Two deaths trigger safety alert for Simplicity bassinet

Yesterday, after the deaths of two infants in Simplicity bassinets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a press release "urging" parents to stop using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible "close sleeper" models. When used in its bedside co-sleeper mode, it's possible that a caregiver may fail to reattach the Velcro on the fabric covering the metal bars of the frame resulting in a dangerous opening (see photo).  An infant can slip through the opening between the bars, become entrapped and strangle or suffocate. Despite the deaths, the move has been characterized as a "safety alert" and not a manufacturer's recall.

Today, the CPSC announced that six retailers have agreed to stop selling the Simplicity bassinets and will conduct their own recalls of 900,000 of the bassinets. The retailers are Wal-Mart, Kmart, Toys 'R' Us, Big Lots, J.C. Penney and Target and the many recalled model numbers can be found in the CPSC's most recent announcement.

The safety alert does not apply to Simplicty bassinets manufactured in recent months that have the fabric permanently attached to the lower metal bars in the frame.

The most recent death, on August 21, involved a six-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kansas who was strangled when she became entrapped between the bassinet's metal bars. But the CPSC knew of a similar death that had occurred almost a year ago, on Sept. 29 2007, involving a four-month-old girl from Noel, Missouri who also became entrapped and died. Yet the bassinet remained on the market. This begs the question of why a year went by without either a recall or a safety alert issued to the public.

The notice issued by the CPSC said the agency was taking the unusual action of putting out an alert because SFCA Inc., the holding company that purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April 2008—but did not assume its liabilities—has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the bassinets. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc. "The CPSC is continuing to seek all options with SFCA to ensure there is recourse for the consumer," said agency spokeswoman Julie Vallese. "However, this is a very complicated case and there is a question whether SFCA has legal liabilities for products manufactured by Simplicity." 

When asked why the CPSC had not taken action after the first reported death, Vallese didn't respond. She did say that the CPSC was able to act quickly after the second fatality because of new safety legislation recently signed into law.  "The authorities granted to the CPSC under the new federal legislation allowed them to promptly issue a safety warning when they learned of the second death related to this bassinet," said Vallese. "Under former law, they had a 30-day waiting period."  This case clearly illustrates the power of the new authority granted to the CPSC through the recent legislation, but it still exposes a glaring gap in the system when there is no company to take responsibility for recalling an unsafe product.  If there is no manufacturer to hold liable for a recall, we think the CPSC should demand that the retailers who sold this product issue their own recall. Today's announcement makes it clear that the CPSC was able to gain the cooperation of the six large retailers.

Simplicity apparently got into financial straits after the recall of one million of its cribs last fall by the CPSC. And that was not the first time its products had been taken off the market, according to a list on the company's Web site. When we tried to call the new owners we were referred to a public relations firm that specializes in corporate reputation management.  "It is important to understand that SFCA and Simplicity Inc. are completely distinct companies," Amanda Lahan said in an e-mailed statement. "The products in question were manufactured and distributed by Simplicity, Inc., a company that is no longer in business." 

According to the CPSC, the problem with the bassinet occurs when the Velcro fabric on the side that opens to convert it to a bedside sleeper, is not reattached.  The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has implied that this is misuse of the product.  Vallese, however, says that the CPSC considers that this is a “foreseeable misuse” and that products should not pose a hazard when misused in a foreseeable fashion.

The JPMA certified that this bassinet complies with industry standards.  However, there are currently no standards that cover this product when used in its co-sleeper mode. Jamie Schaefer-Wilson, author of CU's Guide to Childproofing and Safety, lobbied ASTM-International to develop a safety standard for co-sleepers.  CU is actively working with ASTM to develop a standard that would prevent tragedies such as the two deaths that occurred with these bassinets.

We strongly recommend that owners of Simplicity's 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 co-sleepers return them to the place of purchase and demand a refund. Take a copy of the CPSC notice with you. The CPSC also asks consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.

More on bassinet safety from Consumer Reports

• Crib alternatives
• Bassinets and cradles
• Bassinet and cradle safety
• Make sure your baby's bassinet is safe for sleeping
• Play yard safety roundup
• Sleep gear not to buy or use

Sears recalls 145,000 Kenmore coffeemakers

Sears has recalled 145,000 Kenmore and Kenmore Elite coffeemakers because the wiring in the small appliances can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards. The retailer has received 20 reports of coffeemakers overheating, including 12 fires that caused damage to countertops, cabinets and caused melted plastic to drip on the floor. No injuries have been reported.

The recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission involves 12-cup Kenmore coffee makers sold in black, white and red with the following model numbers: 100.80006 (black), 100.81006 (white), and 100.82006 (red). The recall also involves 12-cup Kenmore Elite coffee makers with thermal carafes (model number 100.90007) and 14-cup Kenmore Elite coffeemakers (model number 100.90006). The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit. There is a Kenmore or Kenmore Elite logo on the front of the base.

The coffeemakers were sold at Sears, Sears Hardware, the great indoors, and Kmart stores nationwide, as well as Sears.com and Kmart.com, from August 2007 through April 2008 for between $30 and $100. Consumers should immediately stop using the coffeemakers and take them to their nearest Sears or Kmart store for a free replacement coffeemaker.

For additional information, contact Sears at (800) 978-7615 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the following Web sites: www.sears.com, www.kmart.com, or www.thegreatindoors.com.

We've written about countertop appliances posing fire hazards before. In March, the CPSC recalled more than 500,000 toasters, deep fat fryers and and indoor grills that accounted for at least three burn injuries. To check and see if an appliance you own has been recalled, visit the CPSC's Web site.

CPSC fines clothing companies for failing to follow drawstring guidelines

Some children's clothing makers and retailers can't seem to grasp the fact that drawstrings on kids' clothes are a serious choking hazard, particularly when they go around the necks or hoods of jackets or sweatshirts.

More than a dozen years ago the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued guidelines warning about the potential strangulation hazard of drawstrings on children's jackets, sweatshirts and other outerwear garments, but for some reason these garments are still being recalled on a regular basis.

The latest round of recalls occurred earlier this month and included several thousand children's hooded sweatshirts and jackets sold by TJ Maxx, Marshalls and other major retailers. The CPSC says the makers of the clothing voluntarily recalled the items. The manufacturers were Raw Blue Sportswear of Moonachie, NJ; Request Jeans of New York; and Kids with Character, also of New York.

Interestingly, the CPSC released this latest round of recalls on the very same day it announced that nine different firms had agreed to pay a total of $355,000 in civil penalties for knowingly failing to report to the CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that their children’s hooded sweatshirts, jackets or sweaters were sold with—you guessed it—drawstrings at the hood and neck.

From January 1985 through January 1999, the CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 nonfatal incidents involving entanglement of children’s clothing drawstrings. Although the standard is voluntary, the agency has recently been enforcing the drawstring guidelines by seeking a recall of any clothes that fail to comply. "This is something the agency watches for and recalls when we find it, because the risk of strangulation is very real," CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese told us earlier, following another large drawstring-related recall of children's clothes.

The guidelines highlighting the strangulation dangers have been on the books for more than 12 years now, so we're not sure why so many children's clothing manufacturers and retailers are still violating them.

It would be nice if this latest round of civil penalties helped convince everyone in the children's clothing industry to stop making and selling products with drawstings around the head and neck altogether. If not, it might be time for the government to adopt mandatory guidelines for drawstrings in children's outerwear.

In the meantime, parents need to be extra vigilant when buying sweatshirts, jackets and other outerwear garments for their kids.

The CPSC recommends that parents or caregivers inspect their children's clothing and completely remove the hood and neck drawstrings from all upper outerwear, including jackets and sweatshirts, sized 2T to 12. The CPSC's technical staff has concluded that merely shortening the drawstrings may still present a strangulation hazard. The agency also recommends that consumers purchase children’s outerwear that has alternative closures, such as snaps, buttons, Velcro and elastic.

Parents can also help by reporting the sale of any children's drawstring items to the CPSC, with such details as store, brand name, manufacturer, size and where it was made. Also notify the store manager and company—and comment on this blog as well. Retailers must do a better job making sure they are not stocking their shelves with this type of clothing.

The latest recalls:

• 5,740 hooded sweatshirts by Raw Blue Sportswear, of Moonachie, N.J.
• 1,200 drawstring hoodies by Request Jeans, of New York, N.Y.
• 1,200 BongoCheetah girls jackets by Kids with Character of New York, N.Y.
  

