Fire Extinguisher Recall – do you have a Kidde in your Home?

In a voluntary agreement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fire extinguisher manufacturer Kidde has recalled more than 40 million fire extinguishers due to a defective plastic handle.  The extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to activate, posing a risk of failure.  There have been 391 reports of Kidde extinguishers failing to function which have resulted in one death, 16 injuries, and 91 reports of property damage.  This may not seem like much, and it’s true that you seldom have a problem that requires need of a fire extinguisher… but when needed, they must work!

The recall includes 134 different models manufactured by Kidde – these have been sold under numerous brand names.  Affected manufacture dates begin in 1973 until August of 2017. The recall includes EVERY Kidde portable fire extinguisher with a plastic actuating handle or plastic actuating button.  This recall is the third and largest of Kidde recalls on these fire extinguishers. Earlier more limited recalls were made in March 2009 and February 2015.

“This recall raises very serious questions about how millions of defective products ended up in the marketplace and why it took the company years or even decades to find out about the problem or take it seriously,” says William Wallace, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization division of Consumer Reports. “Kidde owes the public an explanation and the company shouldn’t rest until it gets as many of these fire extinguishers returned as possible.”

There is good news!  Kidde will replace your RECALLED fire extinguisher for free. To claim your replacement, verify that you have a recalled extinguisher by comparing your extinguisher(s) to the CPSC recall list or visiting www.Kidde.com. Instructions for obtaining your free replacement fire extinguisher and how to return your defective unit (if necessary – some models do no require return) are at www.Kidde.com or you can call Kidde direct at 1-855-271-0773.

It is important that you take this action IMMEDIATELY and that you share this potentially live saving information with friends, family and business associates.

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