

13-inch folding step stools

Kennedy International is recalling about 1.6 million folding step stools in the United States and 64,000 in Canada.

The folding step stools can break or collapse unexpectedly when in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a joint statement.

Kennedy International is aware of at least 15 reports of incidents involving step stools cracking or breaking, including three reports of injuries to consumers using the stools. Injuries included two reports of back injuries and one report of a fractured leg.

9-inch folding step stools

The recall involves 9-inch and 13-inch Kennedy International folding step stools. The step stools are plastic and have a handle for carrying the stools when they’re folded.

The style number is 3575 for the 9-inch and 3576 for the 13-inch step stools. The style number is printed on a sticker on one of the legs of the stool. "Kennedy Home Collection" is also printed on a label on some of the stools.

They were sold in blue, green, gray, red, purple, pink, orange, turquoise, aqua, white, plum, orchid, emerald, sapphire, sangria, ocean, sage, fuchsia, lime, and color combinations.

Manufactured in China, the step stools were sold at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and other retailers nationwide from January 2010 through January 2012. The price was $8 to $12.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled step stools and contact Kennedy International to receive a full refund, the company and commission advise.

For additional information, contact Kennedy International toll-free at (855) 270-8301 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.kennedy-intl.com.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Christmas Tree Shops’ Farm Glass & Metal Spiral Tea Light Holders due to fire hazard

By Rita R. Robison

Christmas Tree Shops is recalling about 6,200 Farm Glass & Metal Spiral Tea Light Holders.

Due to the design of the product, the tea lights can burn with a high flame, posing a fire hazard to consumers, the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Christmas Tree Shops has received one report of a tea light burning with a high flame that resulted in a burn to a consumer's hand.

The recall involves a decorative spiral tea light holder made from a painted glass with a red, orange, and green floral design. The glass has a metal insert for holding tea lights. The metal insert is spiral shaped with places for three tea lights. The metal insert is placed within the glass container. SKU/UPC number 000015931955 is found on a label on the bottom of the glass.

Manufactured in China, the tea light holders were sold at Christmas Tree Shops in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest from July 2011 through March 2012. The cost was about $5.

Consumers should stop using the recalled spiral tea light holder and return it to any Christmas Tree Shops store to receive a full refund, the company and commission advise.

For additional information, contact Christmas Tree Shops at 888-287-3232 any time, or visit the firm's website www.christmastreeshops.com.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Office Depot chairs due to fall hazard

By Rita R. Robison

Office Depot is recalling about 307,000 Brand Biella Leather Desk Chairs in the United States and 12,000 in Canada

The weld connecting the seat plate to the gas lift can fail, causing the chair to separate from the base. This poses a fall hazard to consumers, Office Depot and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Office Depot has received 11 reports of the chairs breaking and consumers falling while seated, resulting in reports of injuries, including minor bruises and scrapes.

The recall involves Office Depot brand leather desk chairs. The mid-back height leather chairs were sold in black and have SKU number 130548. “REG. No. PA-25498 (CN)” and “Made in China” are printed on a label located on the underside of the seat.

Imported by Swinton Avenue Trading and manufactured by Wonderful Year Inc., the chairs were sold at Office Depot retail stores nationwide and online at www.OfficeDepot.com from January 2002 through December 2008. The cost was about $55.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and contact Office Depot’s recall hotline to receive a $55 store card that may be used for a replacement chair or other store merchandise, the company and commission advise.

For additional information, contact Office Depot’s recall hotline toll-free at 866-403-3763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.officedepot.com.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Leggett & Platt adjustable mattress bases due to fire hazard

By Rita R. Robison

Leggett & Platt is recalling about 25,200 power foundations or adjustable bases for mattresses.

Electrical components in the motor control board can fail and short causing overheating, which poses a fire hazard.

