May 19, 2025 • 30 mins
"Always there to keep us safe by reducing the risk of injuries associated with consumer products, it's US Product Safety Investigator, MaryAnn McGerty Sieber." www.cpsc.gov
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
I'm Sylvia Moss, and this is in Sight, a presentation
of iHeartMedia, where we really do care about our local
communities and all our listeners who live here. You know,
with all the crazy things going on in our world
these days, it's time to turn off that darn TV,
put on a pair of shorts, and get outside to
finally enjoy all the wonderful things that summer has to offer.
(00:21):
My guests can't fix all those crazy things going on
in the world, But I'll tell you what, if you
want to make sure that you and your family are
safe when you head outside, you enjoy all your favorite
activities this summer. She's certainly the one to turn to
with is Mary Anne mc gerty Severer. She's the Product
Safety Investigator with the US Product Safety Commission. Mary Anne,
(00:42):
how are you good?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Good? How are you? I'd do not but smile when
you think about just being out the world.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Yeah, I know.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Well, I want to ask you something that's been on
my mind for a little while that I'd like to
be in with. You know, you and I have been talking,
I don't see you for the last decade, right before summer,
right before Christmas. These are two times of the year
when I realized that people's emotions are pretty heightened, they
have a lot on their minds, they're not focused. And
I wonder if during those times, if you have any
(01:15):
any research that tells us if those times people if
if they are, if they are not more susceptible to
injuries during these times of the year. What do you think?
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Well, I think, you know, as you mentioned, you're talking
about two pretty large, uh you know, focused times of years.
So for this we're talking about maybe the end of
the school year, summer vacations, getting as you mentioned, outdoors.
We've been you know, kind of stuck in our houses
(01:47):
throughout the winter time. And there's just, I mean literally
a plethora of opportunities for really all ages because all
the information we talk about really hits. It's not just
you know, a certain age bracket. You go from kids
(02:07):
and the activities that whether it's organized sports, the you know,
local playground, the backyard, going on vacation, or US adults.
Because I don't know about you, but it seems to
be hours upon hours of upkeep, you know, clean up
that has to happen, you know, with your front yard,
(02:30):
your backyard. Really no matter where it is that you live.
So as adults, we're also drawn into this. So we
do you know, the yard activities and the mowing and
the weeding and the chemicals and that sort of thing. So,
as I said, it really kind of hit from our
kids and keeping an eye you know on our kids,
(02:52):
our grandchildren, our nieces and nephews as they are outside
and of course we want to keep them safe. But adults,
we also as you know, we're using these various pieces
of equipment, want to take a moment, as you said,
a lot going on, a lot in in you know,
(03:12):
our radar, and do want to end up in the
hospital room.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
No, And it's all actually, I guess what you're telling me.
It is not at those times of the year because
we have a lot of those times during year, so
it's all year long.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Yes, I mean, it really could be. We are often asked,
say during the holiday time when we talk about we're
very focused on toys, Yeah, and ore asks for our
ten worse lists, so to speak. But what that is
a great opportunity to point out DPSC is not going
(03:46):
to hang on to you know, a hazard refine with
a particular toy in March because we want to make
you know, it part of a ten worse list on
the end of the year. We want to get the
information out as quickly as possible. You've always done that,
sums can hear about that.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
That's right. Well, you know what, there is one summer
activity that some people love doing, but then there's other
people that dridd and I'm talking about what you had mentioned.
That's cutting the grass. Okay, talk to us whether it's
a riding mower or it's something one of those old
ones you walk behind. What what are the opportunities there
(04:24):
to be hurt?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
Okay, So a couple of different uh you said vehicles
or types of mewers that we have. Yeah, one is
the walk behind and another is the riding meller. So
we're riding mowers. Let's use that first. Riding mowers. Sometimes,
you know, it's a large piece of equipment. You have
to you know, kind of be familiar with where it
(04:46):
is that you're cutting and the actual equipment itself. Sometimes
you will see where people will take that thing and
use it as a almost an amusement ride. You're giving kids,
so your grandkids the idea that this is fun, this
is an amusement ride. Let's get on it, let's go
for a ride. So you're introducing that idea that this
(05:08):
is something that they can play with. So for as adults,
we want to make sure that one we're aware of
where the kids are while you're using either type of mower,
but also to don't introduce it as an amusement ride
is something fun because you don't know if you walk
away from it and they could hop on it. And
(05:31):
of course being aware of where the kids are. Unfortunately,
we do have hazards where the you know, the kids
are in the backyard. I'm good, let me get pick
care of the front. You're I'm concentrating on what's happening
here and don't realize how quickly they can move and
where they are. So pay attention to that ourselves as
(05:51):
we are using them. You know, what are we wearing?
Do we have proper gear? And we don't have to
go all out here. We could simply go and not
think about the sandals or the foot flops for footwear.
Grab those pair of sneakers, you know, old set noose,
you know, something you just use for the gardening and
(06:12):
in the yard, so that your feet are properly covered
because you don't know, you know, the fingers, the toes
near the blade. We're concentrating on. What is it that's
blocking it up? I can't mow anymore. Something is there
and don't realize that. We go and touch things or
you know, our fingers are toes come in contact with
(06:34):
various blades and that sort of thing. And eye wear,
whether you have a set of those goggles because you
have other type of equipment in your house that you
use you're a handy type person, or simply a pair
of sunglasses. Put something on your eyes because we don't know,
especially maybe we haven't done that, you know, major first
cut of the lawn and we're not aware of what
(06:58):
is in the grass. Do you let the grass go
a little too high and you can't see, you know,
as you might see midway through the summer of exactly
what's on the grass or on the lawn. So put
a pair of sunglasses on so that in case something
comes flying back up, you know, you have some type
of proper eyewear. You know.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
I was thinking about this the other day too. We
talk about all these chips and suggestions, and it's not
just a feel good program about you know that what
we're talking about. You guys have actual facts and figures
that back up the hundreds of thousands of people that
are hurt every year because from different things that we
talk about, and we're trying to get in in your
(07:37):
heads right that these yeah, this is doesn't this isn't bold.
