NOAA update: More active Atlantic hurricane season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released an updated forecast for a more active Atlantic hurricane season, a reminder to review your storm and emergency plans.

“The updated outlook calls for an 85 percent chance of an above-normal season. We’re expecting a lot of activity for the remainder of the year,” says Gerry Bell, Ph.D., the NOAA’s lead seasonal-hurricane forecaster, in a podcast on the NOAA site. “For the season as a whole, we’re expecting 14 to 18 named storms, 7 to 10 hurricanes, and three major hurricanes,

In May, the NOAA had seen a 65 percent chance of an above-normal season—a prediction we covered in an earlier blog posting. But Bell cited new reasons for the updated forecast, including warmer-than-normal Atlantic Ocean temperatures; strong early-season activity season in July, which is a strong indicator to an above-normal remainder of the season; a weak wind shear, which favors hurricane formation; and wind patterns from Africa’s west coast, which make disturbances more likely to strengthen into tropical storms and hurricanes as they move across the Atlantic.

Bell stressed that the seasonal outlook does not predict where hurricanes could make landfall. “The reason is quite simple; when or where a hurricane strikes depends on the weather patterns in place at the time the hurricane approaches, and those weather patterns are just not predictable more than to seven days in advance,” he says.

“By far the most important things people can do is have a hurricane plan,” Bell says. “Time and time again we see that people who have a safety-and-preparedness plan fare better than those who don’t.”

Bell also warns that inland dwellers should also take precautions, as recent hurricanes have been tracking over land for longer periods and producing more inland flooding. “It turns out that inland flooding is now the major cause of deaths from hurricanes,” Bell notes. Watch our video on flood insurance, above.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Our Storm & Emergency Guide includes step-by-step instructions for hardening your home against natural disasters, covering your financial assets, planning an effective family evacuation, and finding the right flood insurance.

Keep your baby safe at home

Many of the accidents that injure or kill more than 2.5 million children age 4 and under in the United States each year could be prevented if adults were to take the time to safeguard their homes.

If you have a baby at home or are expecting, learn how to make your home a safety zone well before your baby starts crawling.

Read our general safety tips, watch our video (right), and follow our expert advice for these areas:

• Baby's room
• Basement, driveway, and garage
• Bathroom
• Deck, porch, and yard
• Kitchen
• Living room/den

Essential information: Prevent accidents at your pool this summer.

Be prepared for weather emergencies

Recent fatal tornadoes and extensive flooding in the Midwest—and the start of another Atlantic hurricane season—should serve as a reminder that now is the time to plan for weather-related emergencies.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, AccuWeather, and Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project are all calling for a near-normal or above-average Atlantic 2008 hurricane season, which runs through November 30.

An average Atlantic hurricane season sees 11 named storms, including six hurricanes. Of the six, two usually reach major—Category 3, 4, or 5—status.

The NOAA’s 2008 outlook is calling for a 60 to 70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including six to nine hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes.

AccuWeather is predicting 12 named storms in the Atlantic Basin and expects 40 percent of them—up from the usual 25 percent—to cause tropical-storm or hurricane conditions on the U.S. coastline.

The Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University used “hindcasting” (predicting probability by analyzing past activity) to arrive at its June 3 revised estimate of 15 named storms and a 69 percent chance of a major landfall of a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane on the U.S. coastline.

A number of meteorological factors have contributed to the higher forecasts for the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season.

“Water temperatures are warmer in the than normal off the mid-Atlantic and northeast coasts of the U.S.; we’re still in the warm phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation,” notes Ken Reeves, AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist and director of Forecasting Operations.

(Reeves also notes that oil production in the Gulf Coast should remain relatively unaffected this year. “This [storm] season doesn’t look as potent as 2005, but there could a week to 10 days of disruption to the energy production facilities of the Gulf Coast,” he says.)

Preparations after the predictions
Predictions aside, “It takes only one storm making landfall in your area to make it an active hurricane season for you,” notes Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist and coauthor of the Tropical Meteorology Project report.

Even if you don’t live along the Atlantic or Gulf coast, you could be affected by extreme weather. An active jet stream has helped spawn unsettled weather—including tornadoes that had killed 59 Americans this year as of June 13—according to Greg Carbin, warning-coordination meteorologist at the NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The conditions result in flood- and mudslide-inducing heavy rains and wildfire-sparking lightning storms across the country.

Tip of the Day: Don’t get ripped off by an alarm company

The scenario: A representative from a home-security company knocks on your door and offers you a free alarm system in exchange for displaying his company’s sign on your lawn. Swayed by the prospect of getting a security setup gratis, you sign a long-term monitoring contact and end up stuck with a shoddy installation and substandard equipment and service.

Learn more about this type of scam—and, more important, how to avoid it—by reading the Scam Alert in the June 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.

Tip of the Day: Check your dryer vents

As the owner of a multiunit brownstone in Brooklyn, I’m used to troubleshooting problems and dealing with malfunctioning appliances. Recently one of my tenants e-mailed me, writing, “The dryer doesn’t seem to be working correctly; we have to run it for hours to dry a single load.”

