For about a week now, weather forecasters here in the Seattle area have been predicting about 6 inches of snow, unusual for this moderate climate. Fortunately, it looks like most of the area will get only a couple of inches, which should melt quickly. However, winter storms are impacting much of the country this week. Protect yourself with these tips:
As each year ends, I like to look back on which articles were the most popular on my blog. It’s rewarding to write articles that help people. I’m glad to see that the top article from last year was on dangerous infant sleep and infant products. Thank you for your readership during 2023. I’m looking forward writing more articles throughout 2024.
It’s a huge recall that’s making the front pages of newspapers as well as TV newscasts. I saw the blender at Costco and considered buying it. My old blender gave out, so I’m making smoothies in my food processor, which takes time to clean. I usually check out appliance purchases at Consumer Reports, so I skipped the impulse purchase.
High-powered magnets are dangerous to kids. About 2,400 cases of magnets being ingested were treated in hospital emergency departments from 2017 through 2021. Seven deaths occurred. When the magnets are swallowed, they can cause perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death.
Best wishes on this national holiday for gratitude and giving thanks. I hope you’re able to join with family or friends to celebrate. Ninety-seven percent of Americans say they’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving, with 26 percent saying they’ll be hosting, according to WalletHub.com, a personal finance website. About 40 million Thanksgiving meals will include a turkey being served.
World Against Toys Causing Harm announced its 51st annual nominees for the “10 Worst Toys” of the year. Although intended for fun and entertainment, many toys contain hidden hazards unnecessarily putting children at risk of harm. Making safe toys needs to be the top priority in the design, manufacture, and marketing of children’s playthings.
It’s important to consumers to watch for announcements from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in addition to the agency’s recalls. The CPSC is warning consumers about the risk of fire from Toos Elite 60-volt electric scooters after two people died in a fire tied to the scooter’s lithium-ion battery.
On Saturday, I wrote about One Health Day. I hadn’t heard of it before, but it’s a global campaign that recognizes the close connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment and the role this connection plays in the spread of diseases. Several times, I’ve written that people shouldn’t allow pets to sleep in bed with them.
Best Buy is recalling about 930,000 Insignia pressure cookers. Inaccurate volume markings inside the pot can cause overfilling, resulting in hot food and liquid erupting when the pressure cooker is opened, posing a burn risk to consumers. Best Buy has received 31 reports of the contents erupting, including 17 reports of burn injuries.
