My goal in writing this monthly blog was to provide ways for you to save money. Sometimes there are other things that are more important, like safety.
Recently I learned from our local television station with a wonderful "On Your Side Team" that my year old car was under a recall. Their ability to share safety issues to the mass public in south central Pennsylvania is a major benefit to thousands. While this blog will only touch a few people, it may just be the the thing that makes someone's life safer.
The web sites I am featuring this month is an invaluable resource for anyone due to the vast nature of the items included. Whether you own an item or are looking to buy something new or used, keeping your family and home safe gives you piece of mind.
Log onto www.recalls.gov to search for recalled items. If the item you search is subject to a recall, instructions will be given on how to file a claim or where to return the item.
For example, select models of Gree dehumidifiers have been recalled due to the potential of a fire. We owned one and followed the instructions, including the immediate disconnection of the unit from the power source, cutting the power cord, and mailing it along with the completed recall form. This link shows which models by which manufacturers are under the dehumidifier recall and explain the recall process. www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Gree-Reannounces-Dehumidifier-Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls) is the agency that oversees the recalls. There is a listing of recently recalled items. That list includes clothing, light bulbs, a laptop computer, a snowblower, and many other items for which I did not see anything in the media. Auto recalls are not listed on this site. You can also report a product you feel is unsafe on their site
If you purchased a used car, it is extremely important for you to check for a recall. The major auto manufacturers only contact the original owner as long as they still reside at the same address where they resided when the automobile was purchased. Unless you take the vehicle to the an authorized manufacturer service center for the auto dealer, existing recalls will go undetected when your vehicle is in for servicing.
News agencies do cover recalls that affect the masses. Unless you have time on your hands to read newspapers and watch television all day, you will miss most of them. The Federal Government can be proud to offer the web sites that places all recalls in one convenient location.
