AHAM's Blog

Safety-Proof Your Cooking Style This Thanksgiving

Millions of families are looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday next week, but remember to be extra cautious in the kitchen as you prepare your Thanksgiving dinner.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the top cause of home fires and are three times as likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day compared to any other day of the year.

"A cooking fire can turn a holiday feast into a family tragedy," says Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "By taking simple safety steps cooks can avoid cooking fires and keep the Thanksgiving celebration joyful."

AHAM and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have teamed up to offer you expert advice and how to prevent cooking fires, and what to do if an accident does occur while cooking.  Click here to read safety tips for everyone from first-time cooks to the experienced Thanksgiving chefs who can do it all!

You can also watch a video that shows how quickly a fire can spread on a gas range. Skip ahead to the 2:00 minute mark to see how to properly contain the fire and to the 2:45 mark for safety tips from John Drengenberg of UL where he explains what to do if one of your pans catch on fire.  

Update from Egypt: Montreal Protocol Meetings

The Parties of the Montreal Protocol reconvened today to continue its discussions. The morning agenda included several items that generally do not affect AHAM members such as nominations for essential-use exemptions for 2010 and 2011, amendments to the handbook on essential-use nominations, and issues related to methyl bromide.  The Technology & Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) also presented a report that included various matters, including alternatives to HCFCs in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors in developing countries.

On a more pertinent note to the appliance industry, contact groups, or break out sessions were formed to create dialogue on important issues.   AHAM participated in the “High GWP alternatives to ODS and proposed amendment” contact group and presented the highlights of the North American proposal to address HFCs in the Montreal Protocol.  The group members asked questions related to the financial, legal and political impact of the North American proposal. 

**Updated with a photo from Egypt! 

  

AHAM Attending Montreal Protocol Meetings in Egypt

AHAM's VP, Government Relations, Kevin Messner, will be attending the Twenty-First Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer from November 4-8 in Port Ghalib, Egypt.  During the meetings, AHAM will be focused on the HFC phase-down discussions and the North American amendment to deal with HFCs.

Check back next week when Kevin will be able to share some of AHAM's accomplishments during the meeting. 

Tips to heat your home safely this winter

New data released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in September shows that most injuries from fires involving heating equipment occurred when the user was asleep or when a child under 10 was left unsupervised with the equipment.  AHAM wants to remind consumers to never leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug heater when you are not using it! 

Check out www.heatersafety.org for the full list of heater safety tips and request a free "Stay Safe! Top Tips for using your Portable Electric Heater Safely!" brochure in English or Spanish.  You can also order large quatities of the brochures and AHAM's "Safety Educator Tool Kit" online at www.aham.org/safetyinfo. 

Stay warm, be smart and stay safe while enjoying your portable electric heater!

AHAM Representing Appliance Industry at US-China Safety Summit

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Director Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs has selected AHAM as a “stakeholder” participant to accompany the CPSC delegation to 3rd Biennial United States – China Consumer Product Safety Summit in Wuxi, Shanghai, and Beijing, China, October 21-26.   The delegation will be led by CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

Wayne Morris, AHAM’s Vice President of Division Services, and other members of the delegation, will provide input to CPSC and the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) as they identify and discuss measures to ensure that US importers and Chinese suppliers establish a comprehensive and systemic approach to preventing and detecting safety hazards in consumer products. 

To find out what the delegation is doing, you can read Chairman Tenenbaum's thoughts on the CPSC blog On Safety, where the Chairman will be reporting back each day.

Stop, Collaborate and Listen – AHAM at GridWeek

Matt Williams, AHAM's Director of Standards, has returned from GridWeek 2009, where he spent a lot of time gathering information and discussing how groups, including AHAM, are collaborating to introduce Smart technologies into the home.  Watch this video for a snippet of some attendee thoughts:

AHAM will soon release a white paper on the role of home appliances in the smart grid and the major benefits for consumers and the environment.

In the meantime, read the Wall Street Journal's recent article on Smart Grid, which includes remarks by AHAM on these consumer and environmental benefits.

"Cash for Refrigerators" on FOX Business and where to find the deals NOW!

• You don't need to wait until November to take advantage of rebates for ENERGY STAR rated appliances!  Check out the ENERGY STAR web site to see if there is already a special offer in your area.  Many manufacturers, states and utilities already have incentive programs in place such as rebates and tax holidays.
• According to the Department of Energy, all 50 states and 6 territories have already turned in their initial applications to qualify for the rebate, and the final plans are due on October 15th.  After these plans are approved by the DOE, you will know which ENERGY STAR appliances will qualify for rebates and the amount of each rebate in your state. 
• This program will offer consumer rebates in the ballpark of $50 - $200 depending on the appliance purchased.  This will help offset the initial purchase cost of the product, but consumers should think about the ongoing utility savings by using a new efficient appliance.  Retiring a 10-year-old clothes washer will save you $135 per year in electricity costs, and more than 5,000 gallons of water will be saved.

ABC World News Tonight Segment on Appliance Rebate will Air Tonight

Breaking news regarding Michael Jackson's death suspended Joe McGuire's interview with Charles Gibson that was scheduled for Monday's edition of ABC World News Tonight.  You will be able to watch the full story tonight, at 6:30 p.m. EST on ABC. 

AHAM President on ABC World News Tonight!

Tune in to ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson where AHAM President Joseph McGuire will speak about the energy efficient appliance rebate program.  His interview will air tonight at 6:30 p.m. EST!

Below is a shot of Joe's interview with Reuters TV.

Use an air cleaner to help reduce indoor allergens in your home... and other tips!

An article posted yesterday on CNN.com lists lots of helpful tips for those suffering from indoor allergies.  It is important to keep your home clean by vacuuming and dusting regularly, and reducing clutter.  You can also look for an air cleaner to help reduce the dust, pollen and tobacco smoke particles that may be floating in your air. 

AHAM has hundreds of certified air cleaners listed on www.cadr.org, where you can search for the model that will work the best in your home.  AHAM tests for the reduction of dust, pollen and tobacco smoke and gives each air cleaner a recommended room size.

The article also mentions fighting off any mold in your basement with a dehumidifier.  AHAM also tests and certifies dehumidifiers and lists the results in an online directory.