Safe Kids Business Champions Program

Toy Industry Association

2011-03-31T15:05:00.003-04:00

Toy Industry Foundation Leaps into Spring with Philanthropic Events to Benefit Children in Need

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is “springing into action” this season with springtime activities that will benefit children who need the industry’s help the most.

Following a successful toy drive at the 108th International American Toy Fair, where more than $230,000 worth of product from 200 exhibitors was collected, TIF is traveling to South Carolina on April 13th to distribute a portion of those toys and games to more than 600 military youth stationed with their families at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child and honoring the strength, resilience and unique challenges of children adapting to their parent’s military obligations, the event marks the first in 2011 under the TIF/Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services Play Comforts partnership, which has reached nearly 10,000 military children since its launch in 2009.

“The Toy Industry Foundation is deeply committed to the military children who remain at home while their mothers and fathers bravely serve our country,” said TIF Executive Director Jean Butler. “We’re happy to provide new toys and games … a few refreshments … a fun afternoon … and most important, a break from the routine to just focus on playing and being kids.” On Friday, May 13th, TIF will continue its springtime philanthropic efforts, partnering once more with My Stuff Bags Foundation to celebrate National Foster Care Month at the third annual Do Good Stuff-a-thon. The yearly event aims to make a difference in the lives of the estimated 300,000 children in America who enter the foster care system on an annual basis.

Volunteers from the toy industry – from manufacturers to licensors – will join forces at the My Stuff Bags volunteer center in Westlake Village, California, to assemble 5,000 My Stuff bags with items such as handmade blankets, clothing, toiletries, and toys to be delivered to children in foster care across the country.

“These kids are rescued from abusive and neglectful living situations, and often leave their homes with few personal belongings other than the clothes on their backs,” said TIF Senior Manager Amanda McDorman. “Our My Stuff bags show the children just how many people care about them.”

To participate in the California Do Good Stuff-a-thon, contact Amanda McDorman (646-520-4878). For those who can’t be in attendance, a virtual Stuff-a-thon will allow toy companies and other “Do Good-ers” to participate in filling My Stuff Bags.

For more information about this and other Foundation activities, visit the ToyIndustryFoundation.org. Spring Trends & More at ToyInfo.org

New toy trend videos have “sprouted” on ToyInfo.org.

In Spring Outdoor Play and Easter Basket Egg-stravaganza, Toy Industry Association (TIA) trend expert Adrienne Appell shares some of the freshest spring products for boys and girls – from alternatives to sweet treats for Easter baskets to active toys that can be enjoyed in outdoor spaces.

ToyInfo.org is a one-stop resource for families looking for up-to-date toy safety tips, trend information, consumer toy news and everything else under the sun regarding toys and play. Trend videos are posted regularly, so don’t forget to check back often!

Toy Industry Association

2010-12-15T10:12:00.004-05:00

Toy Industry Foundation Brings Holiday Joy to Children in Florida, Cuba

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) kicked off the holiday season by delivering the gift of play to thousands of kids at recent toy distribution events in Florida and Cuba.

On November 16th, the TIF team traveled to Hillsborough County, Florida, to deliver duffel bags filled with toys, toiletries and other essential items to more than 100 local children in foster care at The Children’s Home. The distribution was made possible through TIF’s national partnership with My Stuff Bags, a charitable organization that provides hope to children suffering from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

TIF staff, along with representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Services, then traveled to MacDill Air Force Base on November 17th, for the largest Play Comforts toy distribution to date. About 4,000 children of military parents and 150 military volunteers received 5,500 toys, games and plush. Colonel Lenny Richoux, MacDill’s Commanding Officer, was on hand with his family to deliver opening remarks.

Finally, on December 4th, TIF and BGCA landed on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold a special Play Comforts holiday toy distribution for 300 children on the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, marking the first international event under the partnership. The TIF team participated in the annual holiday parade, where a stream of dozens of vehicles decorated with holiday regalia wound its way through the streets of Guantanamo Bay, tossing candy and gifts to thousands of onlookers. The parade culminated in a much-anticipated toy distribution held at the Lyceum Theatre.

Holiday cheer was shouted out by kids of all ages as commanding officer Captain Kirk Hibbert welcomed TIF executive director Jean Butler, who addressed the troops and their families. The gathering was the largest of its kind on the base, and each child, from toddler to teen, was able to take a home a toy of their choice.

“We work to share the joy of play with as many children as we can,” said Butler. “We are proud to give these kids a little something extra to smile about during the holidays.”

The Play Comforts TIF-BGCA partnership focuses on bringing the joy of toys and play to the children of military families on bases with high deployment rates. More than 25,000 children have been served since the initiative was launched during the 2009 holiday season with a toy distribution event at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Toys are generously donated by toy companies via The Toy Bank, the Foundation’s signature program.
Photos from the Guantanamo Bay distribution can be viewed on the TIF website.

Voting for TOTY Now Open at ToyAwards.org

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) recently launched a new website, ToyAwards.org, that invites kids of all ages to vote for their favorite toys through January 14th, 2011.
Selected from a pool of 70 nominees in 11 distinct categories, the winning toys will be announced Saturday February 12th, 2011, at the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards ceremony, which kicks off the 108th American International Toy Fair.

In addition to the consumer vote, ballots are open for retailers, media and members of the toy industry. Each will be weighted to determine the TOTY 2011 winners, including the coveted overall “Toy of the Year” Award.

Follow TOTY on Twitter at #TOTY11 and cast your vote online today at ToyAwards.org!
Holiday Toy Safety Tips & Trends

While safety is the number one priority of the U.S. toy industry year-round, TIA wants parents, grandparents, and other gift givers to be especially mindful this holiday season about choosing gifts that are appropriate for the ages and interests of the children in their lives.

In a video featured on ToyInfo.org, Joan Lawrence, TIA’s vice president of standards and regulatory affairs, shares some important toy safety tips to keep in mind when shopping for youngsters.

Also on ToyInfo.org, TIA trend specialist Reyne Rice discusses the hottest toys for the holidays.

For more information and updates about toys, play, toy safety and trends, be sure to check ToyInfo.org on a regular basis.

Toys"R"Us

2010-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

TOYS“R”US® SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO MILLIONS OF CHILDREN IN NEED BY SERVING AS THE HOLIDAY GIVING HEADQUARTERS FOR
TOYS FOR TOTS

Toys“R”Us, Inc. launched its seventh annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, during which the company will help spread Christmas cheer to some of the 14.1 million children in need in the United States.

Building on last year’s partnership with Shaquille O’Neal, the company has once again teamed with the four-time NBA Champion to invite customers to “Join Shaq Give Back.” As his holiday alter-ego Shaq-A-Claus, O’Neal will encourage shoppers to donate cash in Toys“R”Us® and Babies“R”Us® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots through Christmas Eve.

As the largest retail partner in the history of Toys for Tots, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has raised over $20 million and collected 2.7 million toys since the partnership began in 2004.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,560 stores, including 845 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, and more than 510 international stores and 200 licensed stores in 33 countries and jurisdictions.

In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products.

Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

Britax

2010-11-30T15:06:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-27T09:07:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-10T09:36:00.003-05:00

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.

Toy Industry Association

2010-10-28T08:59:00.000-04:00

Toy Industry Foundation to Launch the Holiday Season with a Toy Distribution for 5,000 Children at MacDill Air Force Base

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) continuously strives to put smiles on the faces of children in need, and this holiday season will be no exception, when TIF and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) launch the winter festivities with their largest toy distribution to date.

As part of the TIF-BGCA Play Comforts partnership – which focuses on bringing the joy of play to the children of military families on our nation’s bases with the highest deployment rates – the November 17th distribution will reach more than 5,000 children at Florida’s MacDill Air Force Base.

“Members of the toy industry are deeply committed to giving back to our military families who have made great sacrifices for our country,” said Jean Butler, Executive Director of TIF. “Children who are missing one or both parents because they are deployed on active duty are in special need of comfort. The toy industry and the TIF are pleased to provide these small gifts that will inspire the joy of play and help give these kids something to smile about.”

Brand new toys and games from the TIF’s Toy Bank – which receives thousands of toys, games, and plush products year-round from toy manufacturers, retailers and distributors from across the country – will be accepted by senior MacDill Air Force officials on behalf of the Air Force community.

“We are extraordinarily grateful for the Toy Industry Foundation’s continuous generosity,” said Terrill D. Wicks, BGCA’s Vice President of Military Services and International Projects. “Their unwavering support for our military youth is greatly appreciated.”

The Toy Industry Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy, comfort, and learning to children in need through toys and play. The Play Comforts campaign was launched during the 2009 holiday season and is the only known toy distribution program to support every branch of the U.S. military. By the end of 2010, TIF and BGCA will have donated 25,000 toys to military children through Play Comforts.

Toys"R"Us

2010-10-13T12:20:00.001-04:00

Toys“R”Us, Inc. Celebrates the 60th Anniversary Of Trick-Or-Treat For UNICEF

Toys“R”Us, Inc. has partnered with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. This well-known campaign encourages youth in America to help children around the world by collecting donations during the Halloween season while gathering treats for themselves.

Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores will serve as destinations for kids and families across the country to obtain the iconic Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes, available through October 30, while supplies last. In addition, customers can make monetary donations benefiting the U.S. Fund for UNICEF through October 30 at all “R”Us® locations nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/UNICEF. The dedicated microsite at Toysrus.com/UNICEF allows visitors to learn more about Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and features tips to keep kids safe on Halloween.

Toys“R”Us will also offer trick-or-treaters across the country the opportunity to design their very own Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box. On October 30, Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will hold the “Geoffrey’s Halloween Parade Featuring Crayola!” event. During this event and while supplies last, little ones can dress up in their Halloween costumes, get a spooky reusable bag, take part in festive activities around the store and decorate a special Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection box to coordinate with their costumes, so that their trick-or-treating experience is extra special this Halloween.

2010-09-01T09:16:00.002-04:00

Kidde Extinguisher Top Pick on ‘Today’ Show

Kidde’s 10B:C kitchen fire extinguisher came out on top in an unofficial test shown on NBC’s “Today” morning show recently.

Consumer Correspondent Janice Lieberman, working with the Worcester Fire Department at its training center in Massachusetts, tested various extinguishers’ performance on a kitchen grease fire - a common occurrence in the home. The show segment was based upon the results of a test conducted by America’s Test Kitchen and included the Kidde 10B:C extinguisher, the Home Hero and FirstAde 2000 extinguishers, and a fire blanket.

“More than 7 million viewers watch ‘Today’ each morning, and while this unofficial test shows the value and capability of our extinguisher in putting out a kitchen fire, most importantly, the segment helps to educate viewers about how extinguishers can help prevent loss of property or life,” said Chris Rovenstine, Director of Marketing and Sales for Kidde Residential & Commercial.

America's Test Kitchen is a half-hour cooking show distributed to public television stations in the United States and Canada that often test kitchen products for functionality and safety. The America's Test Kitchen results were published in the January 2010 issue of “Cooks Illustrated.” Kidde’s 10 B:C and the 1A-10B:C received “highly recommend” ratings in the original test.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires and fire injuries in America, and recommends homeowners place an extinguisher in the kitchen as additional protection. Kidde R&C offers a complete selection of fire extinguishers designed for different applications in many areas of the home.

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To see a list of Kidde fire extinguisher products, visit www.kidde.com.
To view the complete "Today" show segment, click here.

Toy Industry Association

2010-09-01T09:12:00.001-04:00

Toy Industry Foundation Brings “Christmas in August” to Hundreds of Military Children

In early August, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) team traveled to North Carolina to distribute toys to hundreds of children of military families as part of the Play Comforts initiative. Designed to bring the joy of fun and play to thousands of children located on military bases with the highest deployment rates across the country, the Play Comforts program is organized by the Foundation in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Services. The initiative is supported by TIF grant funding and new toy donations made to the Toy Bank — the Foundation’s signature program — by generous manufacturers, retailers and distributors nationwide.

On Wednesday, August 4th, TIF and BGCA representatives visited Fort Bragg, home of the Airborne and Army Special Operations, to distribute toys to children of military families at one of the most active and combat-ready installations in the United States. Colonel Stephen Sicinski thanked the Foundation for bringing “Christmas in August” to the hundreds of kids in attendance, as he helped hand out toys to the Army community.

On Friday, August 6th, the TIF/BGCA team visited the Marine community stationed at Camp Lejeune, where they were greeted with handmade signs thanking “those in Toyland for making this possible.” Base Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel J. Lecce helped distribute toys to the excited children of the Marine community.

At the events Foundation volunteers and staff heard about the struggles faced by single parent soldiers forced to leave their children with grandparents for months on end, financial burdens, and the loneliness felt by the children in their parents’ absence.

“We’re in the midst of two wars, and sometimes I think we all feel like we’re doing it by ourselves,” said Colonel Lecce. “The Toy Industry Foundation doing this for us today … it truly does mean a lot.”

The joint TIF and BGCA Play Comforts partnership was launched during the 2009 holiday season with a toy distribution event at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to the recent events in North Carolina, toy distributions were also held at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth in Virginia (March 25, 2010) and at the Murphy Canyon Youth Center in San Diego (May 10, 2010).

“With deployment, there are so many things tied around what’s happening with the military member that sometimes the young people that are a part of this process are forgotten,” said Terrill D. Wicks, BGCA National Headquarters Vice President, Military Services & International Projects. “These events are a way for us to show our appreciation and when you see the joy on the faces of the children who are serving too, it really brings joy to my heart.”

TIA Spreads the Word about Safe, Active Play to State Legislatures

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) hosted a booth highlighting the importance of safe, fun and active play at the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Summit (NCSL) in Louisville, Kentucky from July 25th to 28th.

The exhibit was seen by more than 6,000 state legislators and their staffs in attendance from each of the 50 states.

“This conference always provides a great opportunity to meet and interact with state legislators and to bring them up-to-date on the toy industry’s latest work to assure safe and fun toys,” said Joan Lawrence, TIA vice president of safety standards. “Capitalizing on the widespread public interest in promoting healthy lifestyles, this year we focused our participation not only on safety standards updates, but also on toys that promote active bodies and minds and the wide ranging benefits of play.”

TIA plans to represent the toy industry once again at next year’s Legislative Summit, to be held from August 8th to 11th, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas.

Video Library at ToyInfo.org Grows During Summer Months

ToyInfo.org, TIA’s one-stop resource for the latest on toys, play, toy safety and trends, continues to grow with new resources for parents and other caregivers.