Visions of dryer fires and carbon-monoxide poisoning sprang to mind, along with possible causes of and solutions for the problem. Did a clogged venting system need cleaning? Was the 12-year-old Maytag washer/dryer combo unit near the end of its service life? I asked the tenants not to use the unit until I could stop by over the weekend.

When I got to the building a couple of days later, I immediately checked the lint screen and the area below it on the dryer. Both checked out clear. (Being able to remove two screws and gain access to the area below the lint screen is a nice feature of some older washer-dryer units.) Pulling the dryer away from the wall revealed that the vinyl vent had sagged with age, and a fist-sized ball of lint had collected at the base of the U-shaped depression.

Installing new metal ductwork cured the problem, and I was spared the high expense of replacing the unit. While my building was completely up to code, I put the money I otherwise would have spent on a new washer-dryer on the following safety upgrades:

• I deployed new smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms throughout the building to provide the highest level of safety. (The existing alarms were due for replacement.)

• I replaced the original hoses on the washer with Floodchek hoses, which are supposed to be burst-proof and were recommended to me by other landlords and property managers in my area. (Consumer Reports has not tested these hoses.) I also ordered the Flo n Stop flood-prevention system, a product we covered at the 2008 International Builders’ Show.

• I added fire extinguishers in every hallway and in every apartment.

It turns out that my dryer has a built-in sensor that prevents the unit from working if it senses a blockage in the vent. To avoid late-night phone calls or endless e-mails, I now check the dryer vent every time I visit the building.—Gian Trotta

Make your kitchen safe for your kids

With so many American kitchens now serving as the hub of the home—the spot where you and your family not only cook and eat but also pay bills, do office or school work, surf the Web, watch TV, and just hang out—young children who spend more time there face a higher risk of accidents.

Follow the expert advice in this post from our colleagues at the Consumer Reports Babies & Kids blog to make your kitchen safer for your children.

Essential information: Before you start work on a kitchen remodel, read Great Kitchens for Less. Also learn about 10 kitchen products that don't match the hype surrounding them, get expert advice on paying for your project, and find the best deals on appliances. 

Proposed settlement in Sears ranges tip-over class action

Sears, the largest appliance retailer in the United States, has agreed to address a dangerous home hazard under a proposed settlement of the Charles Parker, et. al., v. Sears, Roebuck and Co. class action. Over the past seven years, Sears installers had failed to secure millions of freestanding gas and electric ranges with a bracket to keep the stoves from tipping over when weight is applied to an open oven door.

If you own a freestanding or slide-in range that you bought at Sears and for which you paid for delivery and installation between July 2, 2000, and  September 18, 2007, read this item from the Consumer Reports Safety blog. And for more information on the settlement, go to the settlement Web site.

Essential information: If you’re in the market for a new range, read our buying advice and latest report.

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Kwikset SmartKey

The Kwikset SmartKey is the first door lock you can rekey in seconds without having to replace the lock. That means you can let contractors or painters into you home with the key you gave them, say when you’re at work or our of town on vacation, then cancel that key when the job is done. The SmartKey comes with two keys and a specially shaped “Learn Tool.”

Rekeying a key takes only three steps:
1. Insert a functioning key and turn it clockwise.

2. Insert the Learn Tool into the slot above the key to reset the lock mechanism, then remove the tool and key.

3. Insert the new key and turn it counterclockwise. (See how the SmartKey works.)

Kwikset claims SmartKey locks also prevents lock bumping—a technique where thieves use filed-down keys to jiggle the pins and turn the cylinder—by replacing the usual pin and tumbler design with side-locking bars. Note that we don’t know how SmartKey locks will perform in a kick-in attempt, the most common variety of forced entry

Finishes include antique bronze and rustic pewter, among others. Dead bolts, lever locks, and knob locks cost about $30 and handleset locks about $120. Additional keys for cost about $1.70; rekey sets from KwikSet include six keys for about $10, saving you the hassle of changing locks for security if someone loses or doesn’t return a key. SmartKey locks are sold at home centers and hardware stores nationwide.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our expert advice to make your doors secure and these reports on entry doors and door locks.

Prevent a dryer fire at your home

Recent incidents in Stuyvesant, New York, Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Erwin, North Carolina, point to the dangers of dryer fires. In fact, on average, more than 13,000 fires start in laundry rooms in the United States each year, resulting in 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. Nearly 4,000 of these fires arise from lint buildup that occurs when people fail to clean their dryer vents. The following advice can help you prevent a disaster.

When it comes to dryer fires, flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic (plastic is shown at right) are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or rigid (rigid is shown at left ), are far safer because they don't sag, so lint is less likely to accumulate. What’s more, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it.

No matter which kind of duct you have, clean it regularly. Also clean the lint screen each time you use your dryer and get rid of any lint inside, behind, and underneath the dryer. These simple steps will not only reduce the risk of a fire, but your dryer will also dry your clothes faster and use less energy. Learn more dryer-safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, whose illustration is shown at right.

Essential information: Watch our safety alert video for more information on preventing dryer fires. If you’re in the market for a new dryer or washer, read our February 2008 report on laundry appliances. And find the best detergents to get your laundry clean.

Avoid CO poisoning at home

According to a new study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning is at its highest during January. At least two people die each day from CO poisoning in January, three times the fatality rate recorded in July and August.

