Travel Alert: India
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens about heightened security concerns in India, and advises U.S. citizens traveling to or already in India to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Travel Alert expires on December 31, 2008.
There are heightened security concerns in India following the November 26 terrorist attacks on hotels, a railway station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations in Mumbai frequented by Westerners. Over 100 persons are believed to have been killed, and hundreds injured. Casualties include both Indian and foreign nationals. Americans appear to have been among those specifically targeted. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and take prudent security measures, including maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel documents are current. Read more
Travel Alert: Thailand
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the continuing large-scale political demonstrations in Thailand that have resulted in the disruption of services as well as isolated incidents of violence. At this time, Bangkok’s international and domestic airports have ceased flight operations due to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protests at those locations. It is unclear when normal flight operations will resume. Americans in Thailand should avoid travel to these airports until airport operations return to normal. Americans in Thailand, or who have plans to travel to or transit Thailand, should monitor local media and contact airlines for the latest departure/arrival information. This Travel Alert will expire on December 1, 2008.
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Read more
Recall: Stainless Steel Stockpots – Century Cookware – Burn Hazard
Name of Product: Century Cookware Stainless Steel Stockpots
Units: About 7,000
Importer: Ocean State Jobbers Inc., of North Kingstown, R.I.
Hazard: The stainless steel pots have metal handles that can detach during use, posing a serious burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Ocean State Jobbers has received one report of the handles breaking off a pot and causing a burn injury. Read more
Recall: Infant Denim Pants – Arizona – Sold at JCPenney – Choking Hazard
Name of Product: Arizona® Newborn and Infant Denim Pants
Units: About 24,000
Importer: JCPenney Co., of Plano, Texas
Hazard: The metal snap at the waist can detach posing a choking hazard to infants.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Read more
Recall: Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner – DuPont – Leaking Cap Can Cause Severe Skin Irritation
Name of Product: Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner Bottles
Units: About 20,000
Manufacturer: DuPont, of Wilmington, Del.
Hazard: Pressure can build up in a full or nearly full bottle of the acidic cleaner when it is stored in elevated temperatures over an extended period of time, which can result in the cleaner leaking from underneath the cap. If the product comes into contact with skin, it can cause severe skin irritation.
Incidents/Injuries: Lowe’s has received two reports of leaking bottles at two different Lowe’s stores. One consumer reported temporary skin irritation. Another consumer reported skin peeling. Read more
Vehicle Recall: 2007 Mercedes Benz S-Class
Travel Warning: Nepal
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Nepal and urges caution when traveling in country. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal and urges American citizens to obtain updated security information before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans on short notice. This replaces the Travel Warning for Nepal dated May 7, 2008 and updates safety and security information following the formation of the coalition government in August, 2008.
Despite the recent smooth transition of government, some unrest remains. The Young Communist League (YCL), a Maoist Party subgroup, continues to engage in extortion, abuse, and threats of violence, particularly in rural areas. Youth groups from the other two main political parties, the Nepali Congress (NC) and the United Marxist-Leninist Party (UML), have also formed and clashes continue among these political rivals. Violent actions by multiple armed splinter groups in the Terai region along the southern border with India remain a significant concern. Read more
Travel Warning: Pakistan
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against non-essential travel to Pakistan in light of the threat of terrorist activity. This replaces the Travel Warning dated October 1, 2008, and updates information on security incidents, notes the temporary relocation of some employees from the US Consulate in Peshawar to Islamabad, and reminds U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.
The presence of Al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous sectarian groups poses a potential danger to American citizens, especially in the western border regions of Pakistan. Continuing tensions in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners in Pakistan. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans are known to congregate or visit, such as hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. U.S. Government personnel are not permitted to stay at or frequent major hotels in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. Government personnel have also been advised to restrict the number and frequency of trips to public markets, and to avoid public restaurants in Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar. Read more
Motorcoach Recall: 2008-2009 Prevost H3-41, H3-45, X3-45
Recall: Bead Maze Toys – ImagiPlay – Laceration Hazard
Name of Product: Bead Maze Toys
Units: About 500
Importer: ImagiPLAY, of Boulder, Colo.
Hazard: The trees on the toys can detach, exposing a metal screw. This poses a laceration hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Read more