For some of the coolest toys during hot summer months, check out the most recent installments in the “Reyne Talks Toys” video series: “Pack-and-Go Summer Travel Toys” and “Camp Care Packages.” Also in the Trends section of the website are newly posted videos about Outdoor Active Play, Indoor "Rainy Day" Play and a new take on Classic Food and Cooking Toys.

For more active engagement, visitors are invited to chat with others on the site’s Discussion Board, scan the latest Toy Recalls section for a quick review of products that might be found in the home, or have a look at the Links and Resources section for additional toy safety and play information.

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For more information about these and other TIF programs, please visit www.toyindustryfoundation.org.

Kidde

2010-08-04T16:20:00.001-04:00

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (HR 1796), which sets federal standards for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and provides an incentive for states to require alarms in homes. The focus now turns to the Senate, where a similar bill is expected to begin moving through committee this fall.

Sponsored by Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT), HR 1796 would create a mandatory guideline for all CO alarms sold in the U.S., including compliance with the third-party standard known as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034.

In addition, the House bill would establish a $10 million federal grant program administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to provide assistance to states that engage in a CO alarm education and training program. The grants would help pay for development of training materials and the purchase and installation of alarms in schools and homes of low-income and elderly individuals.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, claiming 400 lives and sending another 20,000 to the emergency room each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is produced by fossil fuel-burning appliances, which under certain circumstances, including malfunction or improper ventilation, can cause CO to build up in a home.

“Because you can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, a family must have confidence that its CO alarm will alert them when danger occurs,” said John Andres, vice president of engineering for Kidde Residential & Commercial. “Kidde’s CO alarms are rigorously tested to obtain third-party approval and meet UL 2034. In addition, we test 100 percent of our CO sensors and all of our alarms bear the UL mark.”

The safest known way to detect carbon monoxide is to install a working carbon monoxide alarm. Industry reports show that as of 2008, nearly 50 percent of U.S. homes had a CO alarm. However, a survey by Kelton Research found that, of those homes, only about half (27%) have more than one alarm installed. Fire safety experts such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend placing CO alarms on each floor and near sleeping areas. The majority of states with CO laws require this placement as well.

Currently, 27 states have some type of carbon monoxide alarm requirement, and Kidde R&C is actively working to support similar legislation in four more states this year.

Residential CO alarms are available at home improvement retailers, mass merchants and via the Web. For more information, visit www.kidde.com.

Kidde

2010-07-06T10:38:00.002-04:00

Kidde's Efforts Result in Big Win in California

On May 7, Kidde Residential & Commercial (Kidde R&C) earned a huge victory when California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 183 into law, making it the 27th state to require the installation of residential carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

The law calls for CO alarms to be installed in existing residential dwellings that have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage. It will go into effect July 2011 for single-family homes and January 2013 for multi-family residences. California’s building code was amended last year to mandate CO alarms in new construction beginning January 2011.

Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature is the culmination of more than four years of work by Kidde R&C, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Alan Lowenthal, and a coalition of supporters and nonprofit partners. Senator Lowenthal, along with the Long Beach Fire Department, gave away 100 Kidde CO alarms during a press event announcing the bill’s passage.

“We owe a huge thanks to the many nonprofit organizations and others who came on board to help get SB 183 passed,” said Tom Sri, Government Affairs Manager for Kidde R&C. “Without the dedication and commitment of firefighters, children’s health and safety advocates, doctors, CO survivors and the families of CO victims, our efforts would not have been successful.”

Similar legislation, first passed by the legislature in 2008, was vetoed by the governor on technical merits. Kidde R&C immediately went to work devising a strategy to get SB 183 passed and signed in the next session. The company reached out to numerous safety and health organizations to join the effort and held meetings with the governor’s staff and legislators to work through any opposition. Meanwhile the team implemented a public relations campaign to raise awareness and build support through letters to the editor and other tactics.

“This law will help to protect millions of families from a silent killer, and I’m very proud of the team’s perseverance to get it passed,” said Jim Ward, General Manager for Kidde R&C. “I’m confident that they will bring the same level of drive and commitment to the next phase as we begin to execute against the opportunity provided by this new law.”

Census data shows that 74 percent of California housing uses some form of fossil fuel-burning heat, such as gas, fuel oil, or kerosene, which can generate carbon monoxide. Between 2001 and 2006, 232 people in California died of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. The California Air Resources Board estimates that CO poisoning accounts for up to 700 avoidable emergency room visits and hospitalizations annually.

For more information, visit www.kidde.com.

Kidde

2010-06-10T10:12:00.003-04:00

Kidde to Give Away Fire Safety Starter Packs on Facebook for National Home Safety Month

In recognition of Home Safety Month, Kidde will give away a fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety starter pack to one of its Facebook page fans (www.facebook.com/Kidde) every Monday in June.

Each pack will include a Living Area Fire Extinguisher, Kitchen Fire Extinguisher, Escape Ladder, 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke Alarm, Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm, a plug-in carbon monoxide alarm, and the Intelligent Alarm, which offers protection against fire and CO in one unit.

“Kidde’s Facebook fans are very interested in keeping their families safe. We tried to include products in this safety starter pack that will help provide a family with a fully comprehensive fire safety plan,” said Chris Rovenstine, director of marketing and sales for Kidde Residential and Commercial. “In addition, we hope this giveaway will prompt others to take the time to evaluate the safety of their home, and incorporate any additional components they may need.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that 1 out of 5 homes do not have working smoke alarms, primarily due to dead or missing batteries, and only 12 percent of Americans know to replace smoke alarms every 10 years. In addition, a survey by Kelton Research, on behalf of Kidde, found only 50 percent of residents have a carbon monoxide alarm, and nearly a quarter (24%) of those surveyed don’t own a fire extinguisher. The survey also shows that close to half of American families don’t have a fire escape plan, and of those who do, only 22 percent practice it regularly.

Creating a Home Safety Plan

Kidde recommends the following simple steps to create a home safety plan:

• Install a smoke alarm in every room including basements and finished attics, in each bedroom and hallways outside of sleeping areas, and at the top and bottom of stairways.
o Kidde’s 10-year Sealed Battery smoke alarm offers low-maintenance protection thanks to a sealed battery that will power the alarm for 10 years, eliminating the need to replace batteries. At the end of the alarm’s life, it will emit a chirp to indicate the unit needs to be replaced.
• Install a fire extinguisher within reach on every level of your home, close to exits, and in the kitchen and garage.
o The NFPA recommends installing at least a 2-A:10-B:C extinguisher, such as Kidde’s Living Area unit, for every 40 feet of your home.
• Install working carbon monoxide alarms on every floor and near sleeping areas. It’s the only safe way to detect this odorless, tasteless and invisible gas.
o The Intelligent Alarm provides protection against fire and CO in one unit, all while greatly reducing the chance of nuisance alarms—a top reason why batteries are often removed.
• Create and regularly practice a fire escape plan.
o An escape ladder can provide an emergency or alternative exit from a second floor room.

“Many families underestimate the safety of their homes,” said Rovenstine. “Kidde is pleased to utilize social media to raise awareness of the fire safety issue in America, and Home Safety Month provides the perfect opportunity to illustrate the resources we offer to help provide solutions to these concerns.”

Join www.facebook.com/Kidde for a chance to receive a home safety starter pack during Home Safety Month. For additional safety tips, visit www.Kidde.com

Toy Industry Association

2010-05-27T15:44:00.002-04:00

Just in Time for Summer … Toy Industry Association Provides Ideas for Fun in the Sun

New York, NY May 27, 2010 The unofficial start of summer is days away and children across the country are anxiously anticipating the long holiday weekend, days filled with sunshine and a much-celebrated season of fun in the great outdoors. Toymakers are doing their part to foster the happy childhood memories that blossom during this time of year. Hundreds of exciting new toys, games and crafts have been introduced to help promote active play and creativity among kids of all ages.

“Families often have more ‘down time’ during the summer months,” says Adrienne Appell, spokesperson, Toy Industry Association. “Whether getting up to run and play outside or making arts and crafts during a rainy day indoors, there are so many wonderful toys and games to help families create great memories together this summer.”

Outdoor Activity Toys Reinvent the Classics

If a child’s playtime this summer will be spent in the open green spaces of a backyard or park, parents can choose from traditional exercise toys such as jump ropes and balls to self-propelled ride-on toys such as scooters and bikes or the infamous red Radio Flyer wagon that always finds a fond place in children’s hearts. Several new products offer a new twist on classic toys:

• Whether drawing a hopscotch board or creating personalized drawings, Crayola’s 3D Sidewalk Chalk provides hours of outdoor fun as drawn objects and shapes “pop” off the sidewalk. Every chalk stick has two specially paired colors which kids can use to create amazing 3D effects that can be seen when they put on the (provided) 3D glasses.

• Kids don’t need a pool to cool down this summer. Funtastic Toys offers a selection of funny animal and dinosaur-shaped water shooters and “Goof Bomb” water toys in the shape of oranges, bananas, hot dogs, hamburgers (even a t-bone steak) to capture a child’s imagination during a game of water tag on a hot summer day.

• Squap, distributed in the U.S. by Diggin Active, Inc. offers a modern twist on the classic game of catch. This throwing toy comes with two mitts and four balls; players open and close the mitts as quickly as possible in order to launch and catch the balls.

• A brightly colored Wooden Croquet Set by Plan Toys is modeled after a traditional European playset. This version includes two mullets, four wooden balls and four colorful wickets. Whether played after an English tea party or an All-American barbeque, this game promises a unique way to exercise!

• Drop those training wheels and try the Y Balance Bike, distributed in the U.S. by One Step Ahead. This is a ride-on style balance bike geared towards a toddler that’s just learning to develop balance and coordination skills. It has an angled front wheel for tip-resistance and covered back wheel to shield little feet. Both wheels are larger, providing added stability on uneven surfaces.

“Activity toys introduce kids to a healthy lifestyle in a fun and relaxed way,” explains Appell.

Indoor Activities for the Whole Family

But not all summer fun takes place outside. Indoor toys and games are a perfect way to keep kids engaged when families are trying to stay dry from an afternoon thunderstorm or keep cool as the mercury rises:

• Younger children will love the Clipo Creativity Table from Playskool, an all-in-one play station where toddlers can develop their fine motor skills.

• My Rub Art from ALEX Toys allows kids to create colorful textured pictures to give grandma or hang on the refrigerator.

• Discovery Beach from I Can Do That Games is perfect for families with younger children. A summer-themed seashore scavenger hunt adventure, players flip a card to reveal their challenge and search for sea creatures and colorful treasures hidden below five secret beach locations.

• Older kids will enjoy building and recreating scenes from their favorite blockbuster movies. The beautifully detailed LEGO Prince of Persia construction sets allow children 7 years old and up to recreate the exciting action from the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie in their own living rooms.

• Creationary from Lego Games is a great way for family and friends to test imagination, creativity, building and guessing skills. Combining two classic play patterns – games and construction – players show off their building skills while others guess what is being created.

“These suggestions are just a few of the toys and games available now that will help families enjoy a fun, active and safe summer,” says Appell.

Have Fun – Play Safe

When purchasing toys and games during the summer or at any time during the year, TIA reminds parents to closely follow age guidelines on toy packaging. Age grading is very important when choosing a toy because it is based on the likelihood of a small child encountering a small part. Adult supervision during play is also crucial, particularly for outdoor play that would place a child near vehicles (e.g., a ride-on toy, bicycle or tricycles that is ridden in a driveway) or any source of water (e.g., kiddie pool, swimming pool, etc.). Toys should be properly stored so that children are not tempted to play by themselves in unsupervised or dangerous areas. Finally, toys should be inspected regularly and broken or damaged parts repaired or replaced immediately.

For more safety tips, summer toy trends and information on play, visit www.ToyInfo.org. For more information about classic toys, visit the website of the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong Museum of Play.

Kidde

2010-05-10T15:17:00.004-04:00

Local Safety Coalition Wins National Contest Aimed at Keeping Preschoolers, Families Safe from Fire

Safe Kids Springfield has teamed up with Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products based in Mebane, NC, to help keep families safer from fires. Kidde donated 144 smoke alarms to the Safe Kids Springfield Coalition as an award for winning a nation-wide contest held by Safe Kids USA.

The contest, sponsored by Safe Kids USA in conjunction with the United States Fire Administration (USFA), encouraged preschool teachers to implement a comprehensive fire safety lesson in the classroom, and to involve parents in creating and practicing a home fire escape plan. The top five winning classrooms received a $500 cash prize, and fifteen additional winning classrooms each received $100. Kidde also donated educational fire safety DVDs for children in each classroom that participated in the contest. Contest entries were judged on creativity of the fire safety curriculum, student impact, and parental involvement.

“As an organization dedicated to helping keep children safe, we know the importance of fire safety education and how critical it is for families to have enough working smoke alarms in their homes,” said Daphne Greenlee, coordinator for Safe Kids Springfield. “We are pleased to work with local fire departments in the coming months to have all 144 smoke alarms from Kidde installed in low-income homes in our community.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a home fire occurs about every 80 seconds in America, and children under age 5 face nearly twice the risk of dying than adults. A working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a fire almost in half.

“Families have on average three minutes from the time a smoke alarm sounds to escape a home
fire,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president for Kidde Residential and Commercial. “That’s why
parents must take steps to help protect their family, including installing working smoke alarms in every sleeping area, having fire extinguishers within reach and developing and practicing
a fire escape plan. Kidde is honored to present smoke alarms to Safe Kids Springfield to help protect families.”

The experts at Kidde recommend the following fire safety tips:

• Install a smoke alarm in every room including basements and finished attics, in each bedroom and hallways outside of every sleeping area, and at the top and bottom of stairways.

• Make sure everyone knows what the smoke alarm sounds like.

• Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries every six months.

• Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.

• Keep an extinguisher in every part of your home where fire might occur-especially in the kitchen, living room and laundry room.

• Read the instructions and know how to use your extinguishers before a fire breaks out.

• The only time a fire extinguisher should be used to fight a fire is when the fire is small and self-contained, the fire department has been notified, and there is a clear exit behind the person using the extinguisher.

• Respect all fires, regardless of size. Fire extinguishers are one part of a fire response plan. The main objective is safe escape.

• Replace your fire extinguishers every 12 years.

• Prepare and practice a home escape plan.