 

Number of motorcyclist fatalities continues to rise

A positive downward trend in the number of overall motor vehicle fatalities over the past few years has been disrupted by a disturbing rise in the number of motorcycle riders killed in accidents. Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, said that in 2007 the overall number of traffic fatalities fell to 41,059, the lowest number since 1994. In addition, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.37, the lowest fatality rate on record, she noted.

Unfortunately, motorcycle fatalities continued a 10-year increase, reaching 5,154 in 2007, the highest number since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started collecting fatality crash data in 1975. Motorcycle fatalities now account for 13 percent of all traffic deaths and, in 2007 alone, the number of motorcycle riders or passengers killed on the nation’s roads increased 6.6 percent over the previous year. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are also on the rise—there were 103,000 in 2007 compared to 88,000 a year earlier, an increase of 17 percent.

To draw attention to the growing number of motorcycle mishaps, the DOT has made motorcycle safety a centerpiece of its end-of-summer campaign, "Over the limit. Under arrest" to curb drunk driving, and has created several public service announcements on the topic.

One of the ads (see image) features a motorcyclist being pulled over by the police. When he's approached by an officer, the rider lifts his visor and beer comes spilling out of his helmet. Of course, the message is that motorcycle accidents are no laughing matter.

Indeed, the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased as the number of states requiring helmets has declined. In 1975, 47 states required riders to wear helmets but now only 20 do, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.  As we've written before, Secretary Peters rides a motorcycle herself and is an advocate for helmet safety.

Motorcycle safety has taken on an added urgency as more drivers turn to the bikes to combat high gas prices.  NHTSA is promoting its "Share the road" campaign to educate drivers of both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles in ways to coexist on the highway. In a play on words one ad says, "Objects in mirror are more vulnerable than they appear." The message is intended to alert drivers of cars, SUVs and trucks that motorcycles may be difficult to see because of their smaller size and that motorcyclists are more susceptible to potential accidents and injuries.

At Consumer Reports we've been writing about motorcycle safety for years. The tips we offered in an article we published in 1981 still resonate today. You can read more about motorcycles and scooters on our Cars blog or join a discussion on the topic in our forums.

Diving-related injuries on the rise as sport becomes more popular

Olympic fans enjoying the diving displays at this summer's games in Beijing may have heard the story about one competitor's accident when she was a teen in training. Ten years ago, Nancilea Foster was badly injured in a diving accident that broke her jaw, knocked out nine teeth, shattered her cheek and sinus bones and caved in part of her nose. Foster was able to recover from her injuries to compete for the U.S. in the 3-meter springboard event (placing eighth), but not all diving mishaps end so happily.

According to a new study, there were more than 111,000 diving-related injuries to people under the age of 19 that required a trip to the emergency room from 1990 through 2006. Put another way, there is one such diving-related injury somewhere in America every 90 minutes or 6,500 annually.

Collision with a diving board or platform was the leading cause of injuries (44 percent) and the odds of injury caused by contact with the diving board increased dramatically if a child or adolescent was performing a flip, handstand or backward dive. Injuries to the head and neck (38 percent) and face (22 percent) were the most common. The most frequent diagnoses were lacerations (34 percent) and soft tissue injuries (24 percent), according to the study published in the August edition of the journal Pediatrics.

“Based on our findings, the largest age group of injured divers was 10- to 14-years-old," said study co-author Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and an associate professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Although this group made up the largest number of injured divers, 10- to 19-years-old were more at risk for an injury to the extremities. Boys were two times more likely to experience a head or neck injury or a fracture.”

Recreational and competitive divers alike are at risk. “There is a need for increased prevention efforts to lower the risks of diving-related injuries among children and adolescents,” says Lara McKenzie, principal investigator at CIRP and a co-author of the study. “The recent growth of the sport of diving, coupled with the increasing complexity and difficulty of dives, has resulted in a greater potential for both competitive and recreational diving-related injuries.” 