Learn more about the CDC study and how to prevent a tragedy at your home in this story from our Safety blog.

Buzzword: GFCI

What is it? A receptacle-type GFCI—ground-fault circuit interrupter—resembles a standard duplex wall outlet except that is equipped with a reset button (often red) and a test button (often black). When you plug a fixture or appliance into a GFCI-protected outlet, it monitors the electrical current flowing on the hot and neutral electric conductors. If the GFCI detects an imbalance in current flow, it cuts off power within a few hundredths of a second, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock or electrocution. The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection on all outdoor outlets, for countertop outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, and in wet or damp locations like basements and garages—basically anywhere that electricity and water might mix.

You can provide GFCI protection to an outlet and any connected outlets downstream using a receptacle-type GFCI (shown) or to an entire circuit with a circuit-breaker-type GFCI installed in the electric-service panel. If you are using electricity in a damp or wet location where the possibility of electric shock increases, use a portable GFCI device if the receptacle you are using for power is not GFCI protected

Why the buzz? Charles Dalziel, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of California at Berkeley, invented the GFCI in 1961. Today, these life-saving receptacles are in the news because Underwriters Laboratories, which sets the national standards for electrical goods, recently uncovered some faulty 15- and 20-amp 125-volt wall GFCIs from several manufacturers. Under rare conditions, these defective receptacles won’t trip when a fault occurs. No injuries have been reported, according to UL, and a product recall has not been issued.

The UL announcement is a reminder that you should test the GFCIs in your home each month and more frequently for those in spots with sustained high temperatures (above 90°F) and high humidity (above 93 percent):
• Push the reset button on the GFCI.
• Plug a lamp into the GFCI and turn on the lamp.
• Push the test button on the GFCI. The lamp should turn off. If it doesn’t, hire a licensed electrician to replace the GFCI.
• If the lamp does turn off, push the reset button. The lamp should turn on. If it doesn’t, hire a licensed electrician to replace the GFCI.

Testing a GFCI circuit breaker is similar, but first you must identify which receptacles the device protects. Plug a lamp into one of the receptacles you believe is protected and shut off the circuit breaker. If the lamp goes out, it is on that breaker’s circuit. Then turn the breaker back on and push the test and reset buttons as described above.—Daniel DiClerico

Safety alert for air mattresses

Air mattresses come in handy for a kids' sleepover and especially during the holidays when you have guests staying with you. But as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported this week, air mattresses can pose a safety risk for infants.

Read this alert from the Consumer Reports Safety blog for more information.

Universal design can make a safer bathroom

An estimated 34 million Americans care for a parent, relative, or family friend over the age of 50, according to a recent survey conducted by National Alliance for Caregiving, a research and policy organization, and Evercare, a provider of health plans for frail elderly, disabled, and chronically ill Americans. That number is expected to grow as more baby boomers move into retirement.

If your parents will be moving in to your home, you might want or need to accommodate them by remodeling a bathroom following universal-design guidelines. (See our Bed & Bath page for more information on bathrooms.)

Before you start your project, read the advice here from Mary Jo Peterson, a universal-design expert in Brookfield, Connecticut, on how you can make the bathroom work for everyone in your family:

DOOR
Simple solutions. Switch a doorknob to a lever and remove or countersink the doorsill between rooms. Also, since a wheelchair typically requires a doorway 34 to 36 inches wide, install an open-out door or fold-flat hinges—they might provide a wide enough access.

Upgraded option. Use twin 18-inch pocket doors, which slide into the wall on each side.

FAUCET
Simple solutions. Avoid rounded, smooth faucet controls, which can be difficult to grip. Look for antiscald features.

Upgraded options. Faucets with wide levers or a spout with a single-handle control look good and are easiest to use.

SHOWER STALL
Simple solutions. Use a curtain for stand-alone showers. Angle the floor to direct water toward the drain. Put controls near the entryway so they’re reachable from outside. Use textured tiles, grab bars, and a seat.

Upgraded option. A built-in seating platform adds security and a spalike feel. Read "Go for the flow" for  information on showerheads.

SINK
Simple solutions. If the bathroom has two sinks, consider adding one that’s taller to reduce bending. To allow adequate knee space beneath, a sink should be at least 29 inches high by 30 inches wide.

Upgraded options. Four-legged consoles, including recessed or countertop bowls, are a trendy alternative to vanities. A wide console can accommodate a wheelchair, as can a wall-mounted sink and a sink counter that leaves space below itself.

SUPPORT GRIPS
Simple solution. Use grab bars in the toilet and bath areas. Anchor them in 3/4-inch-thick plywood behind the drywall.

Upgraded options. Some companies offer grab bars in a range of colors. These bars are made of nonslip nylon, a better choice than metal.

TOILET
Simple solutions. Install a taller, comfort-height toilet; it’s a plus for anyone with a bad back or weak leg muscles. And an elongated bowl is more versatile than a round one. Remember, a wheelchair requires a space at least 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep in front of the toilet.

Upgraded options. A wall-mounted toilet can be installed at any height. An open-ended toilet-paper holder is simpler to use than a spring-loaded holder. Learn more about toilets in "Comfortable and efficient."

