The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

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

Recall of the Week: Lighting Science Group LED light bulbs due to fire hazard

Lighting Science Group is recalling about 554,000 LED light bulbs.

The bulbs can overheat during use, posing a fire hazard, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Lighting Science Group is aware of 68 incidents of product failures, eight of which were accompanied by visible smoke or fire conditions. The incidents include damage to light sockets, melted fixtures, burned rugs/carpet/ floors, and damage to a circuit and lamp. There have been no reports of personal injuries.

The 120-volt LED bulbs, sold as 6-, 8-, and 9-watt bulbs (equivalent to 40 or 50 watts), were marketed under the brand names Definity, EcoSmart, Sylvania, and Westinghouse.

The model numbers A19, G25, and R20/PAR20 are found on the packaging and on the light-colored circular neck above the base of the bulb where the date code is also printed.

The date code has the week and year of manufacture: for example, date code L4010 was produced during the 40th week of 2010. The date codes may have the letters "CH " or "MX " at the end. For example, date code L4010 can also appear as L4010CH or L4010MX. Click here to see the date codes of the recalled light bulbs.

Manufactured in China, with a small number of products having final assembly in Florida or Mexico, the light bulbs were sold at various retailers including hardware, lighting, and electrical supply stores.

Consumers should immediately remove the bulbs from sockets and lamps and contact Light Science Group for replacement bulbs, the company and commission advise.

For further information, call Lighting Science Group at 855-574-2533 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.lsgc.com/recall.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Need help picking out a new, big TV?

Consumers who are in the market for a new TV – maybe in time for Super Bowl Sunday – will find models that are bigger, better, smarter, and cheaper, according to the latest Consumer Reports TV tests. 

Consumers should be happy to know that TV prices are usually lowest in February and March, when manufacturers start shipping new models and retailers cut prices to sell off the old ones.

Significant new features on 2013 models aren’t expected, so consumers shouldn’t pass up great deals on top-rated 2012 sets, according to Consumer Reports. However, beware. Some TV bargains can be risky.

Super-low priced sets, especially from lesser-known brands, aren’t always the best deals, reports the consumer testing organization. Some of the lowest-scoring sets in Consumer Reports’s Ratings – with below-average marks for picture, sound, or both – include TVs from Coby, Element, Haier, TCL, and Westinghouse.

LCD TVs from LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony have consistently been among the best performers in the Consumer Reports Ratings. Plasmas sets from Panasonic have been at the top, followed closely by Samsung and LG.

Internet-capable TVs

The Consumer Reports Ratings include more Smart TVs, or TVs that can connect to the Internet to stream video from online services, giving easy access to on-demand movies and TV shows.

All tested TVs with this capability offer Netflix, but the availability of other services like Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and Vudu varies by brand. A growing number have full browsers for surfing the Web, built-in Wi-Fi, and access to an apps market. In addition to streaming video services, most Internet-capable TVs let you connect to a music service such as Pandora, social networking sites such as Facebook, and Twitter, and even eBay. 

Basic questions to consider

See the article “Consumer Reports: Latest TV Sets Are Bigger, Better, Smarter, and Cheaper” for information on what size TV to buy, whether to choose plasma or LCD, what resolution is best, and whether to buy a 3D capable awr.

The full report, which features Ratings of 140-plus LCD and plasma TVs, can be found in the March issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands January 31, and online at ConsumerReports.org.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Hy Cite Enterprises’s Royal Prestige thermal wall pots and pans due to burn and fire hazards

Hy Cite Enterprises LLC is recalling about 1.7 million Royal Prestige 9-Ply thermal wall pots and pans.

The cookware can collapse, crimp, or severely deform when exposed to heat, posing a burn and fire hazard to the consumer and nearby property, the company and commission said in a joint statement.

Hy Cite Enterprises is aware of 1,136 reports of cookware collapsing, crimping, or deforming, including one report of consumers getting spattered with hot oil when the pan collapsed inward while cooking.

This recall involves stainless steel 9-ply "Thermal Wall" pans sold under the "Royal Prestige" brand name. The products were sold individually and in sets. The following cookware is included in this recall:

• 1.5 qt. saucepan
• 2 qt. saucepan
• 3 qt. Dutch oven
• 4 qt. Dutch oven
• 6 qt. Dutch oven
• 8 qt. Dutch oven
• 8" skillet
• 10.5" skillet
• 10" paella pan
• 14" paella pan

Recalled pots and pans have a seal including "Thermal Wall" and "9-Ply" imprinted on the bottom of the pot or pan.