“Parents, pediatricians, coaches, lifeguards and trainers need to be aware of the types of injuries seen during recreational and competitive diving, as well as the risk factors,” says McKenzie, who is also an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

The study recommends these strategies for preventing diving-related injuries:

• Provide adult supervision and make sure a lifeguard is present.
• Make sure there are visible depth indicators around the pool.
• Install soft pool bottoms, if possible.
• Remove obstacles from swimming areas of lakes, rivers and oceans.
• Educate children about diving board safety.
• Educate children on proper diving techniques, especially when attempting new and unusual dives.
• Educate children to prevent them from jumping into shallow or cloudy water.
• Teach competitive divers stretching and strengthening to help prevent shoulder injuries.

The study—the first to examine recreational and competitive diving-related injuries—was based on data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the  Consumer Product Safety Commission and  provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States.

More on diving safety

Swimming and diving safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Water safety tips from the American Red Cross.

Fiesta issues safety alert for Blue Ember gas grills

Earlier this month, Fiesta, which makes Blue Ember gas grills—including the FG50069 model we rated a CR Best Buy—posted a safety warning on its Web site about potential fire hazards that could result if these grills are improperly assembled. If the hose that carries gas to the burners is routed behind instead of in front of the heat shield, the hoses could melt, posing a fire hazard. According to the manufacturer, there has been one incident of a grill fire resulting from an improper assembly, which caused some minor property damage.

While no recall has been issued, the company's Web site warns consumers of the hazards of improperly assembling Blue Ember grills and gives clear, illustrated instructions on properly routing the burner hose. Fiesta has also made design changes that reduce the risk of incorrect assembly and will ship all Blue Ember models with notices alerting consumers to the importance of routing the burner hose correctly.

Fiesta told us that they discovered problems with Blue Ember grills that were incorrectly put together by a retailer, but said they don't know of any incidents where consumers made the same mistake. But we do. An engineer who formerly tested grills for Consumer Reports, bought a Blue Ember grill model FG50069 earlier this year. He reported to us that, "if you put this grill together as per the instructions, the gas hose could easily drape in the wrong place, melt and start a fire." And his did. "The hose completely melted shooting flames up into the firebox." He said: "I checked and rechecked the instructions but couldn't find anything that warned about hose placement." When he returned the grill for a replacement, he discovered that the new grill and instructions had been changed to address the risk of incorrect assembly. But if an engineer who has assembled and tested more than 100 grills can get it wrong, what about those of us doing it for our first time?

Fiesta asked us to help get the word out to consumers who may have improperly assembled Blue Ember grills, which we are happy to do. But we think the Consumer Product Safety Commission should issue a public Safety Alert to ensure that the word gets spread well beyond our readership. We also think that retailers who sell Blue Ember grills should post notices at the point-of-purchase that would alert consumers to this safety issue. Fiesta should try to reach all the Blue Ember owners in their database to make sure they get the message. They told us that they will mail out notices within a week.

If you have experienced problems with gas grill fires or other safety issues, please comment on this posting. You can report any product safety problem through the link on this site. The information you share may prevent serious injuries and will help us accomplish our mission of reducing the number of unsafe products on the marketplace. —Don Mays

Nebraska Beef issues second large recall of the summer

A recall of beef processed at Nebraska Beef in Omaha has been expanded to include 160,000 more pounds making the total amount of meat recalled 1.36 million pounds. The recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, states that practices used at the plant to process meat in June were "insanitary" and did not effectively prevent the meat from becoming contaminated with E. coli O157:H. So far 27 illnesses in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to the recalled beef.

This is the second large recall of meat from Nebraska Beef this summer. In June and July, the company recalled 5.3 million pounds of meat that had been linked to 49 illnesses. The strain of E. coli in that recall differs from that in the current recall. Most of the meat in the earlier recall—produced from May 16 to June 26—was intended for use in ground beef.

According to the recent USDA notice, the recall involves large cuts of intact meat or "primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef produced on June 24 and July 8, whose shipping containers and labels bear the establishment number "EST. 19336" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd." Last week's initial recall also included meat produced on June 17.

Some of the recalled beef was sold to Whole Foods and such regional grocery chains as Fred Meyer, King Soopers, City Market and Dorothy Lane, which have removed it from their stores. Illnesses have been reported in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virgina and Canada.