For more information, visit www.Kidde.com

Toy Industry Association

2010-04-27T10:26:00.003-04:00

Doing “Good Stuff” for Kids in Need

TIA to Sponsor Second Annual Stuff-A-Thon to Commemorate May as National Foster Care Month

On Friday, May 7th, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and strategic partner My Stuff Bags Foundation will join forces with companies from across the toy industry to help disadvantaged children by filling more than 5,000 duffel bags with toys, toiletries and handmade items that will be distributed to child-focused charities across the United States. The event will commemorate May as National Foster Care Month.

It is estimated that each year 300,000 children enter foster care across the United States. Suffering from abuse or neglect, these children often leave their homes with few personal belongings other than the clothes on their backs.

"Representatives from toy and kid-focused entertainment companies large and small will work side-by-side with Foundation volunteers; several California state officials and My Stuff Bags Board Members are also expected to be on hand."

Coordinators have set a goal of making this year’s event bigger and better with even more volunteers, more toys and more completed bags.

“Last year’s event drew large numbers of toy industry volunteers and we anticipate an even greater crowd this year as word has spread,” said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director and Vice President of Membership at the Toy Industry Association. “This event showcases the unified commitment of the toy industry to bring the joy of play to children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.”

“Not only did we do some good last year, we had a good time,” agreed Janeen Holmes, President and CEO of My Stuff Bags. “Our Do Good Stuff-A-Thon is a unique opportunity to demonstrate how combined efforts can have a profound impact on the lives of these suffering children. Together with TIF we are reaching out to comfort America’s most vulnerable children, show them that they matter, and give them back dignity and hope through a My Stuff Bag.”

For those who can’t attend in person, a virtual event is also being held during the first week in May so that corporate teams can Do Good Stuff by sponsoring duffels online.

The Toy Industry Foundation has pledged to My Stuff Bags a contribution of $400,000 and 50,000 new toys over two years. The toys are donated via The Toy Bank™, which is generously stocked by toy industry manufacturer contributions throughout the year.

Play Comforts Partnership Supports Young Heroes

In celebration of National Boys and Girls Club Week (March 21-27, 2010), representatives of the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) distributed toys to children of military families stationed at Virginia’s U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth MWR and Naval Base Portsmouth. The event was held on Thursday afternoon, March 25 … on the very day that many military moms and dads arrived home from patrol on the Coast Guard Cutter Northland.

An estimated 200 military families from every branch of service were in attendance and more than 1,000 toys were distributed. [see photos]

The toys were donated to The Toy Bank, the Foundation’s signature program, by hundreds of generous toy manufacturers during February’s American International Toy Fair.

Through the Play Comforts partnership, TIF is providing toys to members of Boys & Girls Clubs located on military bases with high deployment rates across the country. The initiative includes grant funding from the Foundation and is the first-ever national toy distribution program to canvas all five branches of the military.

“The Toy Industry Foundation is deeply committed to giving back to our military families who have given so much for our country,” said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director. “These children are in special need of support and it is our hope that through the joy of play, we can provide the comfort they so deserve.”

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For more information about these and other TIF programs, please visit www.toyindustryfoundation.org.

Kidde

2010-04-12T16:15:00.003-04:00

Kidde Works With Wisconsin Fire Officials and State Legislators to Raise Awareness of New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws

Senator Dave Hansen, Representative Gordon Hintz, the Wisconsin Homebuilders Association, Safe Kids Wisconsin, and Green Bay Fire joined Kidde, the leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products, at a press event on March 10 to raise awareness of the new state laws that will help protect Wisconsin residents from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Later that day, Governor Jim Doyle signed SB 415, which will require carbon monoxide alarms in all new and existing one- and two-family residences having a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or an attached garage beginning February 1, 2011. A previously passed law, effective April 1, 2010, requires CO alarms in all multi-family dwellings having a fuel-burning appliance.

“We knew that we needed to expand the original law to help save all residents from this toxic gas,” said Representative Hintz, sponsor of SB 415. “While it offered protection for some residents, it left many families vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

“By working with fire officials and homebuilders, we were able to illustrate why everyone needs to have a CO alarm,” added Senator Hansen.

At the press event, Kidde announced a donation of 400 carbon monoxide alarms that will be distributed to the Green Bay and Oshkosh Fire Departments, as well as Safe Kids Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Homebuilders Association, for installation in low-income homes.

“Kidde is proud to work with the Green Bay and Oshkosh fire departments, as well as Safe Kids to help get CO alarms into the homes of Wisconsin families,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of Kidde R&C. “We’re honored to help raise awareness of this life-saving legislation.”

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Produced when fuel is burned, carbon monoxide is emitted by common fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and stoves. Additional sources may include improperly ventilated generators, space heaters, fireplaces, barbecue grills, and car exhaust.

“The only safe way to detect this colorless, odorless gas in your home is with a working carbon monoxide alarm,” said Libbe Slavin, Safe Kids Wisconsin Coordinator. “If you don’t have a CO alarm in your home, I urge you to install one today. Don’t wait for the law to take effect.”

For more information about the new law and how to protect your family from carbon monoxide, visit Knowaboutco.com

Chicco

2010-03-15T14:58:00.003-04:00

Introducing The NEW Cortina Together Double Stroller

After years of research and development, Chicco is thrilled to introduce the new Cortina Together double stroller. For the first time, Chicco is offering a front-to-back double stroller that accepts one OR two KeyFit/KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seats.

Chicco's double stroller will be available in stores this April (Babies “R” Us and BuyBuyBaby) in the fashionable Fuego, Romantic and Cubes patterns. For more information, check out www.cortinatogether.com

Kidde

2010-03-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws Result from Family Tragedies
By Kidde R&C

To date, 25 U.S. states, as well as several large municipalities, have laws passed or pending to require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in residences. Yet, look beyond the numbers, and you’ll find heartache and bravery. You’ll hear from families spurred by tragedy to make a difference.

People like Cheryl Burt, Tom Julia, Maria Dempsey and Barbara Bertot. They come from different cities, different areas, but all are on the same personal quest to stop a Silent Killer.

Each has experienced firsthand the tragic result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Minnesota resident Cheryl Burt lost two sons to CO poisoning, while Maria Dempsey’s sister, Caroline, died while on a ski trip in Aspen with her family. Caroline Lofgren’s husband and two children died as well. When an off-campus Virginia Tech apartment building filled with carbon monoxide, Tom Julia’s daughter, Kristin, died, and 19 others were injured. Florida resident Barbara Bertot lost her teenage daughter, Janelle, to CO poisoning as well.

Each will tell you that a simple device – a CO alarm – may have saved their loved ones from death or severe illness, so all are demanding change. Their voices, along with advocates from fire departments, public health and safety organizations, have asked lawmakers to make their communities safer.

Federal and State lawmakers are listening. In addition to half of the U.S. states either requiring or considering a CO alarm requirement, the International Residential Code (IRC) Council voted in March 2009 in favor of adopting a code that requires the installation of CO alarms in newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings. In December, a subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee heard testimony for Senate Bill 1216, the “Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.” Sponsored by Senator Amy Klobachar (D-MN), S 1216 would require all carbon monoxide alarms sold in the U.S. to comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034, the third-party independent standard to which manufacturers test and list their alarms. Currently, listing a CO alarm to this standard is voluntary, although most states with laws requiring residential CO alarms mandate that they meet UL 2034.

Safe Kids coalitions and chapters have been influential in pre- and post-legislative awareness efforts, particularly in North Carolina, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York. While many of these states help with education to get bills passed, New York coalitions and chapters are currently engaging in a multi-faceted awareness campaign about the new law by encouraging families to purchase carbon monoxide alarms and take steps to prevent CO poisoning.

Recent industry and independent surveys show that CO alarm usage in homes has almost doubled in the past six years, from 27% in 2003 to 50% in 2009. Yet, carbon monoxide remains the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This odorless, invisible gas claims 500 lives and sends another 20,000 to emergency departments each year, according to the CDC.

Cheryl, Tom, Maria, Barbara and so many others remain on a quest to ensure every home has at least one CO alarm. It’s a quest to remind lawmakers and officials how simple prevention can save lives, and one that they hope will keep others from suffering senseless tragedies.

Toys"R"Us

2010-03-02T09:40:00.003-05:00

TOYS"R"US, U.S. LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO HELP AUTISM SPEAKS SOLVE THE AUTISM PUZZLE

Company Identifies "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism" and Introduces Safe Play Tips for Children on the Autism Spectrum

WAYNE, NJ (February 25, 2010)– Toys"R"Us, U.S. today announced that its fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks will begin Sunday, February 28 and continue through Friday, April 30. Throughout the campaign, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. Autism Speaks is the nation's leading organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

"Autism impacts countless families, including those of our customers and employees," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "As a company that loves kids, we are proud to lend our support once again to help Autism Speaks find the missing pieces of the autism puzzle by raising money and awareness for this disorder."

Skill-Building Toys and Safe Play Tips
As part of this philanthropic initiative, Toys"R"Us has created several programs to help parents and caregivers of children with autism. The company collaborated with Autism Speaks and the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making play accessible for children with disabilities, to identify toys that can help little ones with autism develop language, creativity and social skills, among others, while playing alongside siblings and friends. The "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism," a special subset of the annual Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, provides toy suggestions specifically for families and friends of children with autism.

Research shows that children with cognitive, emotional or social limitations, including those with autism, are more prone to accidental injuries. With guidance from leading safety organizations and Autism Speaks, the Safe Play Tips are relevant for children with autism. These tips include:
• Avoid Trigger Toys: Opt for toys that have volume control for children who are adversely affected by loud noises.
• Read Labels for Ability: Choose toys that correspond with a child's learning level rather than merely matching a toy with his/her actual age.
• Never Leave a Child Unsupervised: It is especially critical that a child with special needs is properly supervised by an adult or trusted caregiver at all times.
"The "R"Us family and its customers have continually opened their hearts to support Autism Speaks in its mission to advocate for the nearly 750,000 children on the autism spectrum in this country," said Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks. "Toys"R"Us, Inc. is such a valued partner, and we are excited about the fundraising potential of this year's program."

Comprehensive information about the 2010 campaign is available on the company's dedicated website, Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. The "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism" and a full list of Safe Play Tips can be found here, as well as a blog titled "Speaking About Autism," which offers updates and information throughout the nine-week fundraising effort. The website, as well as campaign signage in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores, features the "Faces of Autism," a striking series of portraits highlighting children with autism taken by photographer Thomas Balsamo.

Walking the Walk for Autism Speaks
In addition to the fundraising campaign, Toys"R"Us is kicking off its national sponsorship of Walk Now for Autism Speaks, a year-long series of more than 80 walk events in communities throughout North America. Teams of regional employees will walk alongside the company's iconic mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe and individuals with autism, their families and friends to raise money and awareness.

All funds raised in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores, online and through the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events will go directly to Autism Speaks to support research and advocacy efforts. Earlier this month, the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund kicked off the 2010 campaign by providing a $400,000 grant to Autism Speaks. Customers who donate $10 or more to Autism Speaks at any Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us store in the U.S. will receive a colorful floral-themed reusable shopping bag designed by a talented artist with autism, James Hogarth, while supplies last.

Since the partnership launched in 2007, Toys"R"Us, Inc., the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund and customer contributions have combined to provide Autism Speaks with more than $5.5 million. Last year's in-store and online fundraising campaign raised more than $1.9 million for Autism Speaks. This year, for the first time, Toys"R"Us, Canada will lend its support to the cause by collecting donations in its nearly 70 stores and online at Toysrus.ca.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Toys"R"Us

2010-02-02T10:43:00.004-05:00

Toys"R"Us, Inc. Issues a Call to Action to Remove Potentially Unsafe Baby Products from the Marketplace with the "Great Trade-In" Event

WAYNE, NJ (January 27, 2010) – Toys“R”Us, Inc. today issued a call to action for customers to rid their homes of potentially unsafe old and second-hand baby products and exchange them for savings on a new item during the “Great Trade-In” event. The “Great Trade-In” event is a national safety program designed to draw attention to the fact that certain used baby products can carry potential hazards, but are still in circulation and are not the best candidates to be handed down or resold.

The “Great Trade-In” event begins Friday, January 29 and continues through Saturday, February 20 in Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us locations nationwide. During this time, stores will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards, high chairs and toddler beds in exchange for a 25% savings on the purchase of any new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. introduced the “Great Trade-In” event during a three-week period in September 2009, which prompted customers to trade-in tens of thousands of potentially unsafe cribs, car seats and other baby products – most of which were in extremely poor condition. Some traded-in items were missing parts or were damaged, while others that were decades old showed obvious signs of wear and tear and would be considered
non-compliant by today’s more stringent product safety standards.

Used car seats were the number one item customers turned in during the 2009 program and the number one item customers purchased with the savings they received in exchange for their trade-in. Old and second-hand car seats may carry a variety of hazards that are difficult for consumers to detect, such as damage from accidents or materials’ deterioration from sun exposure. For this reason, leading safety organizations, such as Safe Kids USA recommend against purchasing used car seats.

“We are proud that our inaugural ‘Great Trade-In’ event raised awareness of the potential dangers associated with certain used baby products, and we were gratified by the response from our customers,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “As a company committed to the safety of children, we encourage parents to utilize the ‘Great Trade-In’ event as an opportunity to remove used and older baby products, such as cribs and car seats, from their homes, garages and attics.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advocates not purchasing used items that have a history of safety problems, including cribs, play yards and bassinets. Items in these specific categories may have been recalled or affected by recent enhancements in federal and voluntary standards and regulations for safety testing that render older models unsafe or non-compliant with current standards. For example, voluntary standards updated in December 2009 render that cribs no longer be manufactured with a drop-side following a number of recalls and associated child injuries and deaths.

Following are additional examples of the potential dangers of old and second-hand cribs, car seats and other baby products:

Car seats can sustain damage in an accident that may not be visible to the naked eye, but could prevent the seat from functioning properly;

Car seats have expiration dates, as the materials can deteriorate over time, potentially making the car seat less effective in a crash. Parents can check with the car seat manufacturer to determine the recommended period of use for a particular car seat;

Certain baby products, particularly car seats, are regularly introduced with new innovations in technology that can improve the products’ safety efficacy;

Products made of or that contain certain materials, like wood and plastic, for example, can deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather conditions, like heat, potentially compromising safety integrity; and

Parts or instruction books for proper assembly, installation or use may be missing.

Brands participating in the “Great Trade-In” event include Babi Italia, Baby Cache, Baby Trend, Bergamo, Bertini, Britax, Carter’s, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Little Tikes, Safety 1st, Sorelle and Step2. Customers can save 25% on a new purchase, from any of the specified product categories and from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item.

