Local television stations will stop broadcasting analog TV signals as of February 17, 2009. If you have an analog television that relies on an antenna to receive over-the-air channels, you will need a converter box. Visit this site to apply for a $40.00 coupon to put towards the purchase of a converter box or call (888)388-2009 for more information.
Automobile Repair Reference CenterAuto repair procedures for approximately 21,000 vehicles. Includes photos and diagrams.
Home Improvement Reference CenterVisit the Home Improvement Reference Center for all types of fix-it information, including every room in the house, roofing, siding, electrical repairs, plumbing and much more.
Small Engine Repair Reference CenterSmall Engine Repair includes a wealth of information on repairs of all terrain vehicles, generators and other small engines, marine and boat motors, motorcycles, outdoor power equipment, personal water craft, snowmobiles and tractors.
At Car Fax, you can put in a car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and search for vehicle history, i.e. car accidents.
Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyVehicle crash test data from insurance industry researchers.
Kelley Blue Book – New & Used ValuesAt Kelley Blue Book, research new car values, make comparisons, and find a dealer. Find used car values, link to Car Fax to get vehicle history, sell or find a used car.
National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationThis government web site has NHTSA research results on car safety tests & recalls. Handy links to info on seat belts, air bags and car seats.
Safercar.govFive-star crash tests and rollover ratings from government tests.
BBB of RI serves the consumers and businesses of RI. You can link to the National BBB site from here. An important dimension of BBB’s work is to help resolve marketplace disputes by bringing buyers and sellers together. BBB reports provide information on over two million organizations. If you think that a company or charity has treated you unfairly, file a complaint online. BBB will contact the organization to help resolve the issue.
BBB of RI serves the consumers and businesses of RI. You can link to the National BBB site from here. An important dimension of BBB’s work is to help resolve marketplace disputes by bringing buyers and sellers together. BBB reports provide information on over two million organizations. If you think that a company or charity has treated you unfairly, file a complaint online. BBB will contact the organization to help resolve the issue.
Consumer Information CenterSince 1970, the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) has been a trusted one-stop shop for answers to questions about consumer problems and government services. Consumers can get the information they need through printed publications, by calling 1 (800) FED INFO, and through information posted on FCIC's family of websites.
Consumer WorldThe most comprehensive directory of consumer products and information on the Web. Not annotated. Over 2000 resources: check an airfare, find an ATM machine, file a consumer complaint with a state agency, read hundreds of consumer booklets, find a low rate credit card or mortgage, look up the wholesale price of a car, locate a Better Business Bureau, find a toll-free number, contact a company's customer service department, comparison shop for bargains, check stock quotes or CD rates, or read a movie review. Created by Edgar Dworsky, noted consumer advocate.
Energy Starhttp://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index
The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency team up to offer a site loaded with tips and instructions on saving energy through the energy star program. This site includes information on insulating, buying energy star appliances, heating and cooling system maintenance. Also included is a list of builders of Energy Star Qualified Homes in each state.
Rhode Island Contractor's Registration and Licensing Board
Consumers may search this website for contractor information including viewing the Unregistered Contractor's List, checking a contractor's record, or checking a commercial roofer's record. A customer can also file a claim against a contractor using the Dispute Resolution Process.
Nolo Press publishes legal books for the layperson. On this website, Nolo has created a legal encyclopedia with various handy consumer links. Under Consumer & Travel, Nolo answers FAQs about subjects such as insurance, telephone companies, and identity theft.
National Consumer Law CenterThis organization provides information on the legal problems commonly faced by low income consumers, including surviving debt, credit, mortgages, foreclosure, utility payments, scams, and more.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. This web site allows the consumer to find information about recalls, CPSC publications and instructions on how to file a complaint.
Inspection Service (USDA) Recall CenterThe FSIS is the public health agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. At this site, you can check information on food recalls, food education information, and get consumer fact sheets on safe food handling.