The people have been killed for a lot of the
things that we're talking about. So this and what you
do at the Consumer Product Safety Commission is so important to.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Us, and it really is data driven. As you mentioned.
You know, CPSC works with certain hospitals across the country
and to other means in which we can get you know,
our statistics and our information. We work with these hospitals
through an electronics system. So what happens here is designating
(08:11):
the hospital's CPSC work that you, as a consumer, go
into the hospital electronically, we receive the information if the
injury was caused by a consumer product. Sometimes that turns
around and once the CPSC is notified, we have someone
reviewing that information. They look at it and they say,
let's get some more information. So then it is then
(08:34):
kicked out to our field investigators who are often geographically
close to the consumer, and they will reach out and
they're the information gathers. They're trying to get as much
information beyond the snippet that was taken at the hospital
of the basics, and let's get a little bit deeper.
Let's find more specific information. What was the product, where
(08:56):
was the purchased, what happened? Is this the first use
or comfortable with the product itself? Is something that they
use all the time? Did they read the direction? Did
they assemble the product? Really basic information to get us
the details as to what happened. And from there, then
that investigator completes the report and then sends it in
(09:19):
to someone who has product knowledge in that particular area.
We look at, you know, across the board. It could
be we have doctors from other hospitals notify us that
they have an incident or they see a particular maybe
trend in their area or their hospital. It could be fire,
(09:39):
it could be police. We look at many different sources
and we are grateful for that information. TPSC is a
small agency, However, we have a large job in front
of us. We actually fifteen thousand different types of products.
It's amazing every time I say it. Because we have
(10:00):
a staff that runs somewhere in the low five hundred nationwide.
I came from the another federal agency that had a
whole office that was just the size of CPSC. So
I am really amazed at the type of work that
we accomplish each year. We do anywhere from two hundred
(10:21):
and fifty to four hundred and fifty recalls every year,
in addition to safety alerts, in addition to the type
of information that we're talking about today, focusing on summer
safety really in a more proactive situation, because we all,
you know, want to be safety conscious, but sometimes we
(10:42):
just need a little reminder, We need to talk a
little bit, you know, and bring it forward. And our
families change every year, don't they. Sometimes our kids grow up,
you know, there's grandchildren and introduced, you know, the babies
become mo and have they become mobile? It's lights out,
(11:02):
you know, Yes, that's right. Your whole life changes. So
families changed from year to years. So we're tuning in differently.
I think from one, you know, situation in one year
to the next. Although it may seem like you know,
it may seemed I guess common or common sense, I
(11:25):
should say, but it is something that we just need
to you know, sort of reiterate and talk about.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
Again, and I'm sure glad you are there to do that.
I think is awesome. You know, one of the things
that I've noticed and I never got this, but you know,
I'm not twenty five years old either. I understand Pennsylvania
is one of the states or the highest number of
ATV accidents. What would you suggest to people that are
anxious to get out on at ATV.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
I think what's important with ATVs is the age of
whoever's going to ride it. And I think for some family,
maybe with larger pieces of land, kids are introduced to ATVs.
There are smaller ATVs that are out there, and they
are really for the younger rider. So for a family
(12:13):
who is buying a ATV for a younger child, buy
one that's age appropriate and you know, instruction and we're
talking complete gear here, head gear. You could be talking
about elbow pads, kneepads and being aware and getting some
(12:34):
type of training. Unfortunately, we find a lot of our
investigations or reports that we receive are from riders who
perhaps you know, are you know, having a little too
much fun prior to getting on the ATV and they're
not consciously aware of their.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Marian excuse me, just say they're drunk. Okay, brus stop.
That's the bottom of line about it.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
We should say that, okay, whether it is drugs or alcohol.
We want to be completely aware of our surroundings and honestly,
what can happen. It really can be the simplest thing,
much like we talk about with a ride on mower,
with an ATV, it's a powerful piece of equipment. If
(13:24):
we're not familiar with, you know, our bearings or the
terrain in which we are riding, you know, serious accidents
can happen.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
There are basic things that I think that we can
apply to what you just talked about in our next question.
A lot of people are into riding the bike's roller
blade and mean bike, so I would assume, and you
correct me if I'm wrong. The first thing you have
to do is get a helmet.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Absolutely, and and that kind of goes across the board
the one helmet. Two types of helmets out there, one
for smaller it up to the age of five, a
little bit larger, almost looks like a motorcycle type helmet.
The other helmet is what we're all familiar with, looks
like you know, I grew up with where the pros
had the helmet. When I bought those helmets for my girls,
(14:15):
you know, from the very beginning it was required, you know, towns, townships,
looking to see where it is that you live and
what's the age. For me, I have two girls. I
never could figure out what was the front in the
back of that helmet. Always had a look at it
all the time. And how you put it on their
heads is key. Hanging off the back of their heads
not going to cut it. So they need to sit
(14:37):
directly above the eyebrows. That chin strap needs to be
nice and tight underneath the chin. I used to pinch
them all the time because I wanted to make sure
that it was on securely exterior. If you know, there
is some type of accident, there's a fall, that's what
the helmet is for. So the helmet hits the ground
(14:58):
and you can see dear damage. That's the key here,
it'stereor damage. Then it's time to get rid of the helmet.
It did its job and replace it. We don't typically
recommend the consumers buy helmets secondhand because we don't know
the history of the helmet. We don't know if there's
been a dear damage done to the helmet itself, and
(15:19):
that goes for you know, kids as well as adults.