There are no restrictions on the number or brand of used items in these product categories customers can exchange. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies“R”Us or Toys“R”Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.

For the latest information about product safety and to sign up to receive e-mail notifications about product recalls, customers can visit the company’s dedicated Safety website, Toysrus.com/Safety. In addition, the CPSC advises parents to check its website, www.cpsc.gov, to make sure a product has not been recalled before using or purchasing it second-hand.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. In addition, the company operates ePregnancy.com, an online resource for parents. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

Toy Industry Association

2010-01-19T10:02:00.003-05:00

North American Toy Industry Has Made $50 Million in Charitable Donations Through Toy Industry Foundation’s Toy Bank Program

Over 7 Million Toys Distributed to Children around the Globe

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) announced that generous product donations received during the 2009 holiday season helped the industry reach an incredible milestone of $50 million dollars in donated toys. The product donations were received via The Toy Bank, which was established as the Toy Industry Foundation’s signature program in 2003.

In the six years since The Toy Bank program’s launch, more than 1,000 toy companies have donated over seven (7) million toys for children in need across the globe.

“The mission of toymakers is to bring joy to children’s lives,” said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director. “The Toy Industry Foundation is proud to represent such an altruistic industry. Through the generosity of these companies, we have been able to share the incredible excitement of toys and play with children in need worldwide.”

Nearly 400 charities have received toys for the children they serve who are living in poverty, rescued from abuse, seeking treatment for chronic illnesses, and going through many other difficult situations. The Toy Industry Foundation has proudly partnered with the following leading national organizations to assist in placing the donated toys in the hands of children in need:

- Gifts in Kind International, Inc.
- Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities®
- My Stuff Bags Foundation
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Through the Foundation’s Play HealsTM program, every Ronald McDonald House in the United States and Canada can request Toy Bank toys for the children they serve. With help from TIF, each year the My Stuff Bags Foundation provides more than 30,000 duffel bags filled with toys, clothing and personal care products to children in foster care. The newest TIF partner, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is distributing toys to the children on U.S. military bases with the highest deployment rates through the TIF’s new Play Comforts initiative.

The next big toy collection will take place after the American International Toy Fair, held in New York City on February 14-17, 2010. Exhibiting companies will be invited to contribute product to The Toy Bank.

Santa Joined with TIF at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Make the Holidays Merry for Military Kids

Building on a commitment to our country’s military families shown during Fall Toy Preview®, the Toy Industry Foundation was excited to launch its new national Play Comforts, partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services at a special toy distribution at The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC on December 15, 2009.

More than 750 toys were distributed to deserving service men and women — many of whom have served multiple tours of duty in Iraq — and their families. Santa and several elves assisted with the distribution as carolers sang holiday melodies.

“Through The Toy Bank, TIF was able to spread some holiday joy by providing new toys and gifts to children of military families,” explained Jean Butler, TIF executive director. “It was very humbling to be among service members who were injured in the wars … their sacrifices left an impression on all of us. Our work with the Boys & Girls Clubs will help us get toys into the hands of deserving military kids across the country.”

The Play Comforts partnership with BGCA focuses on delivering toys to children on military bases with the highest deployment rates. The initiative is the first-ever national toy distribution program to canvas every branch of the military- Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and the Navy. The families of both active duty and reserve personnel are eligible.

“The toys given at the event at Walter Reed and throughout the partnership will help to comfort the war-related anxieties, stress of extended deployments, tension associated with frequent moves, and depression over constant real-time conflict news coverage that these children experience,” added Amanda McDorman, TIF manager. “It was heartwarming to see these children become so thrilled with their new toys!”

Toymakers are encouraged to make a product donation to help brighten the lives of military families throughout the year; for more information, please contact Toy Bank Coordinator Marisa Medina (646.454.5581).

2009-12-16T10:17:00.001-05:00

Holiday Toy Shopping and Toy Safety Tips from the Toy Industry Association Available

Websites Offers Parents Information on Toy Safety, Trends and Play

For parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, ‘tis the season to go toy shopping. With the economy keeping many families on tight budgets, consumers are looking for the perfect toys and games that offer the children in their lives the most safe and fun play value.

Reports from the federal government’s U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and consumer groups such as the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and Consumers Union agree that toys on the shelf this holiday season are safer than they have ever been.

“The right toy – one that is age appropriate, properly designed and manufactured, and matches the interests of the child – will provide hours of fun and safe play,” explains Joan Lawrence, vice president of safety at the Toy Industry Association and a mother of three young children herself. She advises all shoppers to keep safety top of mind when selecting toys this holiday season and throughout the year.

Detailed information on toy safety and toy buying tips are just a click away – on the newly enhanced consumer website from the Toy Industry Association, www.ToyInfo.org.

Among the resources available on the www.ToyInfo.org site are the following toy safety tips for this holiday season:

At the store
-- Check and follow age guidance and other safety information on packaging (age grading is based mostly on safety and not on how smart a child may be)
--Avoid toys with small parts for children under age three (3) and children who mouth toys
--Inspect toys at the store, looking for sturdy parts and tightly secured joints
Make sure that batteries in toys are firmly enclosed and inaccessible to children
--For children under 18 months of age, avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than twelve (12) inches
--Check to see that plush (stuffed) toys have age-appropriate features such as embroidered or secured eyes and noses for younger children and seams that are reinforced to withstand an older child’s play
--Avoid toys with sharp points or rough edges, especially for younger children
Shop at a reputable retailer you know and trust

Once the presents are opened
--Read instructions carefully; save directions, warranties and assembly hardware
--Role play the right way to use the toy or game and explain to your child the importance of proper use
--Dispose of all unnecessary toy packaging and gift-wrap as soon as possible (piles of discarded gift-wrap can conceal sharp objects or the edges of hard plastic packaging that can cut small fingers)
--Store toys safely in an easily accessible storage bin; lidded toy storage should be non-locking and have special safety features such as air holes, spring-loaded hinges and clearances at the hinges to make sure little fingers won’t get caught
--Keep a separate toy chest for older children whose toys may contain small parts; enlist their help in keeping their toys out of reach of younger siblings

After the holidays and throughout the year
--Engage grandparents and caregivers in a discussion about toys and safe play; help them become familiar with these toy safety tips and the importance of age- and interest-appropriate toys
--Be a good role model for the safe use of toys and stay engaged in active adult supervision of children at play
--Keep plush (stuffed) toys out of the cribs of infants
--Keep toys organized and off stairs or high-traffic areas in your home
--Keep toys away from unsupervised areas (pools, bathtubs, driveways or streets with traffic) so they don’t lure a child into a dangerous situation
--Engage older children in keeping their toys away from younger siblings
--Inspect toys regularly and repair or replace damaged or broken parts immediately

A video of holiday shopping tips can be found on the www.ToyInfo.org website (see the tab for “Toys”).

“Moms of Toy Safety” Highlight Toy Industry’s Commitment to Safe and Fun Play

In the toy industry’s take on the popular daytime talk show “The View,” six senior executives — all moms themselves — engage in a conversation that helps parents better understand topics such as how toy makers design safety into toys, how to select the correct toy for a child, and how to use toys safely once they are at home.

Moderated by Alan Korn of Safe Kids USA and father to a nine-year-old son, the “Moms of Toy Safety” panel discusses topics ranging from the age grading of products and secondhand goods and older toys to safe play at home and the importance of adult supervision.

“Our goal for this project was to gather leading experts in the area of toy safety – moms all – for a breezy, informative discussion of toys and safe play from a parent’s point of view,” explained Stacy Leistner, TIA vice president of strategic communications. “We felt it was important to introduce parents and other caregivers to some of the people ‘behind the scenes’ that are helping to assure the safety of toys.”

The topics addressed and discussed by the panel are questions that moms across the country have been asking TIA on a regular basis. “These videos are intended to serve as resources for them,” said Leistner.

>> VIEW THE ‘MOMS OF TOY SAFETY’ VIDEO << TIA Launches Consumer Website Naming Hot Toys for the Holiday Season

A second website has also been launched by TIA in time for the holiday shopping season. Consumer visitors to www.ToyAwards.org will find descriptions of toys nominated as finalists in the prestigious industry-sponsored Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. The Toy Awards site features a free, downloadable gift shopping list which parents and caregivers can take with them to stores to aid in selecting the most innovative and desirable toys this holiday season. Kids, parents and caregivers can also identify their favorite toys using an electronic polling system and opt-in to register for one or more of eleven (11) prize packages.

Intertek

2009-11-17T09:36:00.002-05:00

CPSC to Vote on Intertek Recommendations for Sensible Testing Practices

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a Guidance Document last night to be voted on by the Commission that would adopt recommendations made by Intertek and the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) in their petition to the agency last July. (See full text of the petition here.)

The CPSC’s approval of the Guidance Document on Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) testing and certification procedures would codify Intertek and AAFA’s recommendations as formal, accepted agency policy. With decades of research and expertise with regards to consumer product safety, Intertek anticipates that successful adoption of these policies will save manufacturers millions while improving reliability of product testing for children’s toys, apparel and other childcare items.

The landmark Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) mandates certification and testing requirements. Testing labs, like Intertek, are restricted to test only final finished products for defined safety standards, such as lead paint, under strict Commission implementation policy. Because children’s products are often sprayed or painted in small areas, such as in the fingernails of a doll, a large number of finished product samples needed to be provided, destroyed and discarded in the testing process. This represented an enormous cost to manufacturers and related businesses, while also impacting the environment with needless waste.

In response to this dilemma, Intertek and the AAFA asked for formal recognition of three specific test methods to detect lead in paint and other surface coatings. The two groups had requested the CPSC to approve processes of “spray sampling” (painting an entire product with the same color of paint, giving lab workers more surface coating to test), “multiple stamping” (stamping products repeatedly with the same paint or ink appliqué to garner a larger sample), and “finished component testing” (allowing painted buttons, for example, to be tested before they are sewn onto the garment). All three recommendations are currently included in the published Guidance Document to be voted on by the full Commission.

“We believe that the recommendations outlined in our petition represent sound science and good public policy,” said Gene Rider, President of Intertek Consumer Goods, North America. “It is possible to implement CPSIA in ways that both ease the regulatory burden on industry and are environmentally friendly without jeopardizing product safety.”

The Guidance Document to be voted on by the CPSC can be viewed here: http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia10/brief/102testing.pdf.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Rachel M. Huang, Public Relations Coordinator

Telephone: +1 630 207 0539

Rachel.m.huang@intertek.com

Toy Industry Association

2009-09-29T13:50:00.005-04:00

Children at Bronx Charter School Receive New School Supplies, Toys and More from Toy Industry Foundation and My Stuff Bags Foundation

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and strategic partner, the My Stuff Bags Foundation, kicked off the school year with a “Back to School” donation on Monday, September 14, at The New York Foundling’s Mott Haven Academy Charter School in the Bronx, the nation’s only public charter school for at-risk students in a foster care or child welfare system. As a result, My Stuff Bag duffels filled with school supplies, toys and more were distributed to more than 120 kindergarten, first and second grade students in need. The special event helped to kick-off the school’s second academic year.

Each year an estimated 300,000 children enter foster care across the United States and more than 16,000 kids are in the foster care system in New York City alone. Often suffering from abuse or neglect, these children must leave their homes and may arrive at shelters with few personal belongings other than the clothes on their backs. Individual My Stuff Bags, valued at nearly $100 each, are filled with new items such as toys, toiletries, school supplies, a stuffed animal and a handmade blanket or hat.

TIF, the nonprofit arm of the North American toy industry, has pledged to My Stuff Bags a contribution of $400,000 in addition to 50,000 new toys over a two year period. The toys are donated via The Toy BankTM, which is generously stocked by contributions from toy manufacturers, retailers and distributors.

During the month of September, five hundred “Back to School” bags in total will be sent to New York area agencies and five hundred more will be sent to foster children across the country.

Collectors Clamor for Classic Toys in “Birthday Bids” Auction to Benefit TIF

Beginning on Wednesday, September 23 at 12 p.m. (EST) and closing Wednesday, September 30 at 5 p.m. (EST), the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) will host an online charity auction on eBay GivingWorks to benefit children at-risk, abused, abandoned, ill or otherwise in need. The auction features exclusive character-based toys and collector items celebrating signature anniversaries for Barbie, G.I. Joe, SpongeBob Square Pants, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Each of the characters is celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2009:

· Barbie Collectors can bid on five custom dolls – each from a limited edition line of 1,000 produced for the icon’s 50th birthday and this year’s national convention – including Voyage in Vintage, the Tribute Gift Set, the Auburn Ponytail Gift Set and the 50th Anniversary Silkstone Barbie.

· G.I. JoeAn exclusive leather golf bag and movie poster signed by the producer, director and cast of the blockbuster G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra are being auctioned in honor of the “granddaddy of all action figures” turning 45 in 2009.

· SpongeBob SquarePantsThe most well-known resident of Bikini Bottom turns 10 this year, and two of the limited-edition gold SpongeBob plush toys produced for the occasion are available for bidding.

· Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles A set of hand-painted limited-edition cold cast statues of the four action heroes – along with a certificate of authenticity signed by the creator – help “shell-ebrate” 25 years of “Turtle Power.”

The auction is the latest in a series of initiatives to promote individual giving in support of the Foundation’s philanthropic activities. 100% of proceeds will benefit TIF programs such as The Toy Bank™ which provides “millions of toys for millions of kids” through donations of newly manufactured toys to charities supporting underserved, homeless and at-risk children around the world.

Toy Industry Association

2009-08-24T11:54:00.005-04:00

A Resource for Parents on Toys and Play – Gets Makeover

This summer, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) has worked on enhancing its consumer website, http://www.toyinfo.org/, to create a more robust resource for parents on the topics of toys and play. As the updates continue and the site evolves, TIA invites members of the Safe Kids Worldwide community to provide additional recommendations for new content.

When it was originally developed, http://www.toyinfo.org/ was primarily focused on educating consumers about toy safety standards and testing processes. The site will continue to feature independent expert perspectives on toy safety from the medical and child safety communities, behind-the-scenes toy testing and design videos, recall notifications, and toy buying tips. The redesign adds a broader range of content – including a comprehensive “Play Is Forever” section – that will help to foster consumer awareness of the positive influence of play in the development of children.

Working alongside strategic partners such as Safe Kids Worldwide, AARP, and others, TIA is leveraging online tools to generate traffic and engagement on the site. Discussion boards and a new “ToyTalk” blog – penned by Michelle Burford, a founding Senior Editor at O: The Oprah Magazine – have been added.