The firm has received 29 complaints of overheating in the electronic motor control board located in a housing underneath the deck of the power foundation, Leggett & Platt said in a joint statement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The power foundations are motorized bed frames, controlled by handheld remotes, which enable the head and/or the foot of the bed mattress to be moved up and down. These power foundations were offered in all bed sizes, and they were sold with handheld remote controls.

The recalled models are “Titanium,” “Gold,” and “Signature” by Leggett & Platt and other brands names including Interflex, American Signature, Spring Air, Sealy, and Simmons.

Since power foundations look very similar, consumers should identify their products by looking at the remote controls. The remotes controls are either black or dark gray and feature multiple buttons and a label with one of these brand names: Adjustables by Leggett & Platt, Interflex, American Signature, Sealy, Simmons, or Spring Air.

No other power foundations are involved in the recall.

Manufactured in United States, the mattresses were sold at mattress retailers nationwide from March of 2008 to October of 2011. The cost was about $1,700 to $2,200.

Consumers should immediately unplug the power cord and stop using the power functions of the beds, the firm and commission advise. Consumers should contact Leggett to arrange for a free in-home repair of the product or for a free modification kit and consumer installation instructions.

For additional information, call Leggett at 855-853-3539 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday ET or visit the firm’s website at www.titaniumrecall.com.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What interests you on Presidents’ Day? Finding bargains, traveling, or celebrating America?

By Rita R. Robison

It’s a strange custom. The holiday to honor two great presidents and the history of our country is becoming one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

However, if you want to shop rather than contemplate history, President’s Day sales do offer consumers great deals on cars, furniture, clothing, suits, handbags, and white goods. Prices on some items, such clothing, are better than Black Friday. For cars, it’s the biggest sale of the year.

To keep from making “sale fever” mistakes, follow these tips:

• Make a list of what you’re looking for.
• Compare prices. Check the Internet for what’s up in sale prices before you hit the mall.
• Start early so you can get the sale items in your size before they’re gone.
• Use apps that scan bar codes to see what others are selling the item for.
• Look for coupons on sites such as RetailMeNot before you go.
• Check social media sites, especially Facebook, because companies may be advertising their sales there first.
• Look for travel deals. You can still get big savings and there’s lots to do in historical cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and New York.

If you want to do some serious thinking about Presidents’ Day, see “Presidents’ Day Is a Time to Help America Move Foreword.”

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: IKEA ANTILOP high chairs due to fall hazard

By Rita R. Robison

IKEA North America Services is recalling about 169,000 ANTILOP high chairs, 133,000 in the U.S. and 36,000 in Canada.

The high chair's restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the child, IKEA and the U.S. Consumer Product Commission said in a statement.

IKEA has received eight reports worldwide of restraint buckles that opened unexpectedly, including three reports of children who received minor injuries after falling from the high chair.

The recall involves ANTILOP high chairs sold in red, blue, or white. The plastic high chair has detachable silver-colored metal legs. High chairs included in the recall have a manufacture date between 0607 and 0911 (YYMM format) from supplier number 17389. The production date and supplier number are molded into the underside of the seat. "ANTILOP," "IKEA," and the model number are printed on a label attached to the underside of the seat. Model numbers included in the recall are:

• ANTILOP high chair blue – Model No. 701.467.92
• ANTILOP high chair red – Model No. 501.467.93
• ANTILOP high chair white – Model No. 300.697.24

Manufactured in China, the high chairs were sold only at IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through January 2010 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately stop using the high chairs and contact IKEA to obtain a free replacement seat restraint, IKEA and the commission advise.

For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at 866-966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.ikea-usa.com.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Standard light bulbs changed, not banned, as of Jan. 1

By Rita R. Robison

On Jan. 1, new standards took effect that make incandescent light bulbs 25 to 30 percent more efficient. Incandescent light bulbs aren’t being banned, they’re being changed so they’re more energy efficient.

The new light bulbs will cut consumer’s energy bills and reduce emissions from power plants because less energy will be consumed, according to the Consumer Federation of America. 