TUB
Simple solutions. Build a tub into a “deck” someone can sit on before getting into the water. Put controls and faucets on the sides of the tub, and install a hand-held showerhead on the wall or deck.

Upgraded options. Ease entry to the tub by installing grab bars and an undermount tub.

More safety information: Smooth, glazed ceramic tiles can be slippery in the wet bathroom environment. To prevent slips and falls, be sure the floor, shower area, and tub have slip-resistant finishes. Also consider adding a rubber bath mat or stick-on strips. To prevent burns from hot water, install antiscald valves in the shower or tub.

CPSC announces entertainment center recall

Following the death of a 19-month-old child who was killed when an entertainment center collapsed on her, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on December 5 announced the recall of about 138,000 entertainment centers sold by Ameriwood Industries under the Ridgewood/Charleswood brand.

The $200 unit (shown), which carries model number 93956, was sold at mass merchandisers nationwide, including Kmart, from June 2000 through May 2005.

Read the details of this recall in our Safety blog and find out what to do if you own one of the recalled units.

As this video from our March 2006 safety alert shows, unstable furniture can pose a real risk, and tip-overs often occur because consumers are not taking necessary safety precautions at home. Here's what you can do to prevent a dangerous, even fatal, accident:
• Ensure that the furniture on or in which you place your TVs is stable. Do not place TVs on dressers, chests, or other types of furniture with drawers that young children can pull out and use to climb.
• Place your TV as far back as possible on or in the furniture--tip-over is more likely if the set is too far forward.
• Do not store items on top of the TV that will grab a child's attention--a small kid might try to climb on a piece of furniture in an effort to get the remote. "The predictable thing about kids is that they are unpredictable," says Julie Vallese, director of public affairs for the CPSC. She adds that parents should never assume that their children who tend not to be "climbers" won't use the drawers in a dresser as a stepladder, for example.
• Keep all cables and wires behind the TV or furniture. This way, no one will trip over them and potentially pull over the TV or furniture.
• Anchor any potentially unstable furniture more than 30 inches tall to the wall or floor with straps or other restraints. And keep heavy objects off of dressers.
• Look for TV carts and stands that meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.

With space heaters, safety is essential

With heating costs continue to rise, you might be tempted to use a space heater this winter in an effort to save money. To find out how you might lower your monthly utility bills during heating season, read our recent Q&A.

Before you start using a portable heater, follow our safety advice and watch the ÇRTV report below. The information could prevent a fire or save a life.

 

That’s why Underwriters Laboratories won't certify propane-fired fryers for safety and the National Fire Protection Association, a private safety group, warns against them.

 

CPSC announces miter saw, firepit recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on November 27, 2007, announced the recall of about 7,100 10-inch sliding miter saws and about 6,000 wood-burning metal firepits.

The Performax (shown) and Wilton 10-inch miter saws, made in China by WMH Tool Group Inc. of Elgin, Illinois, were recalled because of a laceration hazard. The switch on the saw handle can fail, causing the tool to smoke, spark, and trip circuit breakers, which might disable its safety brake. What’s more, the saw could keep operating unless the user unplugs it.

The saws ($150 to $250) were sold at home centers and hardware retailers nationwide from August 2006 through March 2007. Recalled saws include the Performax model 90206 and Wilton number 34570 with date code/serial numbers ranging from W062505 to W070405.

If you own a recalled saw, stop using it and contact WMH to get a replacement or a full refund. For more information, call the manufacturer (800-689-9928) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or go to the company’s Web site.

The Grand Gourmet Firepit (shown), made in Taiwan for Meijer Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was recalled because of a fire hazard. The legs of the firepit can bend or snap off, causing it to tip over and, if the pit is in use, a burning log or other item to escape.

The four-leg firepit, model FSQ279, measures 27 inches wide x 27 inches deep x 25.5 inches high. The unit ($60) was sold at Meijer retail stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio from September 2004 through August 2007.

If you own a recalled firepit, stop using it and return it to a Meijer store for a full refund. For more information, call Meijer (866-280-8419) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or go to the company's Web site.

Be safe when using space heaters

While our latest tests found that the latest electric space heaters are safer than models we’ve tested in the past, these appliances still pose significant risks from fire and electrical shocks if you don’t use them safely. Fuel-fired models carry their own risks.

If you're in the market for a new electric space heater, buy a model listed by Underwriters Laboratories, whose mark indicates it meets UL's voluntary safety standards. And consider a heater equipped with a tip-over switch and an automatic shutoff for overheat protection. If you need to use an extension cord, get a 12- or 14-gauge model.

For more shopping help, read our free buying advice. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home.

Also follow these safety tips from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers to ensure that you use your electric heater safely.—Helen A.S. Popkin

• Before you use your new heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.

• Place the heater on a level, flat surface. Use a heater on a tabletop only when specified by the manufacturer. Never place your heater on furniture. It could fall and get damaged.

• Never use a heater in a damp or wet area unless it is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, Moisture could damage the heater.

• Keep combustible materials—furniture, bedding, curtains—at least 3 feet from the front of the heater and away from its sides and rear. Also, never block the air intake or outlet on a heater.

• Don’t use a heater near flammable materials, like paint, gas cans and matches.

• Be sure the heater is out of the reach of children and pets, and don’t place one in a kid’s room.