Likely the young people it serves, http://www.toyinfo.org/ is growing and developing every day. TIA invites all stakeholders to explore the website and to provide feedback and recommendations for additional content. From tips for choosing age-appropriate toys, suggestions for play activities, comments on toy trends, recommendations of expert spokespeople (e.g., safety experts, educators, medical professionals, developmental psychologists discussing the value of play, etc.), and more … content of all types is welcome and encouraged!

Toy Industry Association Joins CPSC Chairman at APEC Toy Safety Initiative Workshop

Members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) – a forum of 21 Pacific Rim economies that come together to promote trade and investment in the region – took steps to strengthen consumer product safety standards and practices through the new APEC Toy Safety Initiative that launched on August 1st in Singapore.

APEC member economies produce roughly 85% percent of the world’s toy supply; 19 of the 21 APEC member economies exported toys in 2008.

The new Toy Safety Initiative is a focused regional effort to increase transparency, encourage better alignment of standards, and reduce unnecessary impediments to trade related to current and future toy safety standards and practices.

The keynote address during the two-day opening workshop, entitled “A Regulator Dialogue on Toy Safety,” was given by newly appointed Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Inez Tenenbaum.

TIA President Carter Keithley provided an overview of the various types of conformity assessment approaches (first-, second- and third-party assurances) used to both assess and assure conformance with rigorous toy safety standards. Tenenbaum and Keithley also provided a briefing on new requirements under the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Elizabeth Borrelli, executive director of the TIA-sponsored Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP), gave an overview of the program and explain that it was created to take a proactive stance in developing and promoting a conformity assessment system to verify that toys produced for sale in the United States comply with relevant standards. Ms. Borrelli addressed how recent changes in global standards and regulations are changing the way toymakers are doing business on a global scale.

During a panel discussion on the increased harmonization of toy safety standards, Ms. Kitty Pilarz, director of worldwide product safety at Mattel, introduced the U.S. standard ASTM F-963, Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety. Additional speakers introduced the international (ISO 8124) and European regional (EN-71) standards.

Altogether, regulators from 20 of the 21 APEC economies were represented and 12 of the nations gave formal presentations to share their best practices related to toy safety.A second event, “An Open Dialogue on Toy Safety for All Stakeholders,” will be held on the margins of the Hong Kong Toy Fair in January 2010.

It is funded by the U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) and the U.S. Government with matching funds from APEC. The governments of Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam have signed on as co-sponsors.

Intertek

2009-07-22T09:19:00.003-04:00

Intertek Joins Retail Led Consumer Product Safety Effort

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced today that Intertek, a leading international provider of quality and safety solutions, has joined RILA and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) as a sponsor in the creation and implementation of a meaningful global manufacturing standard for consumer goods. This retail industry led standard will enhance the safety of products worldwide.

RILA members embrace their role as leaders in the product safety arena. Earlier this year RILA and the BRC forged a partnership to develop a global product safety standard in North America. BRC/RILA standard will help retailers comply with the new regulations by establishing a meaningful, achievable and certifiable worldwide measure by which manufacturing operations are set. The BRC/RILA standard will be a truly global product safety standard.

Intertek will join RILA and the BRC as third party auditor and one of three select non-voting members of the RILA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). With participation from many of America's leading retailers, TAC is responsible for guiding the development of these standards.

"Our progress thus far has been tremendous, and we are delighted to welcome Intertek to this important effort," said Jim Neill, vice president of product safety. "Intertek's proven success in assessing risk and ensuring the safety of products in a manner that is effective and efficient adds a strong new champion to our efforts and we look forward to working with them to reach our product safety goals."

Gene Rider, Vice President Global Retail Leader and President of Intertek Consumer Goods North America adds, "Intertek is proud to contribute to global public policy efforts in support of consumer product safety. We are happy to offer our expertise in the areas of testing, inspection, certification and quality assurance to RILA, their membership and the BRC."

The target date for release of the new standard (North American version) is October 2009, with implementation of the new standards anticipated by Spring 2010.

BRC/RILA Partnership
The BRC has developed global standards that have gained support from European retailers. Standards have been developed for food, packaging, storage and distribution, and consumer products.
RILA in partnership with the BRC, are adopting the consumer products standards in North America, making them truly global to enhance the safety of products worldwide. RILA's vision is to proactively protect consumers and retail brands by partnering with suppliers to adopt and implement these industry-wide, global safety standards, while advocating effective legislation and regulatory compliance.
RILA and the BRC are working to enhance an already established international network of approved certification bodies and a proven process to deliver third party certification through global supply chains. As a certification body, sponsor and a TAC member, Intertek will provide input into the guidelines and implementation schedule for the role out of the product category guidelines.

About RILA
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. RILA members include the largest and most successful companies in the retail industry. RILA provides its members with unique educational forums, effective public policy advocacy, and advancement of the retail industry.

About Intertek
Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 110 countries around the world.

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Intertek and the American Apparel and Footwear Association Petition U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for Sensible Testing Practices

Intertek and the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) jointly submitted a petition today to formally request the CPSC to expressly approve certain lab testing procedures to determine the presence of lead paint on toys and other children's products--methods the two groups believe will save manufacturers millions of dollars without any loss of test reliability.

Since the enactment of the landmark Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, some assert that the law only allows testing labs like Intertek to test final, finished products to mandatory safety standards, including the ban on lead paint. Because some products may have only a small area of paint (like the fingernails on a doll or painted buttons on a child's garment), this interpretation requires the destruction of an unnecessarily large number of product samples, since the paint must be scraped from the samples, rendering them unusable. These samples--sometimes several hundred per product--are then discarded. This represents a huge cost to manufacturers, especially crafters and other small businesses, which discourages companies from testing and needlessly impacts the environment with discarded samples.

To solve this dilemma, Intertek and AAFA have today asked the CPSC to formally recognize, as acceptable under the CPSIA, certain test methods to detect lead in paint and other surface coatings--procedures that result in the destruction of far fewer samples but with the same or better reliability of those tests. Specifically, the two groups have requested the agency recognize the acceptability of "spray sampling" (painting an entire product with the same color paint, giving lab workers more surface coating to test), "multiple stamping" (stamping products repeatedly with the same paint or ink appliqué to garner a larger sample) and "finished component testing," allowing painted buttons, for example, to be tested before they are sewn onto a garment rather than destroying the finished garment during testing.
"Intertek is continually striving to find cost-saving, pro-safety solutions for our customers and partners, like the AAFA," said Gene Rider, President of Intertek Consumer Goods, North America. "What we are today proposing to the CPSC represents a win-win-win: saving our customers money and time, preventing the wasteful destruction of finished products, and at the same time enhancing the reliability of testing and the safety of children's toys, garments and other items."

Under its regulations, the CPSC has a "reasonable time" to act on this Petition, and the Petitioners have also requested a public hearing to discuss these proposals. The text of the Petition to the CPSC is at: http://www.intertek-labtest.com/brochures/intertek_aafa_petition

About Intertek
Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 110 countries around the world.

For more information, visit www.intertek.com/consumergoods

Britax

2009-07-14T09:41:00.004-04:00

Technology Update: Anti-Rebound Bar

Rebound is a force that doesn’t receive much attention as a subtopic of child passenger safety. As technicians, we know that every force has an equal and opposite reaction. Rebound, in the context of vehicle safety, is the equal and opposite reaction to an initial frontal impact experienced in a vehicle crash. The CPS curriculum defines it as the “reactive motion in the opposite direction after initial impact has occurred.”

To better understand the benefits of a rebound-limiting device, think about the events of a typical frontal and rear impact crash without a rebound-limiting device.
In a frontal collision, a CR continues to move forward, using the stretching of the belt webbing, and down through the compression of the vehicle seat cushion. After the initial impact, the CR “wants” to move back to its original state, but due to the elongation and compression previously mentioned, the CR dramatically overshoots its original position and comes into contact with the vehicle seat back. As a result, the child’s head often comes into contact with vehicle seat or other parts of the vehicle, such as the “C” pillar, mirrors or video screens.

With a rear-facing convertible CR, several manufacturers manage rebound energy via the use of a rear-facing tether. This tether limits the amount of travel the seat is allowed to make once past its original position. In the infant carrier category rebound is being (and has been) addressed with a feature appropriately named an Anti-rebound bar. This component is affixed to the in-car base of the infant carrier and limits the movement described above by forming a rigid “L” shape with the base bottom pressed against the bottom and back seat cushions of the vehicle. The reduction in child restraint movement then allows the harness in the restraint to perform its designed function and also keeps the child’s head from contacting the back of the vehicle seat and/or other items previously mentioned.

In a rear impact collision, the CR will attempt to rotate toward the rear of the vehicle, which is towards the point of impact. The same impact risks occur as described in a frontal rebound. The rebound of a rear crash event will cause the seat to move back to its original position similar to the initial impact of a frontal crash.

In the case of a rear impact the CR will attempt to rotate toward the rear of the vehicle towards the point of impact, but the rear facing tether (in a convertible CR) or the anti-rebound bar (in an infant carrier) will significantly reduce the distance it will be able to rotate toward the vehicle seat back during the crash event. Again, this reduction in motion allows the harness in the restraint to perform its designed function, while keeping the child’s head from contacting the back of the vehicle seat.

On infant carriers, an anti-rebound bar has been used on the Britax Companion® Infant Carrier and is currently used on the Britax Chaperone® Infant Carrier, Safe-n-Sound™ Unity Infant Carrier in Australia and the Britax Baby Safe in Europe (all companies are part of the Britax Childcare Group, Ltd).

The Chaperone infant carrier and stroller come in four fashions. The Chaperone infant carrier (SRP: $229.99) will be available in independent and mass retailers in June 2009; the stroller (SRP: $299.99) starting in August 2009. A single adapter strap will be available to allow the Chaperone stroller to be used with other major manufacturer’s infant carriers. The strap will also allow the Chaperone infant carrier to be used in other major manufacturer’s strollers.

Submitted by: Sarah Tilton, CPS Advocate, Britax Child Safety (Charlotte, N.C.)

JPMA

2009-07-01T10:35:00.005-04:00

Lifespan of Durable Juvenile Products

Cribs Built to Last

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) actively promotes the safe use and selection of juvenile products and wants to remind parents and caregivers that durable products such as cribs are intended to last for years (or multiple births) when properly cared for.

The safest sleep environment for a child is in a crib. Before placing a child to sleep in a crib, it is important to understand the proper use, assembly and reassembly of the crib and how to provide the safest sleep environment for a child.

All new cribs on the market today meet minimum government requirements. When you assemble a crib to the manufacturer's instructions and use it properly, a crib provides a safe and comfortable environment for baby. For added assurance that the crib you purchase was built with safety in mind, look for the JPMA Certification Seal and know that crib went through an extra set of rigorous testing.

Crib manufacturers today go through great lengths to ensure instructions are easy to read and understand. In fact, most instructions include information on assembly, maintenance, cleaning, storage and use.

JPMA suggests the following safety tips to sustain the proper lifespan of a crib:

Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current Federal and ASTM standards.

Make sure there are no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or the mattress support. Helpful tip: Crib assembly is best completed before the baby arrives to ensure there are no missing parts and the crib is in working order.

Read and follow all instructions and warnings provided with the crib. If the instructions are not clear or parts are missing, call the manufacturer or retailer. Under no circumstances should substitute or makeshift hardware be used.

When disassembling crib for storage, retain all the parts and instructions. Helpful tip: store parts and instructions in a Ziploc® bag and tape to the bottom of the crib.
When reassembling crib, be sure you have all the parts.
Do not substitute hardware.

Always send in the product registration card that comes with every new crib (most crib manufacturers offer this service online as well). By returning the card, you ensure you'll be notified if your crib is recalled.

Check your crib often for missing hardware, loose screws or anything out of the ordinary. Helpful tip: Make it part of the routine to inspect the crib every time you change the sheet.

JPMA is pleased to note that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recognizes the importance of urging parents and caregivers to closely inspect the hardware and stability of their cribs to ensure all parts are in place and secure when assembling and re-assembling cribs.

Voluntary recalls to replace missing parts for secondhand or second use cribs highlight the importance of proper assembly and use of cribs. Many older cribs do not meet all current safety standards. Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand-me-down that does not meet current Federal and ASTM standards.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a national trade organization of more than 250 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. JPMA exists to advance the interests, growth, and well-being of North American prenatal to preschool product manufacturers, importers, and distributors marketing under their own brands to consumers. It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, product performance certification, and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, children, and retailers.

For tips on how to keep baby safe, including a list of JPMA Certified cribs, please visit www.jpma.org.

Toy Industry Association

2009-06-15T16:02:00.010-04:00

Leaders of the Global Toy Industry Meet in Germany

The 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) was held in early June in Munich, Germany. Representatives of 21 national toy trade associations convened to focus on issues affecting the health and safety of children throughout the world, including international toy safety standards and a responsible attitude to advertising and marketing to children.

The U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) is a founding member of ICTI and manages it secretariat responsibilities.Arnold “Arnie” Rubin, CEO of Funrise, and member of the Advisory Committee to the TIA Board of Directors was unanimously elected as the new ICTI president for a three-year term beginning June 2009; TIA last held the role of president of ICTI in 2001.

Next Phases of New TIA Toy Safety Program Launch

Certification Bodies Apply for ANSI Accreditation On June 15, TIA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) announced that applications for accreditation are now being accepted from product certification bodies who wish to participate in TIA’s new Toy Safety Certification ProgramSM. TIA created the TSCPSM to improve toy safety, help restore stakeholder confidence in toy products, and comply with new federal legislation that toys be tested by a qualified lab and certified that they meet rigorous national safety standards and regulations. The TSCP goes well beyond testing and compliance to encompass the entire product life cycle . . . including risk and hazard analysis at the design stage and an audit of factories during the manufacturing stage.

ANSI, coordinator of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system and under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding with TIA, is the exclusive third-party accreditor of TSCP certification bodies. Its accreditation program will operate according to requirements defined under the TSCP and guidelines established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

Program Requirements Updated
Though the accreditation of certification bodies is necessary before any companies can certify their toy products, companies that are interested in submitting their toy products for certification can prepare themselves by reviewing a complete set of TSCP program requirements. TIA published the latest edition of the requirements document on June 5 following their approval by the TSCP Technical Committee. Revisions include more detail regarding the credentials of design analysis assessors, the established and internationally recognized ISO 9001 as a starting base for factory process control evaluations and refinements to the testing section including recognition of in-process testing and third-party sampling.

