Walmart Recalls Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
If you bought a smoke and carbon monoxide combination alarm at Walmart or elsewhere in the past couple of years, you might want to check the brand to ensure it is not currently being recalled.
Walmart is recalling thousands of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms nationwide due to the system’s failure to warn consumers of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
What You Need To Know
- About 8,000 Universal Security Instrument Inc’s 2-in-1 Photoelectric Smoke & Fire + Carbon Monoxide Alarms are recalled.
- The recall concerns the models MPC322S and MPC122S. The MPC322S is a battery-powered model, while the MPC122S is hardwired with a battery backup.
- The alarms may fail to alert homeowners of carbon monoxide, leading to a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or even death.
- Two reported incidents of the recalled alarm failed to alert for carbon monoxide presence within the time requirement.
- The recalled alarms were sold nationwide between June 2017 and December 2019 at Walmart and other electrical distributors.
What You Need To Do
Consumers are asked to check the manufacture date and model number printed on the back of their unit. Contact Universal Securities Instruments immediately for a free replacement alarm if you have either recalled model. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission urges that until the replacement arrives, you should continue using your current alarm.
Watch YouTube Video Below. ABC Action News reports on the recall and what you need to do if you have a recalled model.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless poisonous gas that can kill you. It is produced by burning wood, gasoline, charcoal, propane, or other fuel. Carbon monoxide fumes prevent the body from breathing in oxygen properly, affecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle. However, the condition is life-threatening. If you think you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, get some fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical treatment. Some common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- chest pains
- confusion
- dizziness
- fainting
- headache
- rapid heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- weakness
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Although carbon monoxide poisoning is hard to detect, it is also preventable with the proper preparation. Below are some tips on how you can prevent exposure to carbon monoxide in your home:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check the battery every six months. If the sensor goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911.
- Get your water heater, heating system, oil, gas, or coal-burning appliances serviced every year.
- Get immediate medical care if you feel light-headed, dizzy, or nauseated.
- Do not use a camp stove, generator, charcoal grill, or other fuel-burning devices inside your home, garage, basement, or near a window.
- Do not keep your vehicle running inside your garage, even if you leave the door open.
- Do not burn anything in a fireplace or stove that is not vented.
- Do not use a gas oven to heat your house.
- Do not use a pressure washer, generator, or gasoline-powered engine near your door, window, or vent.
- Use a 20-foot long extension cord to keep the generator at a safe distance.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney in Sacramento. If you or a family member has been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning due to someone else’s negligence, our legal team will work diligently to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and other damages. To learn how we can help you, call our law office at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice.
Since 1982, our personal injury law firm has served people throughout California, helping those impacted by carbon monoxide poisoning.
We are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
You can see our client reviews on Avvo, Google, and Yelp and our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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