"This is a good time to do some spring cleaning. Check attics and other storage areas for old products that could be hazardous," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Health Department Director. "We can get dangerous products off store shelves, but the real challenge is to get them out of the home."

Some of the hazardous products that might be in consumers' homes are

• Play yards that have protruding rivets that pose a strangulation hazard to toddlers if pacifier strings, loose or loosely woven clothing catch on the rivets. CPSC is aware of 8 deaths of toddlers who strangled when a string or clothing caught on the playpens' protruding rivets. CPSC obtained voluntary recalls for 9.6 million units of the following play yards/playpens with protruding rivets: Bilt-Rite, Evenflo, Gerry, Graco, Kolcraft, Playskool, Pride-Trimble and Strolee. To get a repair kit or refund (depending on the brand), people should call 800-794-4115.
• Ride-on battery-powered Power Wheels vehicles by Fisher-Price made before October 1998 with electrical components that can overheat and cause fires. CPSC knows of 700 reports of electrical components failing and overheating while the cars and trucks were being ridden, charged, parked or stored. About 150 fires have been reported and 9 children suffered minor burns. Property damage also occurred to 22 housed and garages. In addition, there have been 71 reports of Power Wheels vehicles not stopping because of this electrical problem. Approximately 10 million products are involved. People should remove the batteries and call Fisher-Price at 800-977-7800 to get free repair of the Power Wheels vehicles.
• Horizontal (under-the-counter) Spacemaker Optima toaster (model T 1000) by Black & Decker can allow food to catch fire. When the door automatically opens, flames escape and expose cabinets to fire. CPSC knows of 1.066 fires and 8 burns. There are 234,000 toasters included in this recall. People can get a free replacement product by calling Black & Decker at 800-746-2159.
• Infant car seat/carrier "on My Way" Model 207 and 492 made before July 27, 1997 by Evenflo Company can unexpectedly release the handle, causing the seat to flip forward and the infant to fall. CPSC knows of 89 injuries to children. Approximately 800,000 car seat/carriers are involved. People should call Evenflo Company at 800-203-2138 to get free repair.
• Mini-hammocks without spreader bars can twist around children's necks as they are getting into or out of the mini-hammock, resulting in strangulation and death. CPSC knows of 12 deaths to children in mini-hammocks. Approximately 3 million such mini-hammocks without spreader bars were recalled in 1996. People should return the mini-hammocks to the store or destroy them.

"CPSC sometimes learns of deaths or serious injuries caused by previously recalled products. We want to prevent these needless tragedies," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "We urge people to get CPSC's list of recalls and check for old products that could be hazardous."

CPSC's toll-free telephone hotline (800-638-2772) and Website provide information about recalled products and information on what to look for when buying products.

To get a list of major recalls, send a postcard to "Recall List," CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.