Underwriters Laboratories launched its mobile UL Safety Tour. The program is an interactive exhibit of high-tech demonstrations and challenges to engage and educate consumers on hidden household dangers. Tour stops will include schools and home product retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

"Public safety is the heart of UL's mission," said John Drengenberg, electrical engineer and consumer affairs manager for UL. "We take consumer education as seriously as we take testing products and developing safety standards. The Safety Tour will help visitors understand how common household products are put through the rigors of testing and how this testing helps minimize dangers where we often feel the safest — at home."

The tour begins Nov. 3 in Evanston, Ill. The exhibit includes safety games for all ages, such as the "Look for the Mark Challenge" and "PASSMaster," a fire extinguisher demonstration game. Visitors also can watch actual safety testing demonstrations and help children work their way through the fire escape obstacle course.

Future tour stops are posted on the UL Safety Tour Web site. The calendar of stops will be updated throughout the year.