• Run the heater’s electric cord on top of area rugs or carpeting so you don’t damage it.

• Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, you might need to hire a qualified electrician to replace the outlet.

• Never plug another electrical device into the same outlet or extension cord as your heater. This could result in overheating. Also inspect the electric cord periodically. A damaged cord is a safety risk.

• Never leave an operating heater unattended. Always unplug the heater when it’s not in use; gently pull the plug straight out from the outlet—don’t yank it out.

Essential information: Read our expert advice for 10 easy ways to save hundreds of dollars on energy costs at your house. Also check out our latest reports on windows and thermostats, two home products that can help you lower your utility bills.

Q&A: Will using space heaters lower my heating bills?

I heat my home with natural gas but am considering using electric space heaters to try to cut costs this winter. Can portable heaters help me save, or are the claims I've seen just a lot of hype?

If your heater is equipped with a good thermostat and you do not heat the room to a warmer-than-normal temperature, you can save money by using an electric space heater in a room you’re in and keeping the rest of the house chillier. How much you’ll save depends on the room size relative to the rest of the house, how well separated the room is from others in your home, and how you use your space heater.

Like you, most Americans heat their homes with natural gas. Our experts say that if you were to use an electric space heater to warm one room to your normal room temperature and lower the temperature in the rest of the house, the amount you'd save would depend on how much heat that area requires relative to the rest of the house. If the heat required is less than half the total for your house,then you should be able to reduce your overall energy costs. Remember, on average, electricity in the U.S. is about twice as expensive as natural gas for the same amount of heating. So, for the same cost, you can heat only half the area.

Other ways to lower your heating costs, according to our in-house experts, include:
• Turning down your thermostat. Even lowering it 1°F reduces heating costs by about 3 percent.
• Improving the heat distribution of your central furnace instead of using pricier electricity to warm your home. If some rooms are too warm and others are too cold, the heating system is unbalanced and needs adjustment.
• Using a setback thermostat or turning off the space heater. If you go to bed at 11:00 p.m., set the temperature back at 10:00 p.m. or even earlier, or turn off the space heater well before you leave a room. Your house or the room won’t become uncomfortably cool immediately.
• Wearing on a sweater—or two. Mom was right: Extra clothing will keep you comfortable at a lower room temperature.

Finally, be safe when using a space heater. Electric space heaters cause an average of 3,000 fires each year in the U.S., often because of improper use, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Read the NFPA’s safety advice and our coverage of the risks associated with propane and kerosene heaters.

Essential information: “Save hundreds on energy costs” features expert advice on cutting your utility bills. See our recent reports on compact fluorescent lightbulbs, thermostats, and windows, all of which can help you lower energy consumption at and enhance the comfort of your home.

Be prepared for emergencies

As the devastating wildfires in Southern California should remind you, natural disasters can happen at any time without warning. Whether you are near the fire-ravaged areas of California where 265,000 people who live in a 150-mile area between the Mexican border and Malibu have been told to evacuate their homes; have a house in a tornado- or hurricane-prone area; or live in a location where other natural disasters are common, it’s essential to know how to respond to emergencies.

This concise guide will help you ready yourself for a natural disaster. You’ll find more detailed information on preparing for, getting through, and recovering from a cataclysmic event in our Storm & Emergency Guide. (Also see these specific tips for preventing wildfire damage at your home.)

Investigate likely dangers. Ask your local American Red Cross chapter or county emergency-management office to mail you or refer you to information about the most likely disasters in your area. Ask specifically about the warning signals, evacuation routes, and emergency services in your community as well as where to seek shelter. You should also find out what the disaster plans at your family's jobs, schools, or day-care centers require you to do.

In addition, it's wise to create a family preparedness plan:

Stock up. Consider storing the following basic supplies in a “go-bag” for home use or evacuation: at least three days' worth of nonperishable food, water, and essential medicines; toiletries and clothing; iodine tablets or bleach to disinfect water if you can't boil it; candles and matches; flashlights or battery-powered lamps; battery-operated TV or radio; first-aid kit and book; extra eyeglasses, keys, cash, and batteries; and copies of important documents (such as birth certificates and passports). Consider keeping separate go-bags (excluding the documents) at work and in your car. You may also want to keep your car's tank at least half full, since gas pumps may not work if there's no electric power. Read http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/fema320_erkit.pdf for more information.

Find the safe spots. During an earthquake the safest locations in your home include load-bearing interior walls or doorways; during a tornado, seek shelter in the basement.

Shut down utilities. Teach family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in case of damaged utility lines.

Get ready to rendezvous. Designate two places where your family will reunite after a disaster: one near your home and another outside your neighborhood. Give all family members a wallet card with relevant addresses and phone numbers.

Create a call-in contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance than locally. So ask someone out of state to be your family contact and tell family members to call in if they can't get to the meeting place.

Plan for pets. Pack a disaster supply kit in advance, including pet food, leashes, and veterinary records. Since pets usually aren't permitted in emergency shelters, you may have to leave them at a kennel, animal shelter, or friend's home. Read “Don’t leave home without them” for detailed information.—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: Download these PDFs and keep them handy.

