CPSC Uses Social Media To Keep Consumers Safe

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The latest warnings and recalls could soon be shot straight to your hip—on your mobile device.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is turning to social media to get its message out faster—and to more people.

The CPSC is now on YouTube, Twitter, Flickr and posting podcasts.

Consumers can follow them on Twitter at @onsafety—and get their updates on the recalls and warnings on everything from appliances to baby products.

The tools have provided the group with a new chance to reach a new audience.

“You’re going to reach a lot of the right people fast,” said Chris Johnson, a social media consultant.

Johnson sees the power of social media and how quickly you distribute your message to thousands or millions of consumers.
“If you’re on Twitter and you have 2,500 followers and you tweet something—and 50 of your people retweet it, that’s still thousands and thousands of people who hopefully will be aware of whatever product they are trying to warn people about,” Johnson said.

The CPSC is in charge of notifying consumers about warnings and recalls on products that can hurt the public.

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