Recall: First Alert True Fit Safety Gates Recalled by BRK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 29, 1998 Release # 99-044

Company Phone Number: (888) 777-5599 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063

CPSC, BRK Announce Recall of First Alert True Fit Safety Gates

WASHINGTON, D.C In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BRK Brands Inc., of Aurora, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 36,800 safety gates sold under the First Alert True Fit brand name. Plastic parts of the gate can break off into small pieces, creating a potential choking hazard to young children. In some cases, when parts break off, the gate will no longer be secure.

BRK has received more than one thousand reports of plastic parts including bumpers, hinges, and parts of the handle breaking, sometimes into small pieces. BRK has received six reports of children having broken pieces in their mouths. No choking incidents were reported.

All First Alert True Fit safety gates (model CSSG1) are being recalled. A label on each gate identifies it as "First Alert Model CSSG1." The gate is an expandable, pressure- mounted child security gate that also can be installed with screw-mounted hinges for a walk-through style gate. The gate is made of off-white plastic with a gray handle on top of the gate. One version of the gate fits openings from 28 inches to 47 inches wide; another version fits openings from 29.5 inches to 46 inches wide.

Toys R Us, Hills and other stores sold the gates nationwide beginning in October 1996 for about $35.

Consumers should stop using these gates immediately and call BRK toll-free at (888) 777-5599 (available 24 hours a day) to obtain a refund.

In September 1997, BRK recalled the First Alert True Fit safety gates (model CSSG1) made from October 1996 through May 1997 and offered a free replacement gate to all owners. BRK is now recalling all First Alert True Fit safety gates (model CSSG1), including the replacement gates, for a full purchase price refund. BRK no longer manufactures child safety gates.