Before_Emergency_Checklist.pdf

Emergency_Plan_Checklist.pdf

Protect_Your_Home_Checklist.pdf

McGee's tragic fall is a safety reminder

Football fans, in particular the devout Cheeseheads who support the Green Bay Packers, were saddened to hear about the passing on October 20 of Packer legend Max McGee. The former NFL receiver, 75, apparently fell to his death while clearing leaves from the roof of his suburban Minneapolis home. It has been reported that McGee was clearing leaves from the roof with a power blower; he was discovered lying on the ground next to a ladder with a leaf blower nearby.

McGee’s death should serve as a heads-up about the potential dangers of improper ladder use. Each year in the U.S., 150 people are killed in ladder-related accidents and 180,000 ladder-related emergency-room visits are reported, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Many ladder accidents can be avoided, so we encourage you to review our guidelines for ladder safety. Also read this ladders report and the accompanying Ratings to ensure that you buy a safe model for your home.

McGee, who played in the NFL for 12 seasons in the 1950s and 1960s, is perhaps best remembered for having scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl history. McGee pulled in seven passes, two for touchdowns, in the Packers’ 35-10 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Coliseum in January 1967.

As number 85’s death all too sadly illustrates proves, accidents can happen, even to a guy once known for quick feet and a good pair of hands.—Daniel DiClerico

Product recall: Kong Maxx ladder stands (fall hazard)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on October 18 announced a recall of about 6,000 Kong Maxx Ladder Stands, made by Gorilla Inc. of Flushing, Michigan, because of a fall hazard.

To learn more about this recall, go to the CPSC's or the manufacturer's recall page.

Essential information: Read this blog entry to find tips on using a ladder safely and check out our latest report on ladders.

Stay informed about product recalls

As we’ve reported in the past, U.S. consumers often are unaware about the recalls of products they own.

An easy way to keep apprised of recalls is to sign up for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s notification system. You should also subscribe to the Consumer Reports On Safety Blog, whose experts will not only give you their perspective on the latest recalls but also provide their advice and insight on safety matters that affect you.

You can help us inform the public about consumer products with potential problems, including safety issues, by telling us about your experiences with them. Get started by reading “Report your problem products” and filling out the form here.

When you contact us, please include:
• your name and contact information, including e-mail address;
• information on the product involved, including name and/or type of product, its approximate age, model number, and where and when purchased; and
• a detailed description of your safety-related issue.

Below you’ll find a listing of home-related product recalls the CPSC issued in September and October 2007 (through October 16), including one for the Sequin Glitter Candles shown above. We’ll continue to update you on recalls in the Home & Yard Blog.

• BCI Burke Company LLC Single-Post Swing Sets: Fall Hazard
• Christmas Tree Shops Sequin Glitter Candles: Fire Hazard
• Collections Etc. Inc. Double Hammocks: Fall Hazard
• Cook’s Essentials Electric Toaster (Salton Inc. and QVC): Fire Hazard
• d-Scan Inc. Jubee Bunk Beds: Collapse Hazard
• Fisher Controls International Model HSR Natural-Gas Regulators and Various LP-Gas Regulators: Gas-Leak Hazard
• Hayes Company Inc. Avant Yarde Decorative Glaze Outdoor Candles: Fire and Burn Hazards
• Honeywell Gas Valves Used in Decorative Fireplaces and Stoves: Burn Hazard
• Honeywell International Inc. Apex-Brand Destiny 6100 and 6100AN Security System Control Panels: Failure to Warn of Fire or Intrusion
• J.C. Penney Alyssa Shag Rugs: Fire Hazard
• Kawasaki-Branded Power Tool Batteries: Burn and Laceration Hazards
• Lithonia Lighting Nickel End Wrap Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixtures (Home Depot): Shock Hazard
• P3 International IonizAir Table Top Air Purifiers: Fire Risk
• TAP Enterprises Inc. Mini 2-Gallon Pancake Air Compressors: Fine for Failure to Report Fire Hazard
• Toshiba AC Adapters for Portable DVD Players: Burn Hazard

Fire Prevention Week: October 7-13

October is when National Pickled Peppers Month. National Country Ham Month, and National Toilet Tank Repair Month take place. A monthlong event too much? Enjoy National Brandied Fruit Day (Saturday, October 20).

Far be it from us to flush away your toilet celebrations or go sour on the pickled peppers, but if you’re going to recognize only one happening this month (besides the World Series and Halloween), make it Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13.

Last year, fires in the home killed about 2,600 people in the United States and injured around 12,500, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA urges you to establish an escape plan and to have all family members practice it. You might only have minutes to escape.

Visit the NFPA site for comprehensive information fire safety and advice on establishing an escape plan for your family. Also read our “Fire safety for your home” to learn about smoke alarms.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: An average of 13,300 home fires caused by laundry-room appliances, mainly by dryers, occur each year in this country. To prevent dryer fires, clean the lint filter before or after each load, install the dryer vent properly, and periodically clean the vent.

Tip of the day: How to safely use a chain saw

Husqvarna, a maker of outdoor power equipment, has dubbed October “Chain Saw Safety Awareness Month.”

