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Consumer Q's for 8/28/08

Contact: Teresa Jenkins
404/656-3645
1-800-282-5852

Consumer Q’s

Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852

 

Consumer Recall:  Coffee Makers Recalled by Sears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.   Name of Product:   Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Coffee Makers; Units:   About 145,000; Retailers:   Sears, Roebuck and Co., the great indoors and Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.  Hazard:   The wiring in the coffee maker can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.  Incidents/Injuries:   Sears has received 20 reports of coffee makers overheating, including 12 fires, causing damage to counter tops, cabinet damage, and plastic melting on the floor.   No injuries have been reported.  Description:   This recall involves 12-cup Kenmore coffee makers sold in black, white, and red with the following model numbers: 100.80006 (black), 100.81006 (white), and 100.82006 (red).   The recall also involves 12-cup Kenmore Elite coffee makers with thermal carafe (model number 100.90007) and 14-cup Kenmore Elite coffee makers (model number 100.90006).   The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit.   There is a Kenmore or Kenmore Elite logo on the front bottom of the maker.  Sold at:   Sears, Sears Hardware, the great indoors, and Kmart stores nationwide, as well as Sears.com and Kmart.com, from August 2007 through April 2008 for between $30 and $100.  Manufactured in:   China; Remedy:   Consumers should immediately stop using the coffee makers and take them to their nearest Sears or Kmart store to obtain a free replacement coffee maker.  Consumer Contact:   For additional information, contact Sears at (800) 978-7615 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the following Web sites: www.sears.com, www.kmart.com, or www.thegreatindoors.com.

     

 

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What does it mean when it’s said that there is a hurricane and that we are under a weather watch?

HURRICANE:

Hurricane is the name for a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (65 knots) or greater in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern North Pacific Ocean.   This same tropical cyclone is known as a typhoon in the western Pacific and a cyclone in the Indian Ocean.

HURRICANE WARNING:

A formal advisory issued by forecasters at the National Hurricane Center when they have determined that hurricane conditions are expected in a coastal area or group of islands within a 24 hour period.   A warning is used to inform the public and marine interests of the storm's location, intensity, and movement.

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Someone showed me a website about a company called Puppy Profits that promotes dog fighting.   What can I do to stop this company from doing business?

This company does not exist.   It is a hoax.  For more information see http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/hoaxes/puppyprofits.asp

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I recently purchased what I thought was a bushel of unshelled lima beans.  How many pounds should I have?

Based on information provided by the Georgia Farm Bureau, you should have thirty (30) pounds of beans.

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I recently purchased a home in Cobb County and have decided I want to plant orchard grass.  Can you help me with this?

While researching your information request on the website of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences we learned that orchard grasses are best suited for the mountain areas of Georgia.  We will however, be sending you information on what type of grasses grown best in your county.

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How hot must the sidewalk be in order to fry an egg?

To fry an egg on the sidewalk, it must reach a temperature of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

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My friend told me that it is easier to crack a raw egg across the middle rather than down the side, is it true?

In order to break a raw shell egg, it requires nine (9) pounds of presser on the long axis but only three (3) pounds of pressure from side to side.

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If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture write the Consumer Services office, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Room 224, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, or call (404)656-3645 (Atlanta metro area) or toll free, (1-800) 282-5852 (statewide).