According to a report in the Washington Post, meat sold as steaks and roasts is not monitored as closely by regulators as that intended for ground beef. That's because bacteria on an intact cut of beef is likely to be on the outside and would be killed if the meat is properly cooked. When ground beef is contaminated with E. coli, the contaminant is mixed into the meat and may not be killed unless the interior of the meat is heated to 160 degrees.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

To learn more about the Nebraska Beef recalls, read the USDA notices:

• August 14 (expanded recall)
• August 8
• July 3 (expanded recall)
• June 30

President signs landmark product safety bill into law

This morning President Bush signed landmark product safety reform legislation into law. Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, teamed up with a broad coalition of consumer, public interest and scientific groups to help push the critical new law through Congress and, after over a year of fighting, convinced President Bush to sign the strongest legislation possible.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 marks the most significant overhaul of the Consumer Product Safety Commission since that agency was established in the 1970s.

The groundbreaking new law will make consumer products safer by requiring that toys and infant products be tested before they are sold and by banning lead and phthalates in toys. The bill will also require the CPSC to create a publicly accessible consumer product safety complaint database, give the CPSC the resources it needs to better protect the public, significantly increase the limit on civil penalties that CPSC can assess against violators of safety laws, and  protect whistleblowers who report product safety defects.

“This long-overdue law gives the CPSC the shot in the arm that it desperately needs,” says Ami Gadhia, Policy Counsel with Consumers Union.  “It is now up to the CPSC to use the tools given to it by this law, and restore the confidence of consumers in the products on store shelves.”

Among the the specific changes called for in the new law:

• Lead will be essentially eliminated from all children’s products.
• Toys and other children’s products will be required to be tested for safety before they are sold.
• Toxic phthalates will be banned from children's products.
• CPSC will receive substantial increases in its resources including its budget, staffing levels, computer resources and its various authorities to conduct recalls and take other actions.
• CPSC will have the authority to levy more significant civil penalties against violators of its safety regulations, which will help deter wrongdoing.
• The CPSC will be restored to five commissioners but quorum will be immediately restored with the two current commissioners in power.
• State Attorneys General will have the necessary authority to enforce product safety laws.
• Consumers will have access to a public database to report and learn about hazards posed by unsafe products.
• Whistleblowers will be granted important protections.

“This Act is the legacy of the countless children, including Danny Keysar, whose parents founded Kids In Danger, who have been killed or injured by unsafe children's products and toys,” says Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids In Danger. “It is to honor their memories that we must now undertake the implementation of this landmark measure.”

A key portion of the legislation, dealing with the safety of juvenile products such as cribs, high chairs and strollers, is named in Danny Keysar’s honor. Ten years ago, Danny was strangled to death at his licensed daycare facility when a portable crib collapsed, trapping his neck in the V of the folded rails. He was 16 months old.

Other groups involved in the broad coalition that was instrumental in pushing through the legislation include the Consumer Federation of America, Public Citizen's Congress Watch, U.S. PIRG's Consumer Program, the National Research Center for Women and Families, and the Scientific Integrity Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Although the legislation was the subject of long and intense debates in Congress, the final version was passed overwhelmingly by the House on July 30, 2008 by a vote of 424-1 and by the Senate on July 31, 2008 by a vote of 89-3.

Does the Perfect Flame grill recall go far enough?

Late last week the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of 24,000 Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner gas grills. The recalled grills, model number GAC3615, were made by Lucas Innovation Inc., of China and sold at Lowe’s Stores from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300. The hazard is serious: The cooking chamber can "melt or ignite," posing risk of fires and burn injuries. According to the recall notice, there have been 175 reports of grill fires, and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. Owners are advised to stop using the grill immediately, disconnect the propane tank, and return the grill (without the tank) to any Lowe’s store for a full refund.

It wasn’t hard for us find complaints about Perfect Flame grills on Internet newsgroup forums and the complaints weren't limited to the GAC3615 model. In fact, our own database, which collects information from our readers, has two complaints about Perfect Flame grills catching fire; one specifically citing another model, an SLG2006.

A Fox television station in Tulsa has also reported numerous problems with Perfect Flame grills including an SLG2006 model. The video footage and consumer stories are striking. One Tulsa man reported that he found the lid and firebox of his Perfect Flame engulfed in flames after making a quick trip inside to finish preparing his meal. He also said that the grill exploded when he was trying to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, spraying shards of hot metal across his deck and yard.

