Weather Radios Recalled by Midland Weather Radios

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued October 20, 1999
Revised November 16, 2004
Release # 00-007a 		Company Phone Number: (816) 241-8500
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

Note: Phone number change.

CPSC & Midland Consumer Radio Recall Weather Radios

PRODUCT: Midland Weather Radios - Midland Consumer Radio Inc., of Kansas City, Mo., is recalling 9,000 weather radios. Only model 74-200 radios that have a serial number beginning with 904 or 905 are being recalled. The model and serial numbers are found on the bottom of the unit. The digital radio measures about 7.75 inches long, 5 inches wide and 2 inches high, and is made of black plastic. "MIDLAND SAME DIGITAL WEATHER/HAZARD ALERT MONITOR" is written on the top of the radio. This radio has a specific area message encoder (SAME) to sound alerts for an entire weather service broadcast area or for up to 15 selected areas. The radio has a battery backup, antenna, built-in alarm clock, digital message display for 56 types of watches or warnings, and alert status lights for statement, watch, or warning. Electronic, hardware, mass merchandise stores and truck stops nationwide sold the radios from May 1999 through August 1999 for about $70. Other Midland weather radios are not involved in this recall.

PROBLEM: The radio contains a programming error, which can cause the device to fail to recognize certain signals broadcast by the National Weather Service. Consumers could fail to receive some National Weather Service notices advising of a severe weather threat putting lives and property at risk.

Picture of Weather Radio


INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

WHAT TO DO: Immediately return the recalled radio to the store where purchased to receive a new model 74-200 radio that has been programmed correctly. Consumers also can return the radio directly to Midland Consumer Radio, 1670 North Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64120 for replacement. For more information, call the company at (816) 241-8500 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.