NYS Consumer Protection Board Issues Consumer Tips For Memorial Day
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The NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) extends wishes for a happy, healthy and safe Memorial Day weekend by reminding consumers about the holiday’s meaning and by offering safety practices and information. Whether you are celebrating the weekend by traveling, grilling, shopping or swimming, the CPB has the answers to many of your questions!
“While Memorial Day is an important time for remembrance and gratitude to those who have given their lives for our country, for many, this day also represents an extra day off from work and school and is the start of the summer season,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “Consumers should not let their guard down while they are enjoying their time off. People can turn to the CPB for reliable expertise on important information, tips and tools so that they may enjoy themselves.”
Consumers wishing to learn about the following or to access additional consumer guidance are urged to visit the CPB’s website at
www.nysconsumer.gov.
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Gas Saving Tips - The CPB is taking steps to empower consumers by providing gas-saving tips, as the national average price of a gallon of gas continues to climb to record-breaking heights. Our Gas Saving Tips can help consumers maximize their money and save at the gas pump.
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Grilling and Barbecue Safety - According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 6,500 fires occur each year as a result of grilling, and of these, over 70% occur in residential settings. To help keep your summer grilling safe and delicious, the CPB offers these tips.
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You Are What You Eat Food Terminology Brochure - The CPB’s Guide to Food Terminology, Purchasing and Related Consumer Information, created with the assistance of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets provides educational information about food product labeling in an effort to help consumers make wise dietary and expenditure decisions in the supermarket.
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Tips for the Savvy Shopper – A Recipe for Smart Shopping - Part of the CPB’s Food Basket, the “recipe” for smart shopping provides helpful information to assist consumers in saving time and money, and helps consumers assure they’re getting quality products.
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Safety in the Water - With pool season unofficially opening during Memorial Day Weekend, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is unfortunately reporting that there has been an increase in the number of child drownings. On average, 283 children younger than 5 drown in pools and spas each year (and these tragic incidents mostly involve 1-2 year olds). This is up from a yearly average of 267 in previous years. The CPSC has confirmed that they already have 30 ACTIVE investigations of child drownings open in May 2008. Our Safety in the Water tips can help consumers avoid tragedy.
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Yard Work Safety Tips - The CPSC estimates that more than one-hundred thousand people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with power lawn and garden tools, including lawnmowers each year. Check out the CPB’s safety guide.
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Playground Safety - The CPSC estimates that there are more than 156,000 injuries annually on public playgrounds across the country requiring emergency room treatment. By following the recommended guidelines presented on the CPB website, consumers can reduce the potential for injury and create a safer playground environment for all children.
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Tips for the Wise Consumer - Shopping in retail establishments, especially with holiday special sales, can be confusing for consumers. Learn how to be an empowered consumer through our Tips for the Wise Consumer.
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Consumer Tips for Online Shopping - According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, online retail sales totaled over $100 billion last year. The Internet offers many benefits that are not available in a store or mall. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and allows users to shop from the comfort of their homes. Nevertheless, shopping online is not without risk. This brochure offers tips and advice to help ensure that any transactions you make online are safe and secure.
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Sustainable Household Cleaning Solutions - Choosing nontoxic products to clean will make your household safer for your family while helping to preserve the environment. Here is a list of the most common, inexpensive homemade cleaners. Follow all safety guidelines and protect your skin and eyes while cleaning so as not to cause irritation.
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The NYS CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank.
The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product
recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the “Do Not Call” law; researching issues; developing
legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing
voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and
federal agencies.
To file a consumer
complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free
hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at
www.nysconsumer.gov. In
addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important
consumer safety information. To join the CPB’s Do Not Call Reminder list,
send an e-mail to
CPB's Do Not Call Reminder list
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