Whatever it is that we're riding. E bikes are huge
in terms of any really any ages. Honestly, probably there
might be more the use of adults who have decided,
you know what, I think I'd like to try one
of those e bikes. They can be fun, but please
(15:41):
make sure that you're using your helmet at all times
because when we fall as adults, it takes longer for
us to recoup. There's pt involved in the missing days
of work. So it is important that we are wearing
the protective bear as well, because you don't know what
can happen. And let me just mention one thing too,
(16:02):
as far as e bikes are concerned, I just wanted
to just touch on this. With an e bike, you're
talking about litheon ion batteries that go with the bikes.
Number one, we recommend that you'll always use the battery
that the bike came lest. If you see a good
deal and it doesn't include that battery, it may not
be such a good deal. Fire beware, always make sure
(16:25):
that when you are charging that battery, you are at home,
You're not going to bed at night. Please be aware
of your surroundings and be in the house when you
are charging it. You can see in the news for
the last several years there has many been many fires, injuries,
and deaths associated with litheon ion batteries. A family could
(16:48):
be plugging it in and you could be in an
apartment complex and there's a fire in one apartment and
it takes up the entire building. You know, please be careful.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Just a few years ago, I remember hearing about these
two young sisters. They ended up dying in a fire
because of this locally. I mean, it's really scary. And
You've been talking about this for a long time, and
I'm hoping that there'll be a time where we don't
have to discuss it. But hey, listen, you know as
much as I do that water plays a big partner
lives in the summertime, especially when you think about jumping
(17:19):
in that nice cool water. But the first thing that
I think of is how are we going to keep
the little babies and kids safe. If you don't you
own a pool, or if your kids are little or
the neighbor's kids are a little what are we supposed
to be thinking about as far as keeping them safe.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Right, So barriers, that's that's the key. How many barriers
can we set up before that child reaches the final
destination of the water. And the water could be anything.
It could be that waiting pool, it could be an
inflatable above ground pool that frankly looks like and can
be like a you know, an assembled large above ground pool.
(18:00):
Those type of pools have been introduced in the last
several years and that's the quick, easy thing where the
consumer can buy it and have it up and sort
of skirts around the laws. So barriers be things like fences.
We recommend the fence be at least four feet high.
But please keep in mind where it is that you
live and what is the code. The gate self closing,
(18:25):
self flatching. That means that when you open the gate
immediately close behind you. We never recommend that you prop
that gate open because maybe your kids are a little
bit older. But two doors down, you know, your neighbor
who's a grandmam is watching her grandchildren for the summer,
and the three year old can wander down from grandmam's
path into your backyard. Maybe during the day you're not
(18:49):
using it, the kids are at camp you're at work
or family gives on vacation, maybe securing and locking that
gate might be a good idea, you know, for the
time period that you're gone the child themselves. So there's
a number of things. Number one, sometimes there are wristwatches
that are out there that if the wristwatch becomes wet,
(19:12):
an alarm will go off that notifies you that the
child's no longer in the family room. She's made her
way out to the backyard and somewhere near the water.
As far as the pools themselves concerned, a couple things.
One the waiting pool, we recommend at the end of
the day you simply turn it over and get rid
of that water. The above ground pool, remove that ladder
(19:32):
so they don't have access into the pool itself. In
ground pool, you can actually put alarms inside the pool.
It lets you know that the water has been disturbed.
I think that a lot of times people will think, well,
if something happens, it'll be loud, I'll be able to
hear it. Actually you don't. It's pretty quiet. A child
(19:53):
falls into the water, and sometimes that becomes the case
where the pool has not been maintained so it's not clear.
So it is a dirty pool, and the grandchild is
at grandmom's house, goes into the water. If you cannot
find a child, go to the backyard first. If there's
(20:15):
any type of pool, minutes you count. We have our
phones with us all the time, so the first thing
you need to do is call nine one one to
get someone out there quickly that if a child has
come in contact with the water, so that you can
get some type of medical personnel out and help you
(20:35):
in the situation. Backdoor. Another thought, an alarm knows that
you know they've gotten out to the backyard and that
alarm has gone off. They're kind of I mean, I've
heard them. They are a loud you definitely can hear them.
But these are so important because by setting up these barriers,
they have to get through these various points before they
(20:58):
reach the final destination and the pool itself at the
end of the day. Please remove the toys and anything
else that was in the water. That's what kids are
looking for. They played with it earlier in the day.
Everybody's in the house, you know, getting ready for dinner,
taking showers, and someone doesn't realize that the child has
left the family room or another part of the house
(21:20):
and is now entered into the backyard. Above ground pools.
I've seen also to where they have these automatic covers
and that you know is another barrier that you can
set up. But again you know it. These are barriers
that you know a child would have to make their
way into or through to get that final destination of
(21:43):
the water. And please keep in mind that you follow
the rules and regulations wherever it is that you live
and be it, whether the de fencing sometimes with the
above ground pools, some townships only require you know, some
type of fence be around. You know the latter it
does and recommend we recommend that the backyard be fenced
(22:03):
in four ways around, which usually is three ways around
with a fence, and the fourth side becomes the half.
That's where it's really key and important that you have
some type of set up there for an alarm.
Speaker 2 (22:14):
That's right, you know what. Then other day I decide
I'm going to go out on my grill and get
the my deck and get the grill ready. Well, when
I opened it up to clean it, I couldn't get over.
It was filthy. Fuck, I guess from the winter time,
even if it had a big cover on it. I
wasn't really as anxious I guess to use the girl
as I thought, could I just put the put the
(22:34):
cover back on? But I know I have to do
it seriously. But I know I love the ID love
chicken on a girl. I love to burn it. Yeah, okay, yes,
I was too lazy to cream my girl at that time. Okay,
say I have a gas grill or charcoal grill. Before
I use it, what should I do? And while I'm
using it, what should I keep in mind?
Speaker 1 (22:54):
Okay, So using it number one, get it turned on
or heat it up with a charcoal. Okay, it's nice
and hot. Then you take a wire brush, wire whisk
brush and clean that surface because you know, if it
has not gotten a decent clean from the fall of
last year or even in between, I can say that's
(23:15):
all I want because I'm not the one that that
does this. But your what you're doing is clean off
that surface. You're getting rid of everything that's on there
because that's the type of stuff that can kind of
pick up and start a fire. So getting that nice
and clean, nice clean service to start out with. You
have everything in front of you. Once you've got the
grill going, keep your buy whether it's above I mean,
(23:39):
I'm sorry, whether it's a gas girl or a charcoal girl,
because you don't know number one pets, two kids, and
again this this is also you know a type of
appliance that anything can happen, don't become distracted, flames can
blow up. You know, we've all heard the stories in
terms of that lighter fluid. Oh yeah, you know what
(24:02):
can happen. And you know sometimes some missing eyebrows after
that all can occur. A distance from the house to
the grill itself, nice safe distance because we also have
seen where some people don't do that and you can
see the scorch marks on the sighting, you know, from
(24:23):
from the house where it is that you live. I mean,
think about it. If you live in a high raise somewhere,
probably the balcony is not going to be allowed or
be safe, you know, to have that grill out there.
But of course you know sometimes people will do that,
so pay attention to where it is that you live.
(24:43):
And ventilation. I mean, if we have had some wild
rain and sometimes that doesn't fit in with your plans
and you were having a barbecue or frankly, as you said,
not you just want to use and have some you know,
good barbecue chicken. And it is raining, so what do
(25:04):
I need to do? Ventilation is important. Make sure you
have an area, you know, standing outside, grab the umbrella.
You don't want to bring into a closed environment, so
that be you know, whether it's the shed or the garage,
because really you're kind of boxed in there. You think
it's ventilation and it's enough. The front doors open, you know,
(25:24):
the garage doors open, and it's enough. It's really not enough.
Because we have the issue of carbon monoxide. There is
warning labels right on what typically you see for the
bags of charcoal that you buy that talks about carbon monoxide.
We talk a lot about that in the winter time,
but in the summertime we're talking about grills. That also
goes for camping. Same thought starts raining. All right, My
(25:49):
ten has you know, screens four ways around. It's good.
It's not again carbon monoxide, so you know, and also
too for heater. You know, we have camping heaters. That's
what they're intended for, not the little about your grill
and you want to take in this tent and you
said for the heating source again, the same thing here
(26:11):
at carbon monoxide poisoning. Another time where we don't want
to spend any time at all. Look at all the
activities we've been talking about, spend time with our family
and friends outside in the beautiful weather. We don't want
to spend any of that in a hospital.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
We know I got something. We're quickly running out of time,
and I got something. It's personal to ask it, but
yet I know in fact my producer art, he's an
animal person. About a year or so ago, my son,
I think you and I talked about this. My son
had a golden doodle hit. His name was Henry, and
he moved and he left me he Henry for a while.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
We went on.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
I have a big backguard. It's not fenced on. He
loves being out there. But what concerns me the most
about it is he thinks everybody's his buddy. I get
dear in my yard and he's going up to these deer,
and I'm afraid he's gonna bitten by it, even though
he's got that expensive collar around that's supposed to keep
him away. But if he brings him in the house,
(27:11):
then I'm in trouble. I could get lyme disease. So
what do we do.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
I would that is kind of out of CPSC's knowledge area.
I would probably reach it. Yeah, I would probably reach
out to be it, whether one's perhaps ploice in control
your local vet to kind of get some ideas as
to you know, pluses and minuses and what you know,
safety first aid type stuff. Steps need to be taken.
(27:40):
You have a concern, of course, and and the dog
coming into the house. It is a whole new experience
for me. My daughter just got corgy. I'm not a
huge dog person, so it's it's an adjustment for me
just to have a dog around. So I'm kind of
doing the same, I guess. And I never even thought of,
(28:02):
honestly that that area. I'm just gonna kind of I'm
still getting adjusted to having having a dog around, you know.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
So if you could pick excuse me a second, if
you could pick one thing in the summer deal with animals,
I think you would agree with me that the biggest
thing is keep these poor dogs high grade, don't run
outside lane in the sun. Would you agree with that absolutely?
Speaker 1 (28:25):
And yeah, you know, anything that you know, you bring
into water and they'll get any access to it, whether
it's another dog's water pail, or you know the waiting
pool that they walk past nearby. I'm sure they'll partake
in that.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
You have. As I talked about early in the program,
your website. People wouldn't believe what's on it. You've got
things going on constantly. What's the website and tell us
about your hotline number.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Sure website is www dot c SC dot gog g
o V our toll free hotline number one eight hundred
six three eight two seven seven to two, twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week. You can get
somebody who answers the phone Monday through Friday in our
OALD business hours. If you need to speak with someone
(29:13):
you can't reach us during that time, leave a message.
We will give you a callback. CPS has been around
over fifty years. Every recall that we've ever done is
on the website for all your listeners to either get
products given to them or buy seeing secondhand at the
local trips through the yard sales. You can check out
and see if that product was ever recalled from our website.
Speaker 2 (29:35):
Like I said, you have everything. Mary Annergerty, Saber product
Safety investigator for the US Product Safety Commissioner, Thank you
again so much. Talk to your Christmas time and to
my listener, have you. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
Dear, have a great thank you.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Talk to you soon. And my listeners remember you can
catch Inside on one of our can I heart stations
every Sunday or anytime on your favorite podcast step Hey,
I'm Sylvia Moss. This has been insight Thanks so much
for listening. See you next week.
Hi.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
I'm Sylvia Moss, and this is in Sight, a presentation
of iHeartMedia, where we really do care about our local
communities and all our listeners who live here. You know,
with all the crazy things going on in our world
these days, it's time to turn off that darn TV,
put on a pair of shorts, and get outside to
finally enjoy all the wonderful things that summer has to offer.
(00:21):
My guests can't fix all those crazy things going on
in the world, But I'll tell you what, if you
want to make sure that you and your family are
safe when you head outside, you enjoy all your favorite
activities this summer. She's certainly the one to turn to
with is Mary Anne mc gerty Severer. She's the Product
Safety Investigator with the US Product Safety Commission. Mary Anne,
(00:42):
how are you good?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Good? How are you? I'd do not but smile when
you think about just being out the world.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Yeah, I know.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Well, I want to ask you something that's been on
my mind for a little while that I'd like to
be in with. You know, you and I have been talking,
I don't see you for the last decade, right before summer,
right before Christmas. These are two times of the year
when I realized that people's emotions are pretty heightened, they
have a lot on their minds, they're not focused. And
I wonder if during those times, if you have any
(01:15):
any research that tells us if those times people if
if they are, if they are not more susceptible to
injuries during these times of the year. What do you think?
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Well, I think, you know, as you mentioned, you're talking
about two pretty large, uh you know, focused times of years.
So for this we're talking about maybe the end of
the school year, summer vacations, getting as you mentioned, outdoors.
We've been you know, kind of stuck in our houses
(01:47):
throughout the winter time. And there's just, I mean literally
a plethora of opportunities for really all ages because all
the information we talk about really hits. It's not just
you know, a certain age bracket. You go from kids
(02:07):
and the activities that whether it's organized sports, the you know,
local playground, the backyard, going on vacation, or US adults.
Because I don't know about you, but it seems to
be hours upon hours of upkeep, you know, clean up
that has to happen, you know, with your front yard,
(02:30):
your backyard. Really no matter where it is that you live.
So as adults, we're also drawn into this. So we
do you know, the yard activities and the mowing and
the weeding and the chemicals and that sort of thing. So,
as I said, it really kind of hit from our
kids and keeping an eye you know on our kids,
(02:52):
our grandchildren, our nieces and nephews as they are outside
and of course we want to keep them safe. But adults,
we also as you know, we're using these various pieces
of equipment, want to take a moment, as you said,
a lot going on, a lot in in you know,
(03:12):
our radar, and do want to end up in the
hospital room.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
No, And it's all actually, I guess what you're telling me.
It is not at those times of the year because
we have a lot of those times during year, so
it's all year long.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Yes, I mean, it really could be. We are often asked,
say during the holiday time when we talk about we're
very focused on toys, Yeah, and ore asks for our
ten worse lists, so to speak. But what that is
a great opportunity to point out DPSC is not going
(03:46):
to hang on to you know, a hazard refine with
a particular toy in March because we want to make
you know, it part of a ten worse list on
the end of the year. We want to get the
information out as quickly as possible. You've always done that,
sums can hear about that.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
That's right. Well, you know what, there is one summer
activity that some people love doing, but then there's other
people that dridd and I'm talking about what you had mentioned.
That's cutting the grass. Okay, talk to us whether it's
a riding mower or it's something one of those old
ones you walk behind. What what are the opportunities there
(04:24):
to be hurt?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
Okay, So a couple of different uh you said vehicles
or types of mewers that we have. Yeah, one is
the walk behind and another is the riding meller. So
we're riding mowers. Let's use that first. Riding mowers. Sometimes,
you know, it's a large piece of equipment. You have
to you know, kind of be familiar with where it
(04:46):
is that you're cutting and the actual equipment itself. Sometimes
you will see where people will take that thing and
use it as a almost an amusement ride. You're giving kids,
so your grandkids the idea that this is fun, this
is an amusement ride. Let's get on it, let's go
for a ride. So you're introducing that idea that this
(05:08):
is something that they can play with. So for as adults,
we want to make sure that one we're aware of
where the kids are while you're using either type of mower,
but also to don't introduce it as an amusement ride
is something fun because you don't know if you walk
away from it and they could hop on it. And
(05:31):
of course being aware of where the kids are. Unfortunately,
we do have hazards where the you know, the kids
are in the backyard. I'm good, let me get pick
care of the front. You're I'm concentrating on what's happening
here and don't realize how quickly they can move and
where they are. So pay attention to that ourselves as
(05:51):
we are using them. You know, what are we wearing?
Do we have proper gear? And we don't have to
go all out here. We could simply go and not
think about the sandals or the foot flops for footwear.
Grab those pair of sneakers, you know, old set noose,
you know, something you just use for the gardening and
(06:12):
in the yard, so that your feet are properly covered
because you don't know, you know, the fingers, the toes
near the blade. We're concentrating on. What is it that's
blocking it up? I can't mow anymore. Something is there
and don't realize that. We go and touch things or
you know, our fingers are toes come in contact with
(06:34):
various blades and that sort of thing. And eye wear,
whether you have a set of those goggles because you
have other type of equipment in your house that you
use you're a handy type person, or simply a pair
of sunglasses. Put something on your eyes because we don't know,
especially maybe we haven't done that, you know, major first
cut of the lawn and we're not aware of what
(06:58):
is in the grass. Do you let the grass go
a little too high and you can't see, you know,
as you might see midway through the summer of exactly
what's on the grass or on the lawn. So put
a pair of sunglasses on so that in case something
comes flying back up, you know, you have some type
of proper eyewear. You know.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
I was thinking about this the other day too. We
talk about all these chips and suggestions, and it's not
just a feel good program about you know that what
we're talking about. You guys have actual facts and figures
that back up the hundreds of thousands of people that
are hurt every year because from different things that we
talk about, and we're trying to get in in your
(07:37):
heads right that these yeah, this is doesn't this isn't bold.
The people have been killed for a lot of the
things that we're talking about. So this and what you
do at the Consumer Product Safety Commission is so important to.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Us, and it really is data driven. As you mentioned.
You know, CPSC works with certain hospitals across the country
and to other means in which we can get you know,
our statistics and our information. We work with these hospitals
through an electronics system. So what happens here is designating
(08:11):
the hospital's CPSC work that you, as a consumer, go
into the hospital electronically, we receive the information if the
injury was caused by a consumer product. Sometimes that turns
around and once the CPSC is notified, we have someone
reviewing that information. They look at it and they say,
let's get some more information. So then it is then
(08:34):
kicked out to our field investigators who are often geographically
close to the consumer, and they will reach out and
they're the information gathers. They're trying to get as much
information beyond the snippet that was taken at the hospital
of the basics, and let's get a little bit deeper.
Let's find more specific information. What was the product, where
(08:56):
was the purchased, what happened? Is this the first use
or comfortable with the product itself? Is something that they
use all the time? Did they read the direction? Did
they assemble the product? Really basic information to get us
the details as to what happened. And from there, then
that investigator completes the report and then sends it in
(09:19):
to someone who has product knowledge in that particular area.
We look at, you know, across the board. It could
be we have doctors from other hospitals notify us that
they have an incident or they see a particular maybe
trend in their area or their hospital. It could be fire,
(09:39):
it could be police. We look at many different sources
and we are grateful for that information. TPSC is a
small agency, However, we have a large job in front
of us. We actually fifteen thousand different types of products.
It's amazing every time I say it. Because we have
(10:00):
a staff that runs somewhere in the low five hundred nationwide.
I came from the another federal agency that had a
whole office that was just the size of CPSC. So
I am really amazed at the type of work that
we accomplish each year. We do anywhere from two hundred
(10:21):
and fifty to four hundred and fifty recalls every year,
in addition to safety alerts, in addition to the type
of information that we're talking about today, focusing on summer
safety really in a more proactive situation, because we all,
you know, want to be safety conscious, but sometimes we
(10:42):
just need a little reminder, We need to talk a
little bit, you know, and bring it forward. And our
families change every year, don't they. Sometimes our kids grow up,
you know, there's grandchildren and introduced, you know, the babies
become mo and have they become mobile? It's lights out,
(11:02):
you know, Yes, that's right. Your whole life changes. So
families changed from year to years. So we're tuning in differently.
I think from one, you know, situation in one year
to the next. Although it may seem like you know,
it may seemed I guess common or common sense, I
(11:25):
should say, but it is something that we just need
to you know, sort of reiterate and talk about.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
Again, and I'm sure glad you are there to do that.
I think is awesome. You know, one of the things
that I've noticed and I never got this, but you know,
I'm not twenty five years old either. I understand Pennsylvania
is one of the states or the highest number of
ATV accidents. What would you suggest to people that are
anxious to get out on at ATV.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
I think what's important with ATVs is the age of
whoever's going to ride it. And I think for some family,
maybe with larger pieces of land, kids are introduced to ATVs.
There are smaller ATVs that are out there, and they
are really for the younger rider. So for a family
(12:13):
who is buying a ATV for a younger child, buy
one that's age appropriate and you know, instruction and we're
talking complete gear here, head gear. You could be talking
about elbow pads, kneepads and being aware and getting some
(12:34):
type of training. Unfortunately, we find a lot of our
investigations or reports that we receive are from riders who
perhaps you know, are you know, having a little too
much fun prior to getting on the ATV and they're
not consciously aware of their.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Marian excuse me, just say they're drunk. Okay, brus stop.
That's the bottom of line about it.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
We should say that, okay, whether it is drugs or alcohol.
We want to be completely aware of our surroundings and honestly,
what can happen. It really can be the simplest thing,
much like we talk about with a ride on mower,
with an ATV, it's a powerful piece of equipment. If
(13:24):
we're not familiar with, you know, our bearings or the
terrain in which we are riding, you know, serious accidents
can happen.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
There are basic things that I think that we can
apply to what you just talked about in our next question.
A lot of people are into riding the bike's roller
blade and mean bike, so I would assume, and you
correct me if I'm wrong. The first thing you have
to do is get a helmet.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Absolutely, and and that kind of goes across the board
the one helmet. Two types of helmets out there, one
for smaller it up to the age of five, a
little bit larger, almost looks like a motorcycle type helmet.
The other helmet is what we're all familiar with, looks
like you know, I grew up with where the pros
had the helmet. When I bought those helmets for my girls,
(14:15):
you know, from the very beginning it was required, you know, towns, townships,
looking to see where it is that you live and
what's the age. For me, I have two girls. I
never could figure out what was the front in the
back of that helmet. Always had a look at it
all the time. And how you put it on their
heads is key. Hanging off the back of their heads
not going to cut it. So they need to sit
(14:37):
directly above the eyebrows. That chin strap needs to be
nice and tight underneath the chin. I used to pinch
them all the time because I wanted to make sure
that it was on securely exterior. If you know, there
is some type of accident, there's a fall, that's what
the helmet is for. So the helmet hits the ground
(14:58):
and you can see dear damage. That's the key here,
it'stereor damage. Then it's time to get rid of the helmet.
It did its job and replace it. We don't typically
recommend the consumers buy helmets secondhand because we don't know
the history of the helmet. We don't know if there's
been a dear damage done to the helmet itself, and
(15:19):
that goes for you know, kids as well as adults.
Whatever it is that we're riding. E bikes are huge
in terms of any really any ages. Honestly, probably there
might be more the use of adults who have decided,
you know what, I think I'd like to try one
of those e bikes. They can be fun, but please
(15:41):
make sure that you're using your helmet at all times
because when we fall as adults, it takes longer for
us to recoup. There's pt involved in the missing days
of work. So it is important that we are wearing
the protective bear as well, because you don't know what
can happen. And let me just mention one thing too,
(16:02):
as far as e bikes are concerned, I just wanted
to just touch on this. With an e bike, you're
talking about litheon ion batteries that go with the bikes.
Number one, we recommend that you'll always use the battery
that the bike came lest. If you see a good
deal and it doesn't include that battery, it may not
be such a good deal. Fire beware, always make sure
(16:25):
that when you are charging that battery, you are at home,
You're not going to bed at night. Please be aware
of your surroundings and be in the house when you
are charging it. You can see in the news for
the last several years there has many been many fires, injuries,
and deaths associated with litheon ion batteries. A family could
(16:48):
be plugging it in and you could be in an
apartment complex and there's a fire in one apartment and
it takes up the entire building. You know, please be careful.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Just a few years ago, I remember hearing about these
two young sisters. They ended up dying in a fire
because of this locally. I mean, it's really scary. And
You've been talking about this for a long time, and
I'm hoping that there'll be a time where we don't
have to discuss it. But hey, listen, you know as
much as I do that water plays a big partner
lives in the summertime, especially when you think about jumping
(17:19):
in that nice cool water. But the first thing that
I think of is how are we going to keep
the little babies and kids safe. If you don't you
own a pool, or if your kids are little or
the neighbor's kids are a little what are we supposed
to be thinking about as far as keeping them safe.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Right, So barriers, that's that's the key. How many barriers
can we set up before that child reaches the final
destination of the water. And the water could be anything.
It could be that waiting pool, it could be an
inflatable above ground pool that frankly looks like and can
be like a you know, an assembled large above ground pool.
(18:00):
Those type of pools have been introduced in the last
several years and that's the quick, easy thing where the
consumer can buy it and have it up and sort
of skirts around the laws. So barriers be things like fences.
We recommend the fence be at least four feet high.
But please keep in mind where it is that you
live and what is the code. The gate self closing,
(18:25):
self flatching. That means that when you open the gate
immediately close behind you. We never recommend that you prop
that gate open because maybe your kids are a little
bit older. But two doors down, you know, your neighbor
who's a grandmam is watching her grandchildren for the summer,
and the three year old can wander down from grandmam's
path into your backyard. Maybe during the day you're not
(18:49):
using it, the kids are at camp you're at work
or family gives on vacation, maybe securing and locking that
gate might be a good idea, you know, for the
time period that you're gone the child themselves. So there's
a number of things. Number one, sometimes there are wristwatches
that are out there that if the wristwatch becomes wet,
(19:12):
an alarm will go off that notifies you that the
child's no longer in the family room. She's made her
way out to the backyard and somewhere near the water.
As far as the pools themselves concerned, a couple things.
One the waiting pool, we recommend at the end of
the day you simply turn it over and get rid
of that water. The above ground pool, remove that ladder
(19:32):
so they don't have access into the pool itself. In
ground pool, you can actually put alarms inside the pool.
It lets you know that the water has been disturbed.
I think that a lot of times people will think, well,
if something happens, it'll be loud, I'll be able to
hear it. Actually you don't. It's pretty quiet. A child
(19:53):
falls into the water, and sometimes that becomes the case
where the pool has not been maintained so it's not clear.
So it is a dirty pool, and the grandchild is
at grandmom's house, goes into the water. If you cannot
find a child, go to the backyard first. If there's
(20:15):
any type of pool, minutes you count. We have our
phones with us all the time, so the first thing
you need to do is call nine one one to
get someone out there quickly that if a child has
come in contact with the water, so that you can
get some type of medical personnel out and help you
(20:35):
in the situation. Backdoor. Another thought, an alarm knows that
you know they've gotten out to the backyard and that
alarm has gone off. They're kind of I mean, I've
heard them. They are a loud you definitely can hear them.
But these are so important because by setting up these barriers,
they have to get through these various points before they
(20:58):
reach the final destination and the pool itself at the
end of the day. Please remove the toys and anything
else that was in the water. That's what kids are
looking for. They played with it earlier in the day.
Everybody's in the house, you know, getting ready for dinner,
taking showers, and someone doesn't realize that the child has
left the family room or another part of the house
(21:20):
and is now entered into the backyard. Above ground pools.
I've seen also to where they have these automatic covers
and that you know is another barrier that you can
set up. But again you know it. These are barriers
that you know a child would have to make their
way into or through to get that final destination of
(21:43):
the water. And please keep in mind that you follow
the rules and regulations wherever it is that you live
and be it, whether the de fencing sometimes with the
above ground pools, some townships only require you know, some
type of fence be around. You know the latter it
does and recommend we recommend that the backyard be fenced
(22:03):
in four ways around, which usually is three ways around
with a fence, and the fourth side becomes the half.
That's where it's really key and important that you have
some type of set up there for an alarm.
Speaker 2 (22:14):
That's right, you know what. Then other day I decide
I'm going to go out on my grill and get
the my deck and get the grill ready. Well, when
I opened it up to clean it, I couldn't get over.
It was filthy. Fuck, I guess from the winter time,
even if it had a big cover on it. I
wasn't really as anxious I guess to use the girl
as I thought, could I just put the put the
(22:34):
cover back on? But I know I have to do
it seriously. But I know I love the ID love
chicken on a girl. I love to burn it. Yeah, okay, yes,
I was too lazy to cream my girl at that time. Okay,
say I have a gas grill or charcoal grill. Before
I use it, what should I do? And while I'm
using it, what should I keep in mind?
Speaker 1 (22:54):
Okay, So using it number one, get it turned on
or heat it up with a charcoal. Okay, it's nice
and hot. Then you take a wire brush, wire whisk
brush and clean that surface because you know, if it
has not gotten a decent clean from the fall of
last year or even in between, I can say that's
(23:15):
all I want because I'm not the one that that
does this. But your what you're doing is clean off
that surface. You're getting rid of everything that's on there
because that's the type of stuff that can kind of
pick up and start a fire. So getting that nice
and clean, nice clean service to start out with. You
have everything in front of you. Once you've got the
grill going, keep your buy whether it's above I mean,
(23:39):
I'm sorry, whether it's a gas girl or a charcoal girl,
because you don't know number one pets, two kids, and
again this this is also you know a type of
appliance that anything can happen, don't become distracted, flames can
blow up. You know, we've all heard the stories in
terms of that lighter fluid. Oh yeah, you know what
(24:02):
can happen. And you know sometimes some missing eyebrows after
that all can occur. A distance from the house to
the grill itself, nice safe distance because we also have
seen where some people don't do that and you can
see the scorch marks on the sighting, you know, from
(24:23):
from the house where it is that you live. I mean,
think about it. If you live in a high raise somewhere,
probably the balcony is not going to be allowed or
be safe, you know, to have that grill out there.
But of course you know sometimes people will do that,
so pay attention to where it is that you live.
(24:43):
And ventilation. I mean, if we have had some wild
rain and sometimes that doesn't fit in with your plans
and you were having a barbecue or frankly, as you said,
not you just want to use and have some you know,
good barbecue chicken. And it is raining, so what do
(25:04):
I need to do? Ventilation is important. Make sure you
have an area, you know, standing outside, grab the umbrella.
You don't want to bring into a closed environment, so
that be you know, whether it's the shed or the garage,
because really you're kind of boxed in there. You think
it's ventilation and it's enough. The front doors open, you know,
(25:24):
the garage doors open, and it's enough. It's really not enough.
Because we have the issue of carbon monoxide. There is
warning labels right on what typically you see for the
bags of charcoal that you buy that talks about carbon monoxide.
We talk a lot about that in the winter time,
but in the summertime we're talking about grills. That also
goes for camping. Same thought starts raining. All right, My
(25:49):
ten has you know, screens four ways around. It's good.
It's not again carbon monoxide, so you know, and also
too for heater. You know, we have camping heaters. That's
what they're intended for, not the little about your grill
and you want to take in this tent and you
said for the heating source again, the same thing here
(26:11):
at carbon monoxide poisoning. Another time where we don't want
to spend any time at all. Look at all the
activities we've been talking about, spend time with our family
and friends outside in the beautiful weather. We don't want
to spend any of that in a hospital.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
We know I got something. We're quickly running out of time,
and I got something. It's personal to ask it, but
yet I know in fact my producer art, he's an
animal person. About a year or so ago, my son,
I think you and I talked about this. My son
had a golden doodle hit. His name was Henry, and
he moved and he left me he Henry for a while.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
We went on.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
I have a big backguard. It's not fenced on. He
loves being out there. But what concerns me the most
about it is he thinks everybody's his buddy. I get
dear in my yard and he's going up to these deer,
and I'm afraid he's gonna bitten by it, even though
he's got that expensive collar around that's supposed to keep
him away. But if he brings him in the house,
(27:11):
then I'm in trouble. I could get lyme disease. So
what do we do.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
I would that is kind of out of CPSC's knowledge area.
I would probably reach it. Yeah, I would probably reach
out to be it, whether one's perhaps ploice in control
your local vet to kind of get some ideas as
to you know, pluses and minuses and what you know,
safety first aid type stuff. Steps need to be taken.
(27:40):
You have a concern, of course, and and the dog
coming into the house. It is a whole new experience
for me. My daughter just got corgy. I'm not a
huge dog person, so it's it's an adjustment for me
just to have a dog around. So I'm kind of
doing the same, I guess. And I never even thought of,
(28:02):
honestly that that area. I'm just gonna kind of I'm
still getting adjusted to having having a dog around, you know.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
So if you could pick excuse me a second, if
you could pick one thing in the summer deal with animals,
I think you would agree with me that the biggest
thing is keep these poor dogs high grade, don't run
outside lane in the sun. Would you agree with that absolutely?
Speaker 1 (28:25):
And yeah, you know, anything that you know, you bring
into water and they'll get any access to it, whether
it's another dog's water pail, or you know the waiting
pool that they walk past nearby. I'm sure they'll partake
in that.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
You have. As I talked about early in the program,
your website. People wouldn't believe what's on it. You've got
things going on constantly. What's the website and tell us
about your hotline number.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Sure website is www dot c SC dot gog g
o V our toll free hotline number one eight hundred
six three eight two seven seven to two, twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week. You can get
somebody who answers the phone Monday through Friday in our
OALD business hours. If you need to speak with someone
(29:13):
you can't reach us during that time, leave a message.
We will give you a callback. CPS has been around
over fifty years. Every recall that we've ever done is
on the website for all your listeners to either get
products given to them or buy seeing secondhand at the
local trips through the yard sales. You can check out
and see if that product was ever recalled from our website.
Speaker 2 (29:35):
Like I said, you have everything. Mary Annergerty, Saber product
Safety investigator for the US Product Safety Commissioner, Thank you
again so much. Talk to your Christmas time and to
my listener, have you. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
Dear, have a great thank you.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Talk to you soon. And my listeners remember you can
catch Inside on one of our can I heart stations
every Sunday or anytime on your favorite podcast step Hey,
I'm Sylvia Moss. This has been insight Thanks so much
for listening. See you next week.
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If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com