That declaration doesn’t mean it’s okay to juggle a few of these potentially perilous power tools the other eleven months of the year. But it does provide a reminder to review the basics of chain-saw operation before you start tackling any chores with your saw. (If you’re in the market for a saw, use our Ratings to find the best model for your yard.)

Follow the expert advice below to reduce your chances of getting injured. Also watch our video, which covers the basics of saw safety.

• Dress appropriately. Start with snug-fitting clothing and a pair of sturdy work boots, preferably steel-toed. Shield your legs with a pair of cut-resistant chaps, protect your hands with gloves that provide back-of-hand protection, and don a helmet with a face shield and noise-reducing ear protection. That’s $150 to $250 worth of equipment, perhaps a lot for the average weekend warrior. But it could last a lifetime and, most important, make your lifetime last. You can buy many of these items at home centers and hardware stores or at www.baileys-online.com and www.gemplers.com.

• Before you fire up the saw, check that its parts are in working order. In particular, keep the cutting chain properly sharpened, tensioned, and oiled (a sharp saw can help prevent kickback and will make the work go faster). Tip: Always have a second, sharpened chain on hand so that you can keep working when the first gets dull.

• When starting the saw, grip it with both hands and keep both feet firmly on the ground. Map out your cutting job ahead of time, and hold the saw at waist level with both hands as you go.

• Avoid sawing with the tip of the chain and bar, where kickback typically occurs. While plunge, boring, and other cuts that use the bar tip are essential for some kinds of sawing, they’re for experienced users and raise the risk of kickback.

• Saw only tree limbs you can reach from the ground. Never saw on a ladder or while holding the saw above your shoulders.

• Carry your saw safely. Use a bar sheath or carrying case to protect yourself and the bar and chain. For hand-carrying, be sure that the engine is stopped and face the bar and chain to the rear. Also be sure the muffler is away from your body in case it’s still hot. For storage in a car or truck, stow it in the trunk or cargo area.

• Cutting down a tree is a job best left to the pros, particularly for trees larger than about 6 inches around. While trees often fall in the direction they’re leaning, it can be tricky to know where a tree will come down. You’ll need two safe escape routes when the tree begins to fall. The Web site of the University of Missouri’s extension center is among several with illustrated tree-felling techniques. Again, however, given the risks involved, we suggest calling a pro instead.

• Read our maintenance advice to keep your saw in good cutting shape.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: Check out our stories on ladders and ladder safety; lawn mowers and tractors and how to operate them; and remodeling safety and hazards to avoid during a renovation. Finally, subscribe to the Consumer Reports On Safety blog for the latest news and insight on safety issues around the home and yard. 

Avoid drowning accidents

The beginning of fall might signal the end of outdoor swimming and the closing of pools in many parts of the country, but drowning risks don’t go away, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

According to data released by the CPSC on September 28, 311 nonpool drownings of children younger than 5 years old were reported from 2002 through 2004, with more than 80 percent of those accidental deaths happening to children younger than 2 years old. (For pool-related incidents, children under 2 accounted for 38 percent of deaths involving those younger than 5.)

Seventy-one percent of nonpool drownings involved a bathtub. The CPSC reports that many bathtub incidents occurred when caregivers left a child unattended; in some cases, an older sibling was tending to a younger brother or sister.

"Infants and toddlers need particularly close supervision," said Nancy Nord, acting chairwoman of the CPSC. "Drowning can occur within seconds in only inches of water.”

The basic message is to never leave young children alone near a bathtub, spa, bucket, or decorative pond or fountain. Also follow this advice from the CPSC:
• Always keep a young child within arm's reach in a bathtub. Never leave the bathroom for any reason, including to answer the phone or door or get a towel. If you must leave the room, take your child with you.
• Don't put one of your older children in charge of a baby or toddler in a bathtub.
• Keep your child(ren) from gaining access to a spa or hot tub, and always secure the spa/tub with a proper safety cover and barrier.
• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Your toddler could fall headfirst into the bucket and drown. Always empty buckets and store them out of reach of young children. (A bucket that fills with rain could become a hazard.)
• Learn CPR—you could save a life. Contact the local branch of the Red Cross to find a training course near you.

Essential information: To get a free copy of the CPSC’s “Prevent Child In-Home Drowning Death,” send an e-mail to publications@cpsc.gov or call 800-638-2772.

Generators can pay off during a storm

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center on August 9 updated its original outlook for the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. While the NOAA continues to predict an 85 percent chance that storm activity will be above average this season, it now expects 13 to 16 named storms, of which seven to nine could become hurricanes; three to five of the hurricanes are predicted to grow into Category 3 or stronger storms. (Read more from the NOAA here.)

I’ve had reason to think about nasty weather in recent months. First, a heavy rainstorm dumped 9 inches of rain in our basement. Then a neighbor’s tree fell on power lines during a Nor’easter, killing power to much of my street for more than a day. I was particularly concerned because the sump pump we'd recently installed couldn’t work without power. In the end, the basement stayed dry, as it did on August 8, when about 2 inches of rain fell on the New York City metropolitan area in an hour.

I could alleviate concerns about the pump not working by getting a portable or stationary power generator. If you live anywhere along the East Coast or Gulf Coast, you too might want to consider getting a backup power supply for your home. With any luck you won’t need to use it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Before you shop, use our free calculator to tally up how many watts of power you’ll need. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the best model for your home. Also, consider installing a transfer switch. This device eliminates having to run extension cords into and out of the house and makes it easier to power essential items like your refrigerator, air-conditioner or furnace, and lights.