TIA made the refinements based on feedback from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), consumer representatives, retailers, factories, third-party service providers, and toy companies of various sizes and making a wide range of products; additional refinements are expected from the new TSCP Oversight Council and the CPSC as the program is implemented.

For additional information, please visit the TSCP website or contact TSCP Technical Outreach Director Michael Perkins.

Safe Summer Play Tips from the Toy Industry Association

Kids of all ages are already starting to hit beaches, parks and backyards to enjoy the outdoor play that makes the warm days of summer so much fun. From gardening and building sets to sidewalk chalk and scooters, and from bubbles and water blasters to bicycles and skateboards, a broad range of outdoor toys will help to entertain the young and the young at heart.

As the season kicks into high gear, TIA offers parents a few toy-related tips to help promote a safe, active and fun summer:

Pay close attention to the age appropriate guidelines on toy product packaging. Age labeling is a safety precaution and is based on children's developmental skills and ability at a given age – and the appropriateness of the toy for that age. Age labeling does not pertain to the intelligence of a child so you never want to select toys marked with an age older than the child's age.

Make adult supervision a crucial element of outdoor play.Children are quick and inquisitive. They should never be left alone near water sources (pools, inflatable kiddie pools, beaches, etc.) ... not even for a moment. Water toys should be kept out of sight or out of reach when not being used so children are not tempted to play in or near the water alone. TIA has also promoted the Safe Kids USA website as a great resource for outdoor play tips.

Buckle children up with helmets, knee pads and other protective gear. Buckling up is equally important for bicycles and other ride-on toys, including tricycles, scooters, skateboards and skates. Visit the CPSC website for tips on how to make sure helmets fit properly and comfortably so that kids will not take them off.

Keep young bodies protected from the sun and heat. Outdoor play areas should be covered to protect sensitive children’s skin from the sun’s intense rays. Children should wear hats, 100% UVA sunglasses, and a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB Protection) when playing outdoors. Studies show that children do not always experience thirst before dehydration, so it is important that they drink plenty of fluids during and after play, even when they do not feel thirsty.

Organize and store toys to prevent slips, trips and falls.Large, plastic bins with lids are perfect for organizing and storing smaller toys; bins should be marked by name so that toys for children of differing ages can be easily separated. An outdoor shed should be set up with designated “parking” spaces near the door for bicycles and other ride-on toys; smaller items like skateboards and skates should be hung off ground-level or stored on shelves.

Toys"R"Us

2009-06-02T10:12:00.007-04:00

Toys“R”Us, Inc. and Safe Kids Worldwide Partner to Offer Summer Safety Tips

To help parents and caregivers keep their kids safe, Toys“R”Us, Inc., has teamed up with Safe Kids Worldwide to create a list of important safety tips to help families prevent accidental injuries while enjoying the not-so-lazy days of summer.

These safety tips, which can be found on the Toys“R”Us, Inc. dedicated Safety microsite, include useful information about bike, scooter, skateboard, helmet, backyard, street, pool and water safety such as:

Information about inspecting swing sets, bikes and other ride-on toys for deteriorating or faulty equipment;
Guidelines to follow when choosing the right size bike and helmet for a particular child;
Advice on teaching kids to obey the rules of the road when riding bikes, scooters and skateboards to stay out of harm’s way;
Suggestions for protective gear to use with ride-on toys, flotation devices for kids who cannot swim, and safety signs to warn drivers of kids at play; and
Tips for creating a safe environment when kids are in and around the pool.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is proud to partner with Safe Kids Worldwide throughout the year to create comprehensive childhood safety campaigns to educate parents and caregivers about injury prevention. To review these and other injury prevention tips, as well as more information about product safety, please visit www.Toysrus.com/Safety

Toy Industry Association

2009-05-26T10:58:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Adrienne Citrin, TIA
646.520.4863

Toy Industry Association Appoints Oversight Council for Toy Safety Certification Program

New York, NY May 12, 2009 – The Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) announced today the appointment of an Oversight Council for a new program that will help to verify that toys entering the U.S. market comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations.

“This Council is unique because it brings together stakeholders with a broad range of skills and perspectives and a shared passion for enhancing toy safety,” said Elizabeth Borrelli, executive director of the Toy Safety Certification ProgramSM (TSCPSM). “We are honored that a former CPSC commissioner, a former president of UL, and a cross-section of well-respected product safety experts, engineers, and government and consumers representatives will be helping to shape the development, implementation, integrity and effectiveness of the TSCP.”

The Oversight Council will be responsible for a variety of tasks including monitoring the development, implementation and effectiveness of TSCP; proposing changes to the program to increase value to stakeholders; and reviewing and adopting reasonable recommended changes in the program relating to technical considerations. Its members will provide guidance as the program adapts to changes in the marketplace, ultimately making it easier to assure the safety of toys to consumers.

The TSCP was developed as a direct result of the toy recalls of 2007 and the resulting congressional hearings, political platforms, media coverage, and overall consumer concerns. TIA stepped forward to take a proactive stance in developing and promoting a program that would apply to toys that are produced for sale in the United States.

Development of the program began in August 2007 through a collaborative process that brought together representatives of toy companies, retailers, toy testers, factory auditors, government representatives, consumer groups and conformity assessment experts. The initiative was organized by TIA in partnership with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), coordinator of the U.S. voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment system.

Additional information about the Toy Safety Certification ProgramSM (TSCPSM) can be found online at http://www.toycertification.org/.

Members of the first TSCP Oversight Council include:

TOM CASTINO - Tom Castino is a former president and chief executive officer of Underwriters Laboratories (UL). During his 43-year career, he was responsible for promoting UL’s tremendous growth and expansion of its safety mission on a global scale.

ANNE CRAIGMYLE - Anne Craigmyle currently serves on the American Fireworks Standard Laboratory (AFSL) Standards Committee as its consumer representative. She is a mother with three boys ranging in ages from seven to thirteen.

CAROL G. DAWSON - Carol Dawson was Commissioner of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from 1984 until 1993. Previously, she served as a deputy press secretary and as liaison to the White House for the U.S. Department of Energy.

GORDON GILLERMAN - Gordon Gillerman is conformity assessment advisor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advising federal agencies and other stakeholders on standards and compliance policy, particularly in areas pertaining to federal needs.

MYUNG KANG-HUNEKE - Myung Kang-Huneke is the vice president and general counsel for Sesame Workshop where she oversees the legal and government affairs departments, serves as secretary to the Board of Trustees, and oversees Sesame Workshop’s Product Safety Assurance Program.

ALAN KAUFMAN - Alan Kaufman is vice president of quality assurance, safety, and compliance for Toys“R”Us, Inc., where he serves as a liaison with public and government oversight agencies on product safety issues and is a key member of the company’s Safety Leadership Council. He has more than 25 years of experience related to product safety and quality assurance.

ARTHUR KAZIANIS - Arthur Kazianis, senior vice president of global quality assurance at Hasbro, Inc., oversees the company’s product safety, quality and environmental and social responsibility programs. He is a career professional with experience in areas ranging from consumer product safety and design engineering to reliability and quality assurance.

KATHLEEN MCHUGH - Kathleen McHugh is president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). ASTRA represents more than 1,000 member manufacturers, retailers, sales reps, and affiliate businesses in the specialty toy industry. An association management professional, she served as its executive director until 2004. She was named president in 2008.

ARNOLD E. RUBIN - Arnie Rubin, president and chief executive officer of Funrise Toy Corporation, has more than forty years of leadership experience in the toy industry, including service as chairman of both the Toy Industry Association (2004-2006) and the Toy Industry Foundation (2006-2008).

BETH SCHOMMER - Beth Schommer, vice president of product safety and compliance for Wal-Mart, oversees regulatory safety standards, product recalls and product testing. She has held merchandising management responsibilities for the company in the United States and Europe.

JIM WALTER - Jim Walter, senior vice president and chief regulatory officer, global product integrity for Mattel, Inc., is responsible for worldwide product quality, safety and regulatory compliance. He is a member and former chair of the TIA Safety Standards and Technical Committee and chair of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) working group responsible for the international toy safety standard.

About TIA - TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing over 500 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago and ongoing working with government, consumer advocates, industry and other stakeholders on ongoing programs to ensure safe play. To learn more about the Toy Safety Certification Program, please visit http://www.toycertification.org/ or visit TIA’s other websites: http://www.toyassociation.org/ or http://www.toyinfo.org/.

Britax

2009-05-11T09:06:00.003-04:00

New Technology: Child Restraint Side Impact Cushions

Side impact crashes pose a serious threat to child safety and therefore make side impact protection a necessity for child seats. Twenty-five percent, 1 in 4 crashes, occur from the side, injuries are more severe in side impact crashes, 30% of fatalities are a result of side impact crashes and vehicle side air curtains are designed to protect adults, not children. (Source: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

As a tech, you know that injuries occur when crash force energy comes in contact with your child. Energy cannot be destroyed; it can only be managed or diverted away from your child. Crash forces originating from a side impact crash have the potential of being more severe because:

The lack of a “crumple zone” between your child and the vehicle door resulting in direct impact of the oncoming vehicle.
Contact with any intruding objects such as the car door, glass, metal shards, etc.
Acceleration of the body as the car comes to a sudden halt; a quick change in speed is what causes injury to the body.

Side Impact Cushion Technology is comprised of air-filled, energy-management cushions on either side of the child seat that protect both the child and any adjacent passengers in the event of a side impact crash. The cushions reduce side impact crash energy by 50%.

During a side impact crash, the energy-management cushions compress to absorb the incoming crash forces and safely expel the air through strategically placed vents. In doing so, Side Impact Cushion Technology reduces side impact crash energy by 50 percent by diverting crash forces away from your child. It is important to note that the cushions do NOT deploy upon impact, like vehicle airbags do.

The side impact cushions were developed to minimize injury to the child sitting in the seat by reducing the impact of incoming crash force. Beyond that, however, these cushions have an added benefit. They provide the seat’s exterior with an energy-managing surface which serves to reduce head acceleration of an adjacent passenger as well.

Currently, these cushions are found on the Britax Advocate CS convertible car seat.

Submitted by: Sarah Tilton, CPS Advocate, Britax Child Safety (Charlotte, NC)

Toys"R"Us

2009-05-05T12:40:00.003-04:00

TOYS"R"US, INC. AND SAVE THE CHILDREN LAUNCH INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE BLANKETS TO INFANTS IN NEED IN THE UNITED STATES

Bundled in Hope Campaign to Include In-Store and Online Fundraising and Feature an Auction of Baby Blankets Designed by Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore, Marcia Cross and Other Celebrity Moms WAYNE, NJ (May 4, 2009) - Toys"R"Us, Inc. launched a nationwide campaign to help provide baby blankets to thousands of infants in need in the United States, in collaboration with Save the Children. With monetary donations collected in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores across the country and online at www.Toysrus.com/BundledinHope, Save the Children will purchase baby blankets for infants in the most impoverished parts of the United States. The funds raised will also help Save the Children provide ongoing support in these regions through a comprehensive early childhood development program.

"At Toys"R"Us, Inc., we love kids and helping them in times of need is one of the core values of our company. Knowing that millions of babies go without even the most basic essentials, such as a blanket, was a call to action for the "R"Us family," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We are proud to partner with Save the Children to help provide warm, comforting blankets to needy children nationwide."

In addition, for the first time ever, Toys"R"Us, Inc. will utilize its popular "R"Us Baby Registry to fundraise by offering expectant parents the opportunity to request donations for the Bundled in Hope campaign from friends and family purchasing items from their registry. New and existing registrants are eligible to join the fundraising program now through Saturday, July 11.

Also as part of the program, Toys"R"Us, Inc. and Save the Children have engaged celebrity moms to support the Bundled in Hope campaign by designing one-of-a-kind baby blankets that will be auctioned online. The entire winning auction bid will be donated to Save the Children to purchase and distribute blankets across the country and raise awareness for its programs in the United States.

Baby blanket designs by Marcia Cross, Jamie Lee Curtis, Isla Fisher, Jennifer Garner, Jennie Garth, Melissa Joan Hart, Julianne Moore, Kyra Sedgwick, Niki Taylor and Kerri Walsh will be featured online at www.Toysrus.com/BundledinHope, which also includes a link to the auction site to bid on the blankets. The auction begins on Mother's Day and runs through Saturday, July 11. In addition, visitors to the Bundled in Hope microsite can find personal baby blanket stories from Lorraine Bracco, Jamie Lee Curtis, Julianne Moore and Kerri Walsh, among others.

Toy Industry Association

2009-04-15T11:23:00.002-04:00

New Standards Represent Ongoing Enhancements in Toy Safety

One of the components of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) that became effective on February 10, 2009 is a mandatory reference to ASTM F963, the toy safety standard that provides guidelines and test methods to protect children from a wide range of potential hazards, including lead exposure, choking, and sharp edges.

On February 17, a new edition of the standard – officially known as the Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety (ASTM F963-2008) – was published. Updates, which occur on an ongoing basis to make sure standards are as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible, include revisions to the sections on magnets, acoustics, yo-yo tether toys and flammability; a new section on impaction hazards was added.

The 2007 edition of the standard is still mandatory under the CPSIA, but the standards developer (ASTM International) has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that a new edition has been published. As the enforcement body for CPSIA implementation, the CPSC will consider whether the revisions will improve toy safety. If confirmed, there will be a six month transition period before the new edition goes into effect as the mandatory reference

Toy safety standards are also being updated on the global scene. In March, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published a new edition of its standard for the mechanical and physical properties of safe toys (ISO 8124-1:2009). U.S. experts from TIA and its member companies lead the constant updating process for the ISO 8124 family of standards.

In both ASTM and ISO, representatives of TIA and its member companies work hand-in-hand with consumer advocates and government representatives to standardize the requirements that will help to assure the safety of toys . . . demonstrating an ongoing, year-round commitment to leadership in toy safety issues.

Toy Industry to Support National Foster Care Month with a Stuff-A-Thon in California

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) – TIA’s charitable arm – kicked-off its 2009 Toy Bank donation drive in a big way as five large truckloads of toys valued at over $250,000 were collected from more than 230 exhibitors at the 106th American International Toy Fair in February.

A significant portion of the Toy Fair ’09 collection will benefit charities around the nation, including the My Stuff Bags Foundation, a charitable organization that provides hope to children suffering from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

TIF and My Stuff Bags are teaming together on May 19 to host the toy industry’s first-ever “Stuff-A-Thon” as a way of commemorating May as “National Foster Care Month.” The goal is to prepare more than 5,000 duffel bags containing toiletries, handmade items and toys for children in need.