Manufactured in Italy, the cookware was sold by independent distributors of Hy Cite Enterprises through door-to-door sales for between $250 to $800 for individual products and from $800 and $3,500 for sets.

Consumers should stop using the cookware immediately and contact Hy Cite for instructions for sending the cookware to the firm for repair, the company and commission advise. Damaged pots and pans will be replaced.

To contact Hy Cite Enterprises, call 800-609-9577 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT on Fridays, and 8 a.m. to noon CT on Saturdays or at visit www.royalprestige.com or www.hycite.com and go to the Recall Information link.

For more information on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Dual-Voltage CineMate II Home Theater speaker systems due to fire hazard

Bose Corp. is recalling about 20,500 Dual-Voltage CineMate II Home Theater speaker systems.

A part in the bass module can fail when used outside of the U.S. in electrical outlets rated at 220 volts or higher, presenting a fire hazard to consumers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Bose has received two reports of the bass modules igniting when used in 220-volt electrical outlets in Europe. No injuries were reported.

This recall involves dual-voltage CineMate Series II and CineMate GS Series II digital home theater speaker systems designed to operate with U.S. 120-volt electrical outlets and European outlets of 220 volts or higher. Each speaker system includes two speakers, one bass module, a remote control device, an interface module, and accessories.

The components are black. Dual-voltage systems included in the recall have a product code of 051365, 051470, or 057971, which are the first six digits of the serial number on the product label located on the back of the bass module.

Manufactured in Mexico, the speakers were sold at U.S. Military Exchanges and select U.S. retailers from September 2009 through September 2012 for between $600 and $800.

Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug any dual-voltage CineMate II systems and contact Bose to arrange for a free repair or replacement of the bass module, the company and commission advise.

For more information, call the Bose Corp. at 877-354-1004, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday ET in the U.S. or 001-508-614-1842, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday outside the U.S., or visit www.bose.com/safety.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch out for scammers who prey on consumers after natural disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and fires often bring out scam artists who take advantage of the victims. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve auto, home and yard repairs, or clean up.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to consumers who suffer auto and property damage due to Hurricane Sandy:

 Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts – including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses – that may be covered under your policy.

Stay calm. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be pro-active in selecting a company and not reactive to sales solicitations. Make temporary repairs if necessary.

Shop around. For major repairs, take time to get at least three to four estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Check references, verify licensing and registration, and read the BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job or who don’t have a permanent place of business. If sales people go door-to-door, check to see if your community requires them to have solicitation permits. Be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or building official inspect it.

Get everything in writing. Require a written contract with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, materials to be used, and price breakdown for both labor and materials. Any promises made verbally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. Be sure their name, address, license number, and phone number are included in the contract, along with a start and end date for the work. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workman’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.

Never pay in full in advance, and don’t pay cash. While many companies may ask for a deposit, the BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid upfront. Be sure the contract specifies the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor. Before making the final payment, ask the contractor to show proof that all subcontractors have been paid. If they haven’t been paid, you could be liable).

Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor. Take your time and check out any company thoroughly that you’re considering doing business with.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Tricam Industries Easy Reach step stools due to fall hazard

Tricam Industries Inc. is recalling about 84,000 Easy Reach step stools.

The top step/standing platform can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Tricam has received five reports of the standing platform breaking, one of which included a report of scrapes and abrasions to a consumer.

The recalled products are Easy Reach by Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro Series step stools, model number HB3-PRO. The step stools have three plastic steps, a steel tubular frame, and a plastic-molded tool holder.

The model number is located on the underside of the middle step on a blue label. The label also states that the step stools are rated to support 225 lbs. Recalled step stools have a "J" stamped into the underside of the top step and/or the underside of the tool holder.

Manufactured in China, the step stools were sold only at The Home Depot from April 2012 through August 2012 for about $27.

Customers should immediately stop using the recalled step stools and contact Tricam Industries for a refund, the company and commission advise.

To contact the company, call Tricam Industries at 855-336-0360, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to www.gorillaladders.net, then click on Recall for more information.

For more information on recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Blind Xpress recalls window blinds after 2-year-old strangles in cord

Bind Xpress, based in Livonia, Mich., is announcing the recall of about 139,000 custom-made vertical and 315,000 horizontal blinds.

In 2009, a 2-year-old girl from Commerce Township, Mich., reportedly strangled in the loop of a vertical blind cord that wasn’t attached to the wall or floor, Blind Xpress and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Blind Xpress custom vertical blinds have an adjustment cord that forms a loop, which isn’t attached to the wall or floor. In some cases, the loop has a weighted device at the bottom.