Don’t neglect to maintain your generator--this basic work will ensure that you’ll have power when you need it. And remember, as the Consumer Reports On Safety blog has reported, using a generator can be dangerous. Here’s how to operate yours safely:

• Prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning by always running your generator outdoors and at least 15 feet away from the house. Never run it in the basement or garage or other enclosed space.
• Install a transfer switch to connect the unit to your home's wiring system. Never connect a generator directly to your home.
• Reduce fire risk by turning off a gasoline-powered generator before refueling.
• Store gasoline in an ANSI-approved container and in a cool, well-ventilated area.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Refer to our free Storm & Emergency Guide for expert advice on dealing with a range of storm-related topics, including:

• preparing for an emergency like a hurricane;
• caring for pets before, during, and after a storm;
• handling financial and insurance matters, and much more. 

Avoid hidden home hazards

Each year in the United States, 33.1 million people are injured by consumer products in their homes, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And sometimes the culprit isn't necessarily a piece of equipment associated with a high risk of injury, like a chain saw or ladder.

"The home is where people feel comfortable and secure, but constant awareness is the key to keeping families safe," said Nancy Nord, the CPSC's acting chair. "[The] CPSC is aiming to increase awareness of the hidden hazards around the home in order to help consumers protect against these dangers." Find out what the the top five hidden home hazards are in this new item from the Consumer Reports On Safety blog.

Essential information: To stay on top of the latest recalls, see “CPSC steps out with million-consumer march,” and subscribe to the Consumer Reports On Safety blog for in-depth news and analysis on important product-safety issues.

Prevent television tip-overs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on July 25, 2007, announced the recall of about 414,000 Sauder Woodworking television stands (shown). Read more on the recall in the Consumer Reports On Safety Blog.

While this recall was based on the collapsing hazard of the Sauder stands and not on the risk of a furniture tip-over, it highlights the potential danger many television stands pose.

As the video from our March 2006 safety alert shows, unstable furniture can pose a real risk, and tip-overs often occur because consumers are not taking necessary safety precautions at home. Here's what you can do to prevent a dangerous, even fatal, accident:
• Ensure that the furniture on or in which you place your TVs is stable. Do not place TVs on dressers, chests, or other types of furniture with drawers that young children can pull out and use to climb.
• Place your TV as far back as possible on or in the furniture--tip-over is more likely if the set is too far forward.
• Do not store items on top of the TV that will grab a child's attention--a small kid might try to climb on a piece of furniture in an effort to get the remote. "The predictable thing about kids is that they are unpredictable," says Julie Vallese, director of public affairs for the CPSC. She adds that parents should never assume that their children who tend not to be "climbers" won't use the drawers in a dresser as a stepladder, for example.
• Keep all cables and wires behind the TV or furniture. This way, no one will trip over them and potentially pull over the TV or furniture.
• Anchor any potentially unstable furniture more than 30 inches tall to the wall or floor with straps or other restraints. And keep heavy objects off of dressers.
• Look for TV carts and stands that meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: To learn how to stay on top of the latest recalls, see “CPSC steps out with million-consumer march,” and subscribe to the Consumer Reports On Safety blog for in-depth news on important product-safety issues.

Q&A: Are there new safety guidelines for mattresses?

My local newspaper recently ran a story about new fire-safety standards for mattresses. Since we need to buy new mattresses for our 7-year-old twins, what should we look for when we shop?—L. Solomon, via e-mail

The fire-safety standard you’re referring to goes into effect on July 1, 2007. Known as 16 CFR Part 1633, the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s new standard addresses mattress fires ignited by open-flame sources, like burning candles.

To ensure you buy mattresses that meet the new standard, look for the permanent label (sample shown) that must be on all mattresses made, imported, or renovated after July 1. Note that even after that date, you’ll still find mattresses in retail stores that don’t meet the new guidelines, because there is no cutoff date for sales of older mattresses.

As we noted in “New mattress-flammability standard to go into effect” on ConsumerReports.org, the new policy is intended to limit the size of mattress fires "by reducing the heat release from the bed, specifically the mattress and foundation, and by reducing the likelihood that other objects in the room will become involved in the fire," according to the CPSC. The new standard will prevent 78 percent of mattress-fire-related deaths, saving 270 lives each year, and avert 1,330 injuries annually, the CPSC estimates.

The CPSC standard applies to mattresses and mattress sets, including youth mattresses, crib mattresses and portable crib mattresses, bunk-bed mattresses, futons, flip chairs without a permanent back or arms, sleeper chairs, water beds and air mattresses if they contain upholstery material between the ticking and the mattress core. Mattresses used in upholstered furniture, say in a convertible sofa bed, are also covered by the standard.—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: To learn about our concerns over a group of fire retardants commonly used in mattresses and other products, read “How to fireproof our furniture, not the whole planet” on the Consumer Reports On Safety blog. Before you shop, watch our video buying advice and read our latest report on mattresses and buyer’s guide to mattress toppers (both available to subscribers). And don’t miss these