Universal Security Instruments recalls its smoke alarms because they might not warn customers of a fire. According to an ABC news report, the smoke alarms have a misaligned internal switch that causes them not to activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire. The recall affects Universal Security Instruments’ 10-year battery-operated ionization smoke and fire alarms with model numbers MI3050S and MI3050SB and date codes between 2015JAN19 and 2016JUL11.
Details of the Smoke Alarm Recall
The smoke alarms are white and 5.5 inches in diameter. “Universal” and “Smoke & Fire Alarm” are printed on the front cover of the alarm. The label on the back of the alarm lists the model number and date code. We urge consumers to inspect their smoke alarms to ensure correct activation. One way to do this is to press the test button to see if it’s working.
If the alarm sounds, it’s working just fine. You must get in touch with the company right away to request a replacement smoke alarm if it doesn’t sound. So far, the company has received 134 reports of failure to activate properly during installation. From July 2015 to December 2016, specialty wholesalers and others sold these alarms online.
Potential for Deadly Fires
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), three out of five deaths result from property fires without working smoke alarms. About 38 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present. Also, the risk of dying in a residential fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
When a smoke alarm fails, the consequences can be devastating. Residents may fail to detect fires in their homes or worse, carbon monoxide gas leaks, which could be deadly. In fact, carbon monoxide is known as “the silent killer” because it is colorless and odorless and could even kill people in their sleep.
Product manufacturers have a duty and responsibility to make safe and effective items. If the manufacturer fails to ensure safety and effectiveness and an accident occurs, they may face financial liability for the resulting injuries, damages, and losses. Injured victims can file a product liability claim, seeking compensation. An experienced product defect lawyer can offer them more information on pursuing their legal rights.
Source: https://www.abcactionnews.com/money/consumer/recalls/smoke-alarms-being-recalled-due-to-risk-of-failure-to-alert-consumers-to-a-fire