The Toy Bank supports a wide range of charities across the nation, collecting and distributing more than 6 million toys valued at over $46 million since the program’s inception in 2003. The goal is to hit $50 million in cumulative fair market value during 2009!

Britax

2009-04-08T13:59:00.003-04:00

Britax is now on Twitter!

Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Where are you going? What’s New? etc. Join today by clicking this link (http://twitter.com/britax) to start following Britax's tweets!

Toys"R"Us

2009-03-31T09:15:00.002-04:00

Toys“R”Us Showcases “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism”

For more than 15 years, Toys“R”Us has partnered with the National Lekotek Center to develop the Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. This complimentary resource guide is released each fall and offers dozens of toys that can help kids with special needs develop necessary skills, including auditory, creativity, fine motor, gross motor, language, self esteem, social, tactile, thinking and visual skills.

As part of the Toys“R”Us, Inc. campaign to raise awareness for Autism Speaks, the company developed a special edition of the Guide that identifies “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism.” Each of these items promotes the development of several of the above skills and allows children with autism spectrum disorders to play alongside their siblings and friends. These everyday toys are readily available in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and can truly make a difference in the lives of children affected by autism.

Toys featured in the “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism” include:

Deluxe Nesting and Stacking Blocks from Melissa & Doug

Dunk ’n Cheer Basketball from Fisher-Price

TaDoodles Washable All-in-One Paints from Crayola Beginnings

My First Story Reader from Publications International

What’s in Ned’s Head? from Fundex

Kid K’Nex Undersea Pals & Country Friends Sets from K’Nex

Locks & Latches Board from Melissa & Doug

Candy Land Castle Game from Milton Bradley

GeoTrax Grand Central Station from Fisher-Price

KidiZoom Camera from Vtech

Each item is pictured along with recognizable icons that represent the skills it helps children to develop. The “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism” are a testament to the fact that children can be impacted by the power of play. Click here to view the “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism”:
http://blogs.toysrus.com/autismspeaks/2009/03/toysrus-showcases-ten-toys-that-speak-to-autism.html

Safe Strap

2009-03-24T11:57:00.011-04:00

Shopping Cart Safety
Hidden Dangers

Like falling televisions and the risk of backing over a child with an SUV, shopping cart injuries are a hidden danger in the sense that many parents simply don't think that shopping carts are a real hazard to their kids. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 'shopping cart–related injuries to children are common and can result in severe injury or even death.'
In fact, over 24,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for shopping cart related injuries in 2005, most for injuries to their head and neck. Specific injuries included fractures, contusions, and lacerations.

Children in shopping carts can be hurt, for example, if the shopping cart tips over or if they:

fall out of the shopping cart
fall off the outside of the shopping cart
get entrapped in a shopping cart
get run over by a shopping cart
get struck by a shopping cart

Shopping Cart Safety

To keep your kids safe when shopping, if you are going to place your child in a shopping cart, it can help to:

use the shopping cart seat belt
never allow your child to stand up in the shopping cart, ride in the front basket, or ride the outside of the shopping cart
always supervise your child when she is in the shopping cart and don't leave her unattended, even for just a few minutes. This is especially important if you have more than one child with you, since an older sibling can easily tip the shopping cart over if he tries to push it, climb inside, or get something out of the shopping cart.
never place your infant carrier on top of the shopping cart, which may make it more likely to tip over
use a shopping cart that is designed for young children, including larger, special models that have separate seats for kids

Even better than placing your child in a shopping cart though, especially if you have more than one child with you while shopping, you might look for an alternative to using shopping carts, which can include a supervised play area, putting your child in a stroller, backpack, wagon, etc., or simply have your older toddler or preschooler walk.

If possible, you might also try to get somebody to watch your kids while you are shopping so that you don't even have to bring them to the store with you.

Keep in mind that the AAP now states that 'parents are strongly encouraged to seek alternatives to transporting their child in a shopping cart until an effective revised performance standard for shopping cart safety is implemented in the United States,' so they are basically saying that you really shouldn't place your child in a shopping cart any longer.

Hopefully, shopping cart safety design changes that are being called for by the AAP will also make a big difference in the future.

---
By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com
Created: August 12, 2006

References:

Policy Statement. Shopping Cart–Related Injuries to Children. PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 2 August 2006, pp. 825-827
Technical Report. Shopping Cart–Related Injuries to Children. PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 2 August 2006, pp. e540-e544
AAP Parent Page. Shopping Cart Safety. PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 2 August 2006, pp. e545-e546
Consumer Product Safety Alert. Falls from Shopping Carts Cause Head Injuries to Children

Intertek

2009-03-16T16:33:00.004-04:00

Intertek Offers Solution to Reduce CPSIA-Mandated Lead Testing Costs Up to 66%

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, offers a practical solution to reduce CPSIA-mandated lead paint testing costs by as much as 66% without jeopardizing safety. To view both the cover letter and proposal in its entirety online, please go to: www.intertek.com/consumergoods/resources/CPSIAInfo.

The landmark consumer product safety legislation signed into law last summer, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), mandates lead paint (surface coating) testing by accredited third party laboratories. The procedure that the CPSC requires for that testing increases the regulatory burden on manufacturers significantly. This impact is particularly onerous for small and medium-sized entities struggling in a challenging economic climate.

Reduced Testing Costs

On February 13, 2009, Intertek, the largest testing laboratory for consumer products sold in the United States, developed and proposed for official adoption by the CPSC, a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the testing of paint on children’s products to lead limitations found in 16 CFR 1303. This multiple-color testing procedure for lead in paint is based on the existing CPSC Standard Operating Procedure. The Intertek SOP does not compromise accuracy or detection limits, and is mathematically based to ensure compliance accuracy. Current CPSC guidance requires each individual paint color be tested individually and separately for compliance to limits established by regulation. In short, the Intertek procedure allows for the testing of three paint samples at once – reducing the testing costs from three tests to only one. Intertek chose not to copyright or patent-protect their procedure. If formally adopted by the CPSC, the proposed Intertek SOP would be available for any approved laboratory to use.

Small Business Friendly

Lead testing is “destructive testing” whereby samples submitted for testing are destroyed in the testing process. Small and medium-sized businesses who manufacture smaller quantities for distribution consider the cost of submitted samples for testing a significant expense. The Intertek SOP for Multiple-Color Testing will dramatically reduce the amount of samples required to determine compliance to lead paint standards.

A “Green” Testing Solution

This proposed method not only reduces testing costs by as much as 66% by reducing the number of tests required, but it is also environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of waste generated by excessive samples tested. The less samples required for testing, the less waste produced.

Encourages Compliance

If the new testing procedure proposed by Intertek for CPSIA compliance of lead in paint is approved by the CPSC, the economical practicality of the testing method could very well encourage and increase the number of firms engaging in testing. The more companies testing, the greater likelihood products will comply, and, inevitably, the less chance of products in the marketplace with excessive lead levels.

Gene Rider, President of Intertek Consumer Goods North America, explains, “Intertek supports global public policy efforts to implement sound, science-based regulations by offering our expertise in the areas of testing, inspection, certification[1] and quality assurance. Intertek operations internationally are eye-witnesses to some of the difficulties our customers face with regard to complying with elements of the CPSIA. We’re offering this SOP as a solution to reduce the regulatory burden without jeopardizing the level of safety provided to the American consumer through the new legislation. Intertek has decades of research experience with the medical and academic community to share with regards to consumer product safety. We hope that policymakers consider this process change to the current implementation of CPSIA.”

Contacts

For further information, please contact
Julie Naujokas, Marketing & Communications Director
Telephone: +1 708 955 5010
Julie.naujokas@intertek.com

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in 110 countries around the world.
For more information, visit http://www.intertek.com/

[1] For certification programs available through Intertek, please see http://www.intertek-labtest.com/services/certification/?lang=en.

The Britax Advocate Extranet is at your fingertips!

2009-03-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

It’s here - The Britax Advocate Extranet is at your fingertips!

The Britax Advocate Extranet is a destination for certified child passenger safety technicians (CPST) and instructors (CPSTI) to provide CEU opportunities (available early 2009), technical support and information regarding Britax products beyond what can be found on our consumer-based website, http://www.britaxusa.com/.

As well, this site offers opportunity to communicate directly with Britax on a technical level as a CPST or CPSTI. Our support of you in the field with our products, combined with your input regarding our products, including installation issues, ease of use, user guide content and format, will help Britax products be the best they can be.

The Britax Advocate Extranet can be accessed by logging into you profile at http://www.safekids.org/ under certification. Once logged in, select Online CEUs under your current recertification cycle and the select Britax Tech site.

If you have any ideas about content that you would like to see at this destination, please let me know. We will constantly be working to improve this communication tool – your input is much appreciated.

Submitted by Sarah Tilton, Britax Child Safety, Inc.

“R”Us Stores Launch Fundraising Campaign To Benefit Autism Speaks

2009-03-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

“R”Us Stores Launch Fundraising Campaign To Benefit Autism Speaks

Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide are kicking off a nine-week in-store fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks. From Sunday, March 1 through Friday, May 1, donations will be collected in more than 800 “R”Us stores across the country and online at www.Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks to coincide with Autism Awareness Month in April.

“With so many children affected by autism, our partnership with Autism Speaks is especially meaningful for many of our customers, as well as our employees,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “We love kids, and we’re proud to raise money and awareness in our stores to help Autism Speaks provide a voice for those children and families impacted by the disorder.”

To increase public awareness about the disorder, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has partnered once again with the National Lekotek Center, an independent organization dedicated to children with disabilities, and Autism Speaks, to develop a special edition of the Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids that identifies “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism.” These items promote the development of language, creativity and social skills, and are toys that children with autism spectrum disorders can play with alongside their siblings and friends. Information about the toys is available in all stores nationwide.

New this year, the site will feature a portrait gallery of children with autism taken by photographer Thomas Balsamo, an artist with extensive experience working with special needs children. Mr. Balsamo also photographed all of the children featured in the company’s in-store signage for the campaign.

“Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us are in a unique position to reach thousands of parents and caregivers each day to provide them with valuable information about autism screening and early warning signs,” said Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks. “We are thrilled to have them support our research and advocacy efforts as we continue to work toward solving the autism puzzle.”

Toys“R”Us, Inc. and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund also proudly serve as the national sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism program, a series of more than 75 walk events in cities coast-to-coast. Toys“R”Us, Inc. employees nationwide are again joining in the effort by forming regional walk teams in their local communities. The complete schedule of Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism events can be found at www.WalkNowforAutism.org

Toy Industry Association

2009-02-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

TIA Launches Electronic Certification System for CPSIA Compliance

New York, NY February 10, 2009 – As businesses, consumers and government officials across the nation turn their attention to the enhanced safety of children’s products and today’s implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), the Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) proudly announces the launch of its new Electronic Certification System (ECS) for toys. This web-based platform provides a comprehensive workflow to help domestic manufacturers and importers of toys to the United States efficiently meet the General Certificates of Compliance (GCC) requirements of the CPSIA.

“The makers of children’s products must provide verification of compliance to a broad range of toy safety regulations, including those for lead paint and small parts,” explained Elizabeth Borrelli, TSCP executive director and TIA vice president of corporate social responsibility. “The new ECS helps to reduce the burden of paper certificates while also providing for easy and secure access to electronic certificates by regulators, retailers and distributors.”
Among its benefits, the ECS provides:

a single, easily accessible website that accommodates the needs of a broad range of suppliers, retailers and regulators; user-controlled organization of certificates (e.g., grouping by key data such as product type, factory, etc.) and management of display results; secure access, user validation and tracking; and
an ability to demonstrate compliance with legal requirements while maintaining the confidentiality of proprietary information.

Feedback from a small set of users that were engaged in a week-long soft launch of the ECS has been positive: “Using the TSCP website is not only extremely convenient, it is very user-friendly,” said Rori McKinley, ImagAbility, Inc. “The ECS provides an avenue to update and release our … safety documents and certificates at any hour of the day.”
Launch of the ECS is the first phase of TIA’s new Toy Safety Certification ProgramSM (TSCPSM), a comprehensive and sustainable system that will provide reasonable verification that toys meet applicable mandatory U.S. toy safety standards. Development of the program began in August 2007 through a collaborative process that brought together representatives of toy companies, retailers, toy testers, factory auditors, government representatives, consumer groups and conformity assessment experts. The initiative was organized by TIA in partnership with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), coordinator of the U.S. voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment system.

Additional components of the TSCP and its ECS will be phased in throughout the year in accordance with the schedule of requirements in the CPSIA. Beginning in November 2009, for example, the law requires the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to initiate a program for manufacturers to label product as compliant and to establish protocols and standards to ensure on-going compliance when there has been a material change in the product’s design or manufacturing process including the sourcing of component parts. Historically, CPSC has given recognition to credible and effective industry-created compliance programs versus imposing their own.

The ECS will be demonstrated during the TIA-hosted Toy Safety Seminar on Monday morning, February 16, at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. A Drop-In Learning Center (Booth # 781 on the Toy Fair show floor) will also feature ECS demonstrations on Sunday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 17. Additionally, a webinar introducing the ECS is available.

Vac-Alert

2009-02-11T14:56:00.001-05:00

Pool Safety Council Investigation Reveals New Drain Covers Easy to Obtain

DESPITE RECENT REPORTS that Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act-compliant drain covers are hard to come by, an investigation by the Pool Safety Council found the situation is improving rapidly or is non-existent.

"Everybody's starting to step up," Wade Arens, co-founder of major drain manufacturer Aquastar Pool Products, said of himself and his colleagues. "It's getting better daily."

The Virginia Graeme Baker Act is named after former Secretary of State James Baker's granddaughter, who died after becoming entrapped on a residential spa's drain. Before opening in 2009, all public pools install approved safety drain covers. All single drain public pools must also install an anti-entrapment device, such as a Safety Vacuum Release System.

A rash of stories, including one in the Wall Street Journal, have surfaced around the country about public pool owners and operators having great difficulty finding drain covers that comply with the law. But over the course of two weeks, the Pool Safety Council spoke with top manufacturers of VGB-complaint drain covers and found they are experiencing either minor or no delays.

Arens admitted his company, which makes an assortment of VGB-compliant drain covers, was hit hard when the law when into effect Dec. 18. But while demand was so high at one point orders were backlogged six to eight weeks, Aquastar has already slashed their turnaround time. "If an order comes in [now,] we're getting it out in two-and-a-half weeks," Aren said. Aquastar has manufacturing facilities working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet demand, and the company has hired more than 40 new employees in the last month to help manufacture the drain covers.

