Britax

NEW ISOFLEX™ FLEXIBLE LOWER LATCH CONNECTION SYSTEM ON NEW BRITAX® PARKWAY® SGL

— BRITAX Parkway® SGL offers advanced protection to children and reduces risk of injury for others in vehicle —

A new belt-positioning booster seat from BRITAX® — the Parkway® SGL — introduces the ISOFLEXTM Flexible Lower LATCH Connection System. The ISOFLEX system secures the booster seat to the vehicle in seconds with only two clicks and a pull, which stabilizes it during a crash and prevents it from becoming a projectile when not in use. The Parkway SGL can be easily converted into a backless booster, and accommodates children 40 pounds and 38 inches up to 120 pounds and 63 inches.

In addition to the ISOFLEX system, the Parkway SGL is equipped with several other unique BRITAX safety features that offer children protection from all sides. When used with the seat back, True Side Impact Protection® — a combination of deep side walls and an adjustable head restraint lined with energy-absorbing EPS foam — works to transfer energy away from the child during a side impact crash to limit injury. Approximately one in four of all motor vehicle crashes that involve children occur from the side, and these crashes result in a significantly higher injury rate than front or rear crashes, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The SecureGuard™ Seat BRITAX Inc. Parkway SGL news release Page 2

Belt Anchor also helps prevent the child from sliding under the lap-belt portion of the safety belt (submarining) during impact, thus minimizing the risk of abdominal injury.

“While a belt-positioning booster is intended to keep children who have graduated from their harnessed safety seats safe, it also has potential to become a projectile when it’s not being used,” said Claudia Prager, product manager at BRITAX. “That’s why we developed the Parkway SGL with the ISOFLEX system, which secures the seat in the vehicle in seconds with two clicks and a pull to stabilize the seat in the event of a crash.”

Designed to help caregivers use the Parkway SGL correctly each and every time, the seat offers a number of comfort and ease-of-use features. High-density comfort foam provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion the child and armrests help provide a secure fit and a comfortable place to rest tired arms. A quick-adjust mechanism easily adjusts the head restraint, while color-coded vehicle belt guides help caregivers correctly position the vehicle seat belt. Additionally, the seat features retractable cup holders to hold the child’s beverage or snacks and a removable cover for easy cleaning.

The Parkway SGL meets and exceeds all standards of compliance currently mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for such substances as phthalates and lead content. It will be available in four fashions at independent and mass retailers in November 2010. Its suggested retail price is $149.99.

Toys"R"Us

FAO SCHWARZ® OFFERS HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FOUR “EXPERIENCES OF A LIFETIME” THROUGH AUCTION TO BENEFIT TOYS FOR TOTS

FAO Schwarz®, best known for the one-of-kind shopping experiences and enchanting memories it provides its customers, is building upon that legacy with its “Experiences of a Lifetime” online auction at FAO.com.

One hundred percent of winning auction bids will be directed to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to give children in need gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning. Winning bidders will receive a special keepsake, representative of their respective prize package, that they can present as a holiday gift, sent in time to tuck under the Christmas tree.

The auction offers the highest-bidding Disney aficionado, Nickelodeon® music buff, Smurf™ fan and FAO Schwarz® enthusiast a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the brands and products they love to life, while helping to make the holidays magical for less fortunate children.

More families can donate to Toys for Tots by visiting FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue in New York City and the approximately 10 FAO Schwarz holiday pop-up locations across the country that are now accepting new, unwrapped toys through December 5 and cash through Christmas Eve. The stores showcase Toys for Tots signage featuring the tagline “Share the Joy,” encouraging holiday shoppers to support this special initiative.

Kidde

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Begins in California

California’s fourth annual Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week began Sunday, November 7, and the California Safe Homes Coalition is urging families to help protect themselves from this deadly gas.

Odorless, colorless and tasteless, carbon monoxide is called the “Silent Killer” and is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While often considered a “cold weather state” hazard, CO poisoning can strike anyone at anytime, anywhere. The California Air Resources Board reports that each year, CO poisoning sends up to 700 Californians to the emergency room, and results in up to thousands of avoidable illnesses. Initial symptoms mimic the flu and can include dizziness, headache, nausea and disorientation.

“There have been instances in California when people had flu-like symptoms, but felt considerably better after leaving their house. That doesn’t happen with the flu, so it is a tell-tale sign that they may have had CO poisoning,” said Kevin Nida, president of the California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA). Along with the CSFA, other Coalition supporters include AARP, Kidde, as well as nonprofit organizations and health and safety advocates.

U.S. Census data shows 74 percent of California households use some form of fossil fuel, such as natural gas, fuel oil, or kerosene as a heat source — all of which generate carbon monoxide. When fuel-burning appliances, like a furnace or water heater, malfunction or are improperly vented, the gas can quickly build up in the home. Running a generator or other gas-powered engine inside an attached garage or enclosed space also can cause CO poisoning.

“Before the weather turns cooler, residents should schedule an inspection of fuel-burning appliances to make sure they work properly," said David Pacheco, AARP California President. “It is also important to install a CO alarm on every level of their home and near sleeping areas. A working CO alarm is the only safe way to detect carbon monoxide in your home.”

A new state law will help prevent future incidents by requiring CO alarms in most California homes. It goes into effect next year. But coalition members remind consumers: protect your family today.

“Carbon monoxide alarms are available throughout California,” said Chris Rovenstine, director of marketing and sales for Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products. “Installation is simple. Some plug into an electrical outlet, while others mount on a wall. Combination models, like the Intelligent Alarm, offer protection from fire and CO in one unit.”

When choosing an alarm, look for the “UL-listed” logo to certify that it meets third-party standards. CO alarms can cost less than $20 each.

In addition to installing CO alarms, the Coalition offers these safety tips:
- Never leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
- Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
- Never use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate one outdoors near a window where fumes could seep inside.
- Install and operate fuel-burning appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Have them and a home’s heating system inspected annually by a licensed professional.
- Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
- Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
- Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.
- Replace CO alarms every five to seven years.

To learn more about carbon monoxide safety or for additional information on CO Awareness Week, visit www.CASafeHomes.org.

About CO Awareness Week
Passed by California’s legislature in 2007, CO Awareness Week encourages all schools, fire departments, and other organizations to do their part to educate families about carbon monoxide poisoning.

About CA Safe Homes Coalition
The California Safe Homes Coalition was formed to bring together organizations who support continued education and awareness on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of CO alarms, and who are committed to educating families on ways to help keep their family and home safer.