Weather Radios Recalled by Oregon Scientific
Recall 00169a · Aug 24, 2000 · Oregon Scientific Inc.
10,000
units affected
10,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 00169a
- Date
- Aug 24, 2000
- Company
- Oregon Scientific Inc.
- Units affected
- 10,000
- Product
- Oregon Scientific desktop weather radios
- Product type
- Radios (Weather)
- Hazard
- Other or not stated
The product
These All Hazards Weather Radios use S.A.M.E. technology to receive local weather warnings broadcast by the National Weather Service. The radios also function as AM/FM clock radios and have model number WR-122 printed on the bottom. Writing on the radio reads "NOAA Weather Radio" and "OREGON SCIENTIFIC." The radios have two rectangular screens which display both a standard clock and a dot matrix display of weather forecasts and warnings of severe weather, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Also, there are five black buttons on the right side of the radios that read "NOAA," "MESSAGE," "AM/FM," "PRESET" and "VOLUME." The unit measures about 6.75 inches long by 5.25 inches wide. The weather radio can be placed upright on a table or mounted on a wall.
What can happen
The radio can fail to decode certain signals broadcast by the National Weather Service or can provide incorrect warnings of severe weather that puts lives and property at risk.
The fix
Consumers should not rely on the recalled weather radios to receive emergency information. Call Oregon Scientific for instructions on returning the radio to receive a free replacement. Oregon Scientific will reimburse consumers for postage.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- The firm has received 12 reports from consumers that did not receive an emergency signal broadcast by the National Weather Service. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Office super stores, mass merchandise, home and hardware stores, catalog, and websites sold the radios, from December 1999 through July 2000, for about $70.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled oregon scientific desktop weather radios?
Consumers should not rely on the recalled weather radios to receive emergency information. Call Oregon Scientific for instructions on returning the radio to receive a free replacement. Oregon Scientific will reimburse consumers for postage.
What is the hazard?
The radio can fail to decode certain signals broadcast by the National Weather Service or can provide incorrect warnings of severe weather that puts lives and property at risk.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.