August 21, 2003

Academy Sports and Outdoors Announces Recall of Propane Heaters

Name of product: Timber Creek Propane Heaters

Units: About 40,400

Manufacturer: Academy Sports and Outdoors, of Katy, Texas

Hazard: The heaters can emit high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning to consumers if used indoors.

Description: The heaters have a 6 inch heat reflector and operate with a disposable 16.4-ounce or 14.1-ounce propane tank, sold separately. The product has a chrome neck, a black "on/off" switch, and a black plastic base that houses the propane cylinder.

Sold at: "Academy Sports and Outdoors" stores exclusively sold the heaters in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas from Sept. 2001 through May 2003 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Return the heaters to any Academy Store for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Academy stores at (800) 577-8684 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www2.academy.com/MktgContent.nsf/0/FC1975DCD1FFA74186256D8100721C9B/?OpenDocument.