“Contrary to reports, incandescent light are not being banned, they are simply becoming more efficient,” Mel Hall-Crawford, director of the federation’s Energy Projects, said in a statement. “And consumers will have expanded choices, but will need to understand them so that when they go to the store they can buy the product that meets their needs best.”

A guide to help consumers understand the lighting choices they have under the new light bulb law is available from the federation and Consumers Union.

Called “How Many Tips Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?” the two-page guide offers information to make selecting a new light bulb simpler.

Here are the three choices available to consumers:

• Halogen incandescent – These look like the older bulbs, but use 25 to 30 percent less energy and can last up to three times longer. A new 72 watt energy-saving incandescent bulb, which replaces the old 100 watt bulb, will cost about $1.50 but each one will save about $3 over its lifetime.
• Compact fluorescent lamps – CFLs are the best value. They use about 75 percent less energy than older bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. A $2 CFL saves up to $50 over the bulb’s lifetime.
• Light-Emitting Diodes – LEDs will last up to 25 years, based upon usage of three hours a day, and save 75 percent, or more, in energy costs. However, they cost more than the other choices. Even though LEDs today cost about $25 per bulb, they’ll still save around $150 over their 25-year lifetime. As they become more widely used, it’s expected their prices will go down.

Many consumers have expressed concerns about using CFLs after learning that they contain small amounts of mercury and require special cleanup if they break in the home, such as cutting out the square of carpet where the CFL broke.

The consumer light bulb brochure has this advice:

Even with the small amount of mercury, CFLs actually reduce mercury in the environment because they reduce the amount of mercury produced by power plants. Intact and in use, CFLs release no mercury. However, like nearly everything else in your house, they need to be properly recycled and cleaned up, if broken. Many retailers recycle CFLs for free.

Go to http://www.epa.gov/cfl for more information.

The guide also offers information on bulb brightness, color, dimming, and recessed lighting: 

• Watts are a measure of the energy used, not the brightness the bulb gives off. If consumers are trying to replace their old 60 watt incandescent bulb with a bulb that gives off the same amount of light, they should look for one around 800 lumens.
• Consumers should look for 2700 to 3000 K light bulbs, if they want bulbs to match the color of older, traditional incandescents, often described as “warm white.” Light color is measured on the Kelvin temperature scale. Lower K numbers means more yellow light and higher K numbers mean whiter or bluer light. For a whiter light, look for 3500 to 4100 K and for a bluer light, look for 5000 to 6500 K.
• Not every LED or CFL bulb is dimmable. Check the packaging for information on this.
• Pear shaped or spiral CFL bulb shouldn't be used inside a recessed ceiling can. They won’t shine the light down. Instead, choose an LED, CFL, or halogen reflector or flood light.

Since traditional 100 Watt incandescent light bulbs won’t meet the new light bulb standards, they’ll no longer be available at most stores.

Also see the U.S. Department of Energy’s “New Lighting Standards Begin in 2012” for more information.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: An Ashland brand glass vase sold at Michaels due to laceration hazard

By Rita R. Robison

Michaels Stores Inc. is recalling about 28,000 Ashland brand glass vases in the United States and 1,800 in Canada

The glass vases can break or fracture when consumers pick them up, posing a laceration hazard, Michaels and the U.S. Consumer Product Commission said in a statement.

The firm has received four reports of the vase shattering, causing lacerations to the hands for all four. One person had surgery, two received stitches.

The vase is rectangular and made of clear glass. It is 12 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep. The SKU number "425827" and UPC number "6-927619-661665" are printed on a label on the bottom of the vase.

Manufactured in China, the vases were sold only at Michaels Arts & Crafts Stores from January 2008 through October 2011 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the vases and return them to a Michaels Arts & Crafts Store for a full refund, the company and commission advise. To avoid the risk of breakage and possible injury, handle the vase with care.

For additional information, contact Michaels at 800-642-4235 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT or visit the firm's website at www.michaels.com.

Note: A Health Canada statement about the recall also is available.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist