In early August 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled around 2 million dehumidifiers made by New Widetech. After investigating over 107 incidents of the dehumidifiers overheating or catching fire, New Widetech is recalling their products for manufacturing safety concerns. While there are no reports of any injuries concerning the recalled products, New Widetech’s malfunctioning products caused about $17 million in property damage.
Between February 2009 to August 2017, the recalled dehumidifiers were sold at Walmart, Lowe’s, Menards, Costco, and other retailers for between $120 to $430. New Widetech is recalling dehumidifiers with the capacity of 25-, 30-, 35-, 45-, 50-, 60-, 65-, 70-, and 74-pints and by any of the following brands:
- AeonAir
- Amana
- ArcticAire (Danby)
- Classic (Danby/Home Hardware Stores)
- Commercial Cool
- Danby
- Danby Designer
- Danby Premiere
- De’Longhi
- Edgestar
- Friedrich
- Generations (Danby)
- Haier
- Honeywell (JMATEK/AirTek)
- Idylis
- Ivation
- perfect aire
- SuperClima
- Whirlpool
- Whynter
New Widetech did not recall all their dehumidifiers. Individuals need to check the brand number, model number, and print capacity printed on the nameplate located on the back of the product to verify the product. Those in possession of any of the dehumidifiers should immediately stop using the product and contact New Widetech for a refund.
What to Do If Your Dehumidifier Catches on Fire?
An unexpected fire is frightening and dangerous for all around the area. While we learn the proper procedures for handling a fire in school, those brief moments are hard to recall in times of stress. When you’re trying to handle a stressful situation, you may fail to recall those memories. Below are steps to take after a fire occurs that may save your belongings and your life.
Extinguish the Fire
If the fire just started and is small, you may have time to contain it before it spreads. Always know where your fire extinguisher is, so when an emergency occurs, you’ll be able to act fast. Remember the acronym PASS, which stands for pulling the pin, aiming at the flames’ base, squeezing the extinguisher handle, and sweeping from side to side until you extinguish the fire.
Check Your Area
When you’re unable to extinguish the fire, or you find yourself with smoke coming into your area, remember to assess your surroundings to find a safe way out of danger. If you must go through a door, check if the door or doorknob is hot. The fire may be right outside, and you should find another way to exit.
Find a Way to Safety
In the United States, there must be at least two ways to exit a room for it to be considered a bedroom. Fire safety professionals recommend using any method to exit, whether that is a window or another door. If you are moving through smoke, crawl under the fumes so you won’t inhale dangerous gasses.
Call For Help
Once you’re in a safe location or away from the fire, call 911 for help. If you don’t have a cellphone, go to the closest person or establishment near you to contact the fire department. In some situations, you may not be able to get out of the building, and you should cover the cracks in the door with blankets and call for help if possible.
Get Medical Attention
After you are safe and assistance is working to extinguish the fire, you should immediately seek medical care. Not only might you suffer severe burn injuries, but respiratory issues as well. Fire burns oxygen quickly and fills the room with smoke. Breathing in the smoke as you’re escaping the area can cause serious injuries.
Contact a Burn Injury Attorney
If a fire occurs due to a malfunctioning product or someone else’s negligence and you sustain severe injuries, you are eligible to recover compensation for the harm you suffer. A burn injury attorney can assist you in your legal conflicts and offer dependable advice.
Fires are incredibly stressful and frightening events that no one wants to experience. However, contact a burn injury attorney immediately if you find yourself in a situation because of another person’s carelessness.
Trust Rizk Law Lawyers to Represent Your Personal Injury Claim
Our Rizk Law lawyers understand that challenging the recovery process can be after a fire. We hope to offer accessible legal guidance that can help with your claim. With years of experience working with individuals across Oregon, we are proud of the many positive results and favorable testimonials from past clients.
Attorney Richard Rizk is a strong advocate for fire safety and hopes to help all those suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries recover the compensation they need and deserve. We treat our clients like family and offer our extensive knowledge and resources to assist with their claim.
Call (503) 852-5761 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.