In a shocking turn of events, Naperville, Illinois-based Fortress Safe has issued a recall for approximately 61,000 biometric gun safes due to a severe safety concern. The recall, announced in collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), was prompted by a potentially lethal malfunction. Astonishingly, this flaw could grant unauthorized access to the firearms stored inside these safes, posing a significant risk to households.
Alarming Default Mode Vulnerability
The heart of the issue lies in the default open mode of these safes. Despite owners believing they had properly programmed the fingerprint feature granting exclusive access, the safes remained vulnerable. Even children could exploit this flaw, gaining access to the safe and its hazardous contents, including firearms. Tragically, a recent lawsuit detailed the heartbreaking account of a 12-year-old boy who accessed a firearm inside one of these safes, resulting in a fatal outcome, as reported by CPSC.
Incidents Multiply: Urgent Action Required
The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent considering the 39 reported incidents where these safes were accessed with unpaired fingerprints. This alarming trend highlights the urgency of the recall, urging all owners to take immediate action to prevent potential accidents and tragedies within their homes.
Models Affected and Nationwide Impact
Nine models are affected by this recall, including popular ones like the Fortress Portable Safe with Biometric Lock, sold through various retailers such as Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Lowe’s. These safes made their way into American households through multiple avenues, including e-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay. The sales spanned from January 2019 to October 2023, with prices ranging from $44 to $290.
CPSC’s Urgent Advisory and Manufacturer’s Response
The CPSC issued a stern advisory to all owners, emphasizing the immediate cessation of biometric feature usage. Owners are urged to remove the batteries and resort to using the physical key if firearms are stored inside the safe. Fortress Safes has stepped up, offering clear instructions to disable the flawed biometric feature and providing free replacement safes to affected consumers. Despite these developments, Fortress Safe has yet to respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital about the recall, leaving many questions unanswered.
Root Cause: China-Based Manufacturing
This alarming situation has its roots in the manufacturing process. All the recalled safes were manufactured in China and subsequently imported and distributed by Xpedition LLC, operating as Fortress Safe. The widespread distribution across various reputable stores nationwide amplified the scale of this safety hazard, necessitating swift and comprehensive action.
In light of this concerning revelation, consumers are advised to promptly check their safes, heed the recall warnings, and take the necessary steps to ensure their families’ safety. Authorities and manufacturers alike are urging vigilance and swift action, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the collective responsibility to prevent further tragedies.
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