Weather Radio Recall

Everyone should travel with a Weather Radio. In the interest of fellow D owners, posted here is a recall on an Oregon Scientific weather radio:

For Immediate Release
CPSC Contact: Kim Dulic (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
August 24, 2000
Release # 00-169
CPSC, Firms Announce Recall of Weather Radios
Oregon Scientific Media Contact: Jesse Rotman at (847) 948-5948

PRODUCT: Weather Radios - Oregon Scientific Inc., of Tualatin, Ore., is recalling about 10,000 desktop weather radios. These All Hazards Weather Radios use S.A.M.E. technology to receive local weather warnings broadcast by the National Weather Service. The radios also function as AM/FM clock radios and have model number WR-122 printed on the bottom. Writing on the radio reads "NOAA Weather Radio" and "OREGON SCIENTIFIC."

The radios have two rectangular screens which display both a standard clock and a dot matrix display of weather forecasts and warnings of severe weather, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Also, there are five black buttons on the right side of the radios that read "NOAA," "MESSAGE," "AM/FM," "PRESET" and "VOLUME." The unit measures about 6.75 inches long by 5.25 inches wide. The weather radio can be placed upright on a table or mounted on a wall. Office super stores, mass merchandise, home and hardware stores, catalog, and web sites sold the radios from December 1999 through July 2000 for about $70. Only radios with model number WR-122 are part of this recall.

PROBLEM: The radio can fail to decode certain signals broadcast by the National Weather Service or can provide incorrect warnings of severe weather that puts lives and property at risk.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: The firm has received 12 reports from consumers that did not receive an emergency signal broadcast by the National Weather Service. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should not rely on the recalled weather radios to receive emergency information. Call Oregon Scientific for instructions on returning the radio to receive a free replacement. Oregon Scientific will reimburse consumers for postage. Consumers can call Oregon Scientific at (800) 869-7779 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at http://www.websitetoday.net/osi.