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Smoke Alarms Recalled for Risk of Failure to Alert in the Event of a Fire

Smoke Alarms Recalled for Risk of Failure to Alert in the Event of a Fire

Universal Security Instruments is recalling its smoke alarms because they mightn’t warn customers of a fire. According to an ABC news report, the smoke alarms have a misaligned internal switch that causes them to not 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 with date codes between 2015JAN19 and 2016JUL11.

Details of the Recall

The smoke alarms are white in color 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. Consumers are urged to inspect their smoke alarms to determine if they activate correctly. 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. If it does not sound, it is important that you contact the company right away for a replacement smoke alarm. So far, the company has received 134 reports of failure to activate properly during installation. These alarms were sold online through specialty wholesalers and others from July 2015 to December 2016.

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. When they fail to do so and an accident results, the manufacturer can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses caused. Injured victims can file a product liability claim, seeking compensation. An experienced product defect lawyer can offer them more information regarding 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

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