September 30, 1997

BRK Announces Recall of First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates

BRK Brands Inc. of Aurora, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates. Plastic parts of the gate can break off into small pieces, creating a potential choking hazard to young children.

BRK has received over 200 reports of plastic parts, including bumpers, hinges and handle pieces breaking off, sometimes into small pieces.

First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates subject to this recall are all model CSSG1 gates made from October 1996 (10-96) through May 1997 (5-97). The model number and date manufactured are printed on a white warning label that also includes the manufacturer's name and address. 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. The gate fits openings from 28 inches to 47 inches wide. Toys R Us, Hills and other retail stores nationwide sold the gates beginning in October 1996 for about $35.

Consumers should stop using these gates immediately and call BRK toll-free at (888) 777-5599 anytime to obtain a free replacement gate.