July 2, 2003
Name
of product:
SOIREEŽ and Soft n' WarmŽ Electric Blankets
Units: About 18,000
Manufacturer: Perfect Fit Industries, of Charlotte, N.C.
Hazard: These blankets can overheat, posing a risk of burn injuries to
consumers, especially when the blanket is folded or bunched.
Description: The recalled electric blankets are the SOIREEŽ (only those
sold at Belk stores) and Soft n' WarmŽ (only sold at K-mart), both of which
were sold in king, queen, full and twin sizes. At Belk, the electric blankets
were sold only in ivory color and at K-mart they were sold in ivory, light blue
and hunter green colors. The model name appears on the packaging, but not on
the blanket. Both models have a UL warning label and a permanent label that
reads "Perfect Fit" and "Shell Made in China. Wired and Closed
in U.S.A." The Soft n' WarmŽ model has a date code ranging from 02228
through 02305 printed on a warning label on the foot of the blanket.
Sold at: K-mart and Belk stores nationwide sold the electric blankets
from September 2002 through February 2003 for between $40 (twin size) and $200
(king size).
Remedy: Firm is providing a free replacement blanket, but consumers
should unplug the recalled units immediately.
Consumer Contact: Call the company at (877) 882-9478 between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.