Keep the Hottest Gaming Consoles Cool All Year Long | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Video game consoles are always popular gifts for the holiday season. Retailers are reporting they can’t keep the latest and greatest gaming devices on their shelves.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is releasing information on how to keep gaming devices from overheating.

Since 2000, the CPSC has received reports on 226 incidents involving electronic game systems. 107 of those reports indicated some form of overheating or fire, including 15 cases of injury.

To promote safe use of these devices the CPSC offers the following tips:

• “Read the owners manual for information on how to install and use the gaming device.
•  Do not place the system on soft surfaces, such as a bed, sofa or carpeting that can block   ventilation openings.
•  Do not place the system in confined areas, such as an entertainment unit, bookcase or rack, unless the space is well ventilated.
•  Do not install the system near heat sources, such as heat registers, radiators or heaters.
•  Do not overload electrical sockets with too many devices.
•  Do not expose the system to extreme heat or cold.
•  Keep the system on a level surface.
•  Turn the system off when not in use.
•  Unplug the system in the event of storms or severe weather.
•  Never use a game system with a damaged power supply cord.
•  Only use attachments that are specified as compatible by the manufacturer.”

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury you can call this toll free number 1-800-638-2772 or you can report it the CPSC on-line.

If you or a family member  has suffered a serious injury as a result of an unsafe product, you can call us (202) 463-3030 or you can email the attorneys at Regan Zambri & Long.