HARRISBURG, Pa. (Nov. 30) - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is alerting boaters to check their boat’s fire extinguisher to see if it’s one of nearly 40 million Kidde brand fire extinguishers which have been recalled. The recall involves 134 different models.
“Most boaters are preparing their boats for winter storage, so this is a good time to check the fire extinguisher to see if it’s been recalled,” said Col. Corey Britcher, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement. “Fire extinguishers are critical safety equipment. It is imperative that boaters make sure their fire extinguishers are safe to operate.”
These fire extinguishers were manufactured between Jan. 1, 1973, and Aug. 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white, and silver cylinder colors and are rated as either ABC or BC.
This product recall involves two styles of Kidde disposable fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and plastic push-button fire extinguishers. This recall does not include Kidde Professional or Badger branded fire extinguishers. Units with metal handles/valve assemblies are not included in the recall.
The PFBC and U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommend that all persons owning fire extinguishers to read the Coast Guard Safety Alert and access the appropriate links for specific recall information.
The PFBC also reminds boaters that are on the water during the winter months that they are required to wear life jackets from Nov. 1 through April 30 each year.
“During this time, life jackets must be worn on any boat less than 16 feet in length and on any canoe or kayak,” added Britcher. “This requirement is intended to protect boaters from the dangers of cold water shock if they fall into the water.”
The risk of an accident being fatal is significantly higher when the air and water temperatures are colder in late fall through spring. Over the last 15 years, cold-water incidents represented only eight percent of the boating-related accidents, but they resulted in 24 percent of the fatalities.
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Media Contact:
Eric Levis, Press Secretary
717.705.7806
elevis@pa.gov