We contacted the reader who reported a problem with a Perfect Flame SLG2006 model to us, asking for some additional information about that incident. He told us that his grill suddenly ignited while he was cooking burgers. The metal in the firebox was actually burning and flames were spreading down the hose to the propane tank. His daughter burned her fingers trying to put out the fire. Fortunately, a neighbor, armed with a fire extinguisher, was able to douse the flames.

At our recommendation, he reported the incident to the CPSC as well as to the manufacturer, which was quick to make amends, arranging for him to choose a free replacement grill of any brand from a Lowe’s store.

How can a metal gas grill suddenly catch fire?  We spoke with a product specification engineer who used to write gas grill design specs, who believes that too much magnesium in the firebox's aluminum alloy could be the problem. Magnesium can burn and is very difficult to extinguish; such fires are best left for the fire department.

We called Lucas Innovation last Friday and spoke with a customer service representative who confirmed that the Perfect Flame grill recall was due to a problem with the material used for the cooking chamber. But when we asked for more specific information and whether the problem had shown up in other models, we were referred to the company's attorney who provided no additional information.

We contacted the CPSC’s Office of Compliance to find out why Perfect Flame SLG2006 wasn’t recalled along with the GAC3615. We noted the information we got from our reader, and expressed our concern that the recall did not include that model of Perfect Flame grill, which we know has had incidents and at least one injury. But according to the CPSC, current law forbids them from discussing an ongoing investigation. We were told they’d “look in to it.” We hope they do.

In our years of testing we've found it highly unusual for a grill to melt or catch fire. If  you’ve experienced problems with gas-grill fires, melting or deformation, please comment on this posting and be sure to report it to us as well as to the CPSC. The CPSC's recall system relies heavily on consumer complaints and without them many problem products wouldn't be recalled. Sharing this information can help us accomplish our mission of reducing the number of unsafe products in the marketplace and help protect consumers from serious injury.—Don Mays, Bob Williams

More on grills from Consumer Reports

• The Broil King Signet 90 986784LP recall and remedy
• Gas grill buying advice and Ratings
• Five most common grilling mistakes
• How to maintain your grill to prevent accidents

Fire safety tips learned the hard way

Last month, there was a tragedy in my neighborhood. Early one morning I heard a small explosion, and seconds later, another one. I ran outside to see smoke pouring out the back of a nearby house. While I called 911, my next-door neighbor banged on the door. When the homeowners didn’t answer, he kicked the door open and found them on the phone frantically trying to call the fire department. He led them out.

It wasn’t until we had all huddled in the driveway that I heard a smoke alarm go off. I was surprised by how long it took. I was also surprised how little time it took for the house to be engulfed in flames.

Thirty-nine firemen and seven fire engines worked for almost an hour to suppress the fire. One firefighter hurt his back on the scene and a cat didn’t make its way to safety. The house was a total loss.

The fire marshal’s report stated that the suspected cause of the fire was electrical. It started in an area where a rechargeable, battery-operated string trimmer was plugged into multi-outlet strip. “The greatest amount of damage to the floor,” the report reads, “was in the area of the charger/transformer and plug strip.”

I called the fire marshal to get more information. He told me that the trimmer was a rechargeable model bought about two years ago, but he couldn’t recover the model number. The 6-plug outlet strip had a UL-listed mark, which means that it complied with safety standards. Although the fire marshal had never investigated a fire from rechargeable outdoor power equipment, he has seen several fires related to plug strips. He told me that their internal circuit breakers are often defective, which can lead to overheating and fires.

I learned a few lessons from observing the house fire that should serve as warning to us all:

• If there is a fire in your house, get yourself and your family out immediately. Don’t stop to call 911 or collect any belongings. Have neighbors call the fire department.
• Make sure your house is equipped with working smoke alarms—at least one on each floor and one in each bedroom. Dual sensor (photoelectric and ionization) models are best since they’re more likely to react quickly to most types of fires.
• Lots of products with rechargeable batteries have been recalled. Take care in handling and don’t overcharge a battery or try to charge a damaged one. Use only the recharger designed specifically for that product. Check Recalls.gov for any rechargeable product you own to make sure it hasn’t been recalled.
• Be careful when using plug strips. Only use models that have a safety certification mark from UL or ETL; the UL mark is on a holographic label. Also, make sure you don’t overload the strip by plugging in appliances that collectively exceed the maximum wattage rating.

—Don Mays