The custom horizontal blinds don’t have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. A child can become entangled in a cord loop and strangle.

This recall involves all Blind Xpress custom-made vertical blinds that don’t have a cord-tensioning device that attaches to the wall or floor, as well as all horizontal blinds that don’t have inner cord stop devices.

Manufactured in the United States, the blinds were sold at blind specialty stores in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana from January 1995 through December 2011. The cost was between $16 and $380.

Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact the Window Covering Safety Council to receive a free repair kit. For more information, contact the WCSC toll-free at 800-506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Energizer rotating night lights sold at Target due to burn hazard

   

By Rita R. Robison

Energizer is recalling about 260,000 rotating night lights.

The night lights can overheat and smoke, posing a burn hazard to consumers, Energizer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Energizer has received nine reports of the night lights overheating, including three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Energizer LED rotating night lights. The night lights are white and have an LED light inside an adjustable dome on top. The night lights measure about 2 inches wide by 2 ½ inches long.

Model number “NLPLROT” and date codes between 0110, for January 2010, through 0111, for January 2011, are included in this recall.

The model number is stamped onto the side of the night light. The date code is stamped in a circle on the back of the night light. The arrow points to the month of production and the number positioned on either side of the arrow represents the year.

Manufacturered in China by Ningbo Sun-alps Industry Develop Co., the night lights were sold only Target stores nationwide from February 2010 through July 2012. The cost was about $6.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled night lights, Energizer and the commission advise. Contact Energizer for instructions on returning the night lights for a $7 coupon towards the purchase of an Energizer product.

For additional information, contact Energizer at 800-383-7323 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.energizer.com.

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

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Attending the Antiques Roadshow was my best and worst consumer experience this week

By Rita R. Robison

On Thursday, I got lucky. I won two tickets to the filming of the Antiques Roadshow in Seattle today.

In a Facebook contest by the Washington State League of Women Voters, I guessed that a photo of an antique box with a handle and a counter was a ballot box.

My best consumer experience: Getting a look at how the Antiques Roadshow is produced

It was fun going to the event with a friend. About 6,000 people attended. More than 18,000 viewers of the show wanted tickets.

We were able to bring two items to show to an appraiser. I choose my grandmother Laura Bailey Slingsby’s steamer trunk.

I wrapped it in aluminum foil because I have an allergy to dust, especially old dust. I didn’t want to get any dust in my car. The wrapped up trunk drew a lot of attention. More than a dozen people asked what was inside the foil.

It was great to see that so many people like the Antiques Roadshow and support the PBS program.

My worst consumer experience: Waiting in line and the evaluation of my antique

We had tickets that allowed us to attend the Antiques Roadshow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. When we arrived, we were able to bypass a long line of maybe 300 people waiting to go in at 2 p.m.

However, in the next huge room, a line of about 1,000 people snaked through the room. It was longer than any TSA line I’ve ever seen.

I had my trunk on a handcart. Although it wasn’t that heavy, the trunk was rubbing on the wheels, making it difficult to wheel. It was tiring waiting in line for two hours, wheeling the cart slowly along.

Then we reached the place where we were assigned categories. Mine was Decorative Arts. A volunteer led me to another long line. I waited an additional hour.

My turn finally came to have my antique evaluated.

LaGina Austin, of Skinner’s American Furniture, told me my antique was worthless. Austin said she sees thousands of steamer trunks like mine in attics every year. They were typical of the period, she said, adding it would cost more than the trunk is worth to have it restored. That’s all she had to say to me.

 I asked Austin how much could I get for the trunk if I sold it on Craigslist. She said about $50. Austin said what people do with steamer trunks is put glass on top and use them for coffee tables.

I asked her how much it would cost to have the trunk restored. Austin said about $250.

I was disappointed, not in what the evaluation was, but the manner in which it was delivered.

Austin was not the least bit interested in talking to me about my grandmother’s trunk. She could hardly wait to get rid of me and move on to the next person.

It took a considerable amount of effort to get the trunk to the Convention Center in Seattle. I also stood in line for hours.

I would have appreciated Austin asking me about my grandmother, who immigrated to America from the Isle of Mann, which is located in the Irish Sea between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

It would have been nice if she had thanked me for coming with my antique.

Other participants I talked with also said their appraisers lacked interest in their antique or information about it.

Looking back on the exciting, but trying day, it would have been better for me to do Internet research on steamer trunks and figure out the value of the trunk myself.

I don’t know much about antiques. I’m not a regular view of the Antiques Roadshow.

Taking a smaller item, folding chair, and book would have made the day more enjoyable.

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