This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Big Four” of 2004, when, for the first time in recorded history, four hurricanes struck the Florida coast in one year. Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne caused an estimated $45 billion in damage, the costliest U.S. Atlantic hurricane season on record at that time.
Flooding is the Nation’s costliest and deadliest natural disaster, affecting every state in the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), storm surge poses the greatest threat to life and property along U.S. coasts.
Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the NHC, stated, “Hurricanes and flooding can pose serious risks to your family and property. By making a plan and taking preventive actions, you can get ahead of the storm and protect what matters to you.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7249151-national-hurricane-center-flash-flood-preparedness-2014-hurricane-season/
In December 2012, we posted an OnSafety blog, warning of furniture, television and appliance-related tip-over incidents. At that time, CPSC reported nearly 350 deaths, most involving young children. Since then, more than 80 people have died when a dresser, TV, bookcase, table, appliance or other large item tipped over and fell on them. A new report from our staff indicates that 430 tragic deaths occurred between 2000 and 2013, and an estimated 38,000 annual injuries, many of which were serious, from 2011 through 2013.
In most of the incidents, a child was crushed by the product or struck on the head by the product. What is remarkable is the number of families who have turned tragedy into advocacy. Jackie Collas, a Philadelphia-area resident, is using social media to honor her son, Curren, and encourage parents to anchor their furniture. Lisa Seifert of Chicago created Shane’s Foundation to honor her precious son and to increase awareness, education and safety.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7085251-cpsc-reports-430-tip-over-deaths-anchor-it-and-protect-a-child/
In a departure from the long-held industry tradition of feature wars, Whirlpool brand today announced the launch of Every day, care™, a campaign about changing the perception of how people view the daily chores necessary to care for one’s family. Too often these simple acts of cooking, cleaning and washing feel tedious and insignificant, when in fact they play a huge role in shaping the people we love and the world we live in.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7318751-whirlpool-announced-launch-of-every-day-take-the-chore-out-of-household-responsibilities/
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed sweeping regulations that would require states to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity sector by an average of 30 percent nationally. This costly plan is another step in the administration's policies designed to eliminate low cost and reliable electricity and replace it with more expensive and less reliable sources.
"The rule is a stunning attempt to remake the nation's entire electric grid at great cost to households and businesses across the US. Our manufacturing base will become less competitive because of higher electricity prices. The impact of this regulation will be felt by families as they will spend more to heat and cool their homes. Those on fixed incomes and seniors will be forced to pay a disproportionately higher share of their monthly budget on utilities," said Hal Quinn, president and CEO, National Mining Association."
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7221731-national-mining-association-americans-electricity-bill-increase-due-to-epa-regulations/
When it comes to choosing a washbasin and faucet for your bathroom, you are faced with a seemingly endless variety. But which faucet looks best with which basin? And what spout height and reach should I choose for a given basin? Answers to all these questions and more are provided by a new app called GROHE BestMatch™. This unique online configurator requires only a few clicks to identify the optimal combination of basin and faucet. Ensuring an attractive overall look, maximum comfort and a perfect flow of water has never been easier.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/72762594-grohe-bestmatch-washbasin-faucet/
Wiping up finger paint and tackling juice spills is a routine every parent has down pat. Yet they may find themselves playing hide-and-seek with the invisible things little hands leave behind—like bacteria and viruses. Germs stick to all types of surfaces, and kids spread them to more places than you can imagine.
To track down where germs linger, The Clorox Company and global public health organization NSF International conducted a study in homes of families with young children. Researchers analyzed 100 samples from five commonly-touched surfaces, and found bacteria or viruses on all five of the surfaces tested, from the kitchen to the common area to the bathroom, with the bathroom sink being one of the surfaces with the most germs. In fact, the study results found that four times as many households had bathroom sinks that were germier than kitchen countertops.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7359251-clorox-and-nsf-study-shows-which-surfaces-have-most-germs-in-homes-with-kids
KitchenAid, known for its iconic stand mixer and other kitchen essentials, is expanding its cookware and bakeware collections with new pieces and multi-piece sets that make great gifts for cooks of all levels. Further details about the products listed below can be found at www.KitchenAid.com/Kitchenware.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7283151-kitchenaid-expands-kitchenware-gifts-cookware-and-bakeware-collections/
Beginning a new chapter in its celebrated history as an American product design innovator, KitchenAid is unveiling a dramatically designed major appliance collection available in stainless steel, black, white and black stainless steel, an industry first.
Reflecting visual cues from its best known product, the iconic stand mixer, the new collection is wholly original yet uniquely identifiable as the KitchenAid brand. It will be the brand's first collection to launch globally, with U.S. availability starting in April of 2015.
“Our goal with the new line was to amplify the design and craftsmanship that separate KitchenAid from its increasingly non-differentiated competitors,” said Cynthia Soledad, Senior Director of KitchenAid. “In doing so, we're reaffirming our leadership in creating products that are valued equally for how they work and look.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7414131-kitchenaid-new-major-appliances/
Last winter was one of the harshest, hitting millions of Americans with spikes in their winter utility bills. Unfortunately, here we are, one year later, facing yet another polar vortex. Meteorologists predict some of the coldest blasts of frigid temperatures over the next several days, which has energy experts worried about the impact on consumers’ utility bills, as well as on the reliability of the electric grid we all depend on.
As Polar Vortex 2015 moves across the country, consumers could face spikes in electricity bills, with seniors on fixed incomes and lower income Americans hit the hardest. According to a recent survey, high energy prices already have forced more than 40 percent of low-income seniors to go without needed medical or dental care, and even to skip meals or shut off the heat on cold days.
It may seem odd to be predicting another energy price spike since oil, natural gas and coal prices have all fallen recently. But it’s not the market that will be driving prices higher. It’s politics.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7221731-national-mining-association-americans-electricity-bill-increase-due-to-epa-regulations/
Tornado and high winds are some of the most destructive forces of nature. While tornadoes are frequent in the Great Plains, South, and Midwest, there is no state in the country that isn’t at risk. As the nation’s largest property insurer, State Farm wants to make sure you and your family are prepared for the destructive and potentially deadly force of a tornado.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7452831-state-farm-weather-preparedness/
