AARP Hearing Center
A variety of smoke and combination smoke-carbon monoxide alarms manufactured by Kidde were recalled for failing to alert consumers about potential fires, according to a notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Recalled Devices
Smoke alarms:
- 2040-DSR
- 2050-DS10
- 2060-ASR
- 2070-VDSR
- 2070-VASR
Combo smoke-carbon monoxide:
- 2070-VDSCR
- 2070-VASCR
Sources: CPSC, Kidde
An estimated 226,000 recalled devices were sold at Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, Amazon and other retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from May 2019 through September 2020. The alarms were priced between $10 and $70.
The recalled units are part of Kidde Model Series 2040, 2050, 2060 and 2070 Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms. However, only alarms with the “TruSense” logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on the front of the alarm are included in the recall. The model number is printed on the back of the alarm.
Consumers who own one or more of the recalled alarms can file claims with Kidde to get free replacement alarms at kiddetsalarmrecall.rsvpcomm.com. There have been no incidents or injuries reported as a result of the defective alarms. Recalled alarms should continue to be used, the CPSC advises, until they can be replaced.
Consumers with additional questions may contact Kidde toll-free at 844-796-9972 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday or online at kiddetsalarmrecall.rsvpcomm.com or
kidde.com and click on “Support” and then “Product Alerts” for more information.
Older adults at greater risk of dying in fires
From 2009 through 2018, the fire death rate for adults ages 65 to 74 increased by 16 percent to 25.4 deaths per million. The risk of older adults in this age group dying from a fire is 2.2 times that of the general population, according to 2018 data from the U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
People age 85 and older have the highest fire death rate (44.8 per million), while those ages 50-54 have the highest fire injury rate (63.8 per million), the U.S. Fire Administration said.
Poor eyesight, hearing loss, arthritis, dementia and the side effects of medication are among the factors that can make it more difficult for people to react to a fire as they get older. Therefore, it is especially important for older adults to follow fire safety prevention guidelines in their homes, including ensuring that smoke detectors are in working order.