Hayward Pool Products, one of the larger drain cover manufacturers, has no wait for smaller drain covers and no more than a week's backlog for larger drain covers, said Product ManagerJoe DiOrio. Like Aquastar and others, Hayward experienced a swell of demand around the time the Pool and Spa Safety Act went into effect, but DiOrio said the company is now handling the load without problems. "Demand is pretty much all caught up at this point," DiOrio said.

Todd Williams, project manager for Paddock Industries, Inc., said there is virtually no wait time to acquire their stock drain covers, which include large 20 by 20 inches and 24 by 24 inch size. Pool operators looking for large, custom made drains can expect a bit of lag time — Williams estimated custom orders to take about 3-6 weeks to complete — but that overall the company is handling the drain cover rush just fine. "We're going to easily be able to carry the load with no problems," Williams said.

Ron Schroader, whose Drain Safe/New Water Solutions company makes anti-entrapment covers for sumps between five and eight inches in diameter, said he only experienced a backlog for a short time as demand for the covers took off. "We ran out two days before Christmas," Schroader said, adding, "for two hours." Schroader, who hired his son to come on and help with the uptick in demand, said that as a pool professional, he was relieved the Act was in place. "I'm just really glad that people are staring to realize there are layers of protection out there," Schroader said. "And thanks to the CPSC it's finally starting to happen."

Though demand initially outweighed supply, local officials are not worried about being ready for the forthcoming outdoor pool season. Dave Long, citywide maintenance district manager for San Diego, California, said that while the larger drain covers public pools need have been hard to come by so far, he is confident the large number of outdoor pools expected to open when the weather warms up will do so on schedule. "We've been pretty
Safe drain covers successful," Long said. "We've been able to meet the requirement."

Once pool owners and operators have acquired the drain covers they need to comply with the Pool and Spa Safety Act, they can often use divers to install them and avoid draining their pools. One pool in San Diego, California, hired divers to perform the installation, but they ran into difficulties and the decision was made to drain the pool. That time-consuming process — coupled with a heating system that broke and needed repairs after the pool was drained — resulted in the pool being closed from Dec. 22 until Jan. 5, said pool manager Julie Jones.

Small drain cover manufacturers have run into few or no problems meeting demand. "We have not had any problems as far as supplying," Michael Marshall, director of sales and marketing for A and A Manufacturing said. A and A Manufacturing makes the Anti-Vortex Single Channel (AVSC) drain that measures about 7 by 31 inches. And Bob Spillar, president of marketing for the Balboa Water Group, said his company is meeting demand in the hot tub industry he caters to just fine. "We are not having any problems meeting demand in the hot tub industry," Spillar said. Balboa manufactures two- and three-inch drain covers for hot tub suction return fittings.

Aren admitted the new influx of business took him by surprise, but given the state of the nation's economy, he was not complaining. "It's a good problem to have," Aren said.

This article was brought to you by the Pool Safety Council.

Pool Safety Council
Dedicated to the Prevention of Child Drowning Nationwide
http://www.poolsafetyconsortium.org/

Toys"R"Us Travel Safety Initiative

2009-02-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

Toys“R”Us, Inc. And Safe Kids Worldwide Partner to Offer Tips to Help Parents Keep Kids Safe When On-The-Go

Parents and Caregivers Urged to Practice Simple Travel Safety Measures to Prevent Unintentional Childhood Injuries and Deaths

To help prevent childhood injuries when on-the-go and away from home, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide to offer parents and caregivers valuable travel safety tips.

“We love kids, and helping parents create fun, happy memories for their children is at the heart of what we do at Toys“R”Us. To that end, we remain committed to helping keep children safe at all times, including while traveling,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “We hope parents and caregivers will utilize the valuable safety information we have developed with Safe Kids Worldwide to help ensure family trips and vacations with little ones are enjoyable and injury-free.”

From planning for the journey to making sure kids have everything they need to be safe and happy when they arrive at their final destination, preparation is required for every stage of the trip. Tips are available at www.Toysrus.com/Safety on several topics, including Preparing for the Journey and the Destination, Getting There, On-theGo Sleep, On-the-Go Meals, and In a Crowd.

“When families are enjoying time away together, it can be easy to let important safety routines fall by the wayside. Safety requires constant vigilance, especially in unfamiliar places where children face unknown hazards,” said Mitch Stoller, President and CEO, Safe Kids Worldwide. “Taking the simple precautionary steps outlined in the tips we’ve developed with Toys“R”Us will help ensure safe travels.”

A broad assortment of safety items – from car seats and first aid kits to baby monitors and sleepsacks – are available at Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide and on http://www.toysrus.com/. In addition, trained and knowledgeable employees are always on

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,550 stores, including 847 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the U.S., more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at http://www.toysrus.com/.

2009-01-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

MG International Frequently Asked Questions

1.1- Can I install the immersion detector myself?

Yes, unlike other competing systems, you can easily install your immersion detector yourself. A fixing kit is supplied for the purpose.

1.2- I can’t get the immersion detector to work.

Remove the batteries from their housing, check their condition then wait for about 2 minutes before putting them back. You should hear a long beep and 10 short beeps. If you do not hear these, contact our After Sales service on 04 42 98 14 90.

1.3- During fall tests, my immersion detector doesn’t set the alarm off

Carry out the following checks 1- check the condition of the batteries and make sure that they are correctly positioned 2- make sure that the detector is in “supervision” mode 3- make sure you have correctly closed and screwed down the lid using the screws provided 4- the angled tube should be correctly fitted into its housing and a minimum of 18 cm underwater 5- make sure that the test piece used weighs between 6 and 8 kg and goes into the water.

1.4- Why does the detector activate beyond 12 seconds?

Carry out the following checks

1- were the settings tests carried out using a calibrated test piece?
Check that your test piece (drum, jerry can…) weighs between 6 and 8 kg and goes into the water properly. A test piece that is approximately the shape of a 6-to-9-month old child will help you to achieve the ideal detector settings.
2- did you carry out the tests in good weather conditions? For ideal detector settings, tests should be carried out in disturbance-free conditions (wind, storms…)
3- is the pool larger than 6 x 12 metres? In this case, you need to fit a second immersion detector
4- is the immersion detector in the right place? Check that the detector is not positioned close to a return fitting or any other source of disturbance
5- the setting is not sensitive enough. In this case, increase the sensitivity by turning the potentiometer slightly to the right (refer to “sensitivity adjustment” in the installation guide provided) and carry out new tests, making sure that you have closed the lid properly.

1.5- Why does the detector activate for no reason? Carry out the following checks:

1- is the angled tube at least 18 cm underwater?
2- were the settings tests carried out with a calibrated test piece? Check that your test piece (drum, jerry can…) weighs between 6 and 8 kg and goes into the water properly. A test piece that is approximately the shape of a 6-to-9-month old child will help you to achieve the ideal detector settings.
3- if the filter system is too powerful (> 35 m3/hour), it may activate the immersion detector
4- although they comply with the French NF P90-307 Standard, 2004 immersion detectors may be activated by winds stronger than those mentionned by the French NF P90-307 Standard.
5- the setting may be too sensitive. Reduce it by turning the potentiometer slightly to the left (refer to “sensitivity adjustment” in the installation guide provided).

1.6- Why is the alarm siren weak during the test and adjustment phase?

To reduce noise disturbance during repetitive tests, the detector alarm siren remains in reduced mode during the test and adjustment phase. To come out of this mode and return to maximum volume, please refer to stage 12 of the installation and user guide.

1.7- Why does the immersion detector no longer detect falls?

1- the angled tube may not be properly pushed in
2- the toric joint on the angled tube may be damaged. In this case, contact your pool products supplier rapidly.
3- the hood on the central detector unit may be incorrectly fixed or not tight enough on its base
4- the hood is cracked. In this case, contact your pool products supplier rapidly, and he will exchange the item.

1.8- Why does the Aquasensor remote siren activate on its own?

Your remote siren might be activated by a detector somewhere in the neighbourhood. In this case, you need to change the radio code linking your central detector unit and its remote siren. Please refer to the installation instructions supplied with the remote siren.

1.9- The angled tube is less than 18 cm underwater; what do I do?

If the level of water in your pool is too low or if you have cut the tube too short, ask your pool products supplier for a probe extension.

1.10- What do 4 sharp beeps emitted every 30 seconds mean?

This sound signal is accompanied by a flashing warning light and means that the battery level is low. Replace the batteries immediately.

1.11- What is the test sheet used for?

The test sheet is used to check that the immersion detector has been installed and configured in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The guarantee may only be granted if the test sheet is duly completed and signed by the user and / or the owner of the pool and returned to the retailer by registered letter with proof of receipt or by Post Office monitored delivery within 1 week of purchase.

1.12- How long does the guarantee run for?

The guarantee runs for 2 years, parts and labour.

1.13- I own a 2004 range immersion detector, do I still comply with the law?

Yes, the various amendments and versions of the French NF P90-307 Standard are not retrospective. The product needs only to comply with the standard in force when it was manufactured.

1.14- If I am absent, how long will the alarm siren ring for?

The alarm siren rings for 3 cycles of 3 rings, each lasting about 1 min 30 s, with a gap of about 30 s between each ring. The 1st cycle is at full strength, the 2nd at about 50% of maximum power and the 3rd at reduced power.

2.1- Can I install the immersion detector myself?

Yes, unlike other competing systems, you can easily install your immersion detector yourself. A fixing kit is supplied for the purpose.

2.2- Are immersion detectors in the Aquasensor range compatible with robot cleaners?

Diving robots are not compatible with Aquasensor range immersion detectors. Concerning other types and brands of robot, we are unable to draw up an exhaustive list of incompatible robots. Please consult your pool products supplier.

2.3- Are immersion detectors in the Aquasensor range compatible with bubble covers?

Aquasensor range immersion detectors are not compatible with the use of a bubble cover.

2.4- Why does the message "change batteries on Domo" appear on the Sensor Domo screen when it is new?

1- position the batteries in the order shown in the guide provided
2- do not connect Sensor Domo to the mains until you have inserted the batteries in the order shown
3- if the message persists, return your Sensor Domo to our After Sales Service via your retailer.

2.5- Why does the message "radio loss" appear on the Sensor Domo screen?

1- Make sure that the message is displayed continuously
2- make sure that the distance between the central detector unit and Sensor Domo does not exceed 100 metres
3- make sure that there is no major obstacle (trees, thick walls, metal fence, etc.) between the central detector unit and Sensor Domo
4- carry out a test by changing the position of Sensor Domo.

2.6- If I am absent, how long will the alarm siren ring for?

JPMA

2009-01-22T09:27:00.000-05:00

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) was signed into law by President Bush on August 14, 2008. This legislation, also known as H.R. 4040, has very serious implications for the juvenile products industry.

H.R. 4040 requires manufacturers, retailers, and importers to subject toys and other nursery products to performance testing and to certify that they have passed strict mandatory U.S. safety standards before they hit store shelves. The law is effective upon enactment, but prospective according to various dates when provisions (i.e., lead, phthalates, testing and certification, tracking information, advertising restrictions) go into effect. The law also contains strong preemption language establishing uniform national standards for lead and phthalates in products.

JPMA wants to ensure that our members comply with the requirements of CPSIA. As such, we have created JPMA’s Guide to CPSIA, a comprehensive source of information regarding the new legislation. The Guide is designed to educate our members on the implications of this new legislation and offer solutions to the legislation’s requirements. The Guide can be found in the members-only section of JPMA.org, and contains a wide range of information and resources that will in turn help you better understand what this means to you, your store and your customers.

The information contained in JPMA’s Guide to CPSIA is based on our understanding of the requirements and will be updated as more information and clarification are received. In addition, JPMA will conduct educational briefings in the form of webinars, teleconferences, and/or face to face briefings on topics relating to CPSIA, as appropriate.

Here is a summary of some provisions the new CPSC regulations are required to implement:

Toy and JP Testing: Requires mandatory third party safety certification of products made for children 12 and under. Upon CPSC accreditation, private labs could be allowed to test products if they provide equal or greater consumer protection than available third party labs. Authorizes CPSC personnel to enter and inspect any firewalled lab certified under the Consumer Product Safety Act and withdraw accreditation if necessary. The JPMA Certification Program is subject to update and is expected to be able to provide a turnkey solution to testing and certification requirements.

Certain durable infant products: Specifically identifies products that will need to contain product registration cards including: full-size cribs and non-full-size cribs; toddler beds; high chairs, booster chairs, and hook-on chairs; bath seats; gates and other enclosures for confining a child; play yards; stationary activity centers; infant carriers; strollers; walkers; swings; and bassinets and cradles.

Phthalates: Permanently bans the sale of children’s products containing trace concentrations of three phthalates DEHP, DBP, or BBP. Temporarily bans products containing trace concentrations of DINP, DIDP, or DnOP unless further study and evaluation prompts the CPSC to lift the ban.

Whistleblower Protections: Provides whistleblower protections for private sector employees.

Funding: Authorizes funding levels for the CPSC for five years beginning in 2010 (FY2010, $118 million; FY2011, $115.6 million; 2012, $124 million; 2013, $132 million; 2014, $136 million). As part of the authorization, Conferees directed $25 million toward establishing a public database (see below for additional info).

Quorum: Allows a two-member quorum at the CPSC to conduct official business for the one year period beginning on the date of enactment. The CPSC currently is without a quorum and cannot conduct business that requires Commission action such as a mandatory recall. Restores the Commission to five members instead of three members to prevent future absences of quorum.

Rulemaking Process: Streamlines the product safety rulemaking process to be timelier by eliminating a mandatory “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” step.

Lead in Substrates: Bans lead for products manufactured for children age 12 or younger. Specifically, the permissible level of lead in children’s products would be 600 ppm within 180 days, 300 ppm after one year, and 100 ppm after three years following enactment, if feasible. The CPSC is directed to periodically review and lower the limit and also to accept inaccessible parts and parts that do not pose a human health risk.

Database: Within two years, the CPSC will establish a searchable database to include any reports of injuries, illness, death or risk related to consumer products submitted by consumers, local, state, or national government agencies, child care providers, physicians, hospitals, coroners, first responders, and the media. Upon receiving a complaint, the CPSC has five days to submit the complaint to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then has 10 days to respond. The complaint and manufacturers response would then be posted on the database. The CPSC would have the authority to remove or correct a complaint if it is found to be inaccurate.

Civil Fines: Increases the civil fine penalty cap from $5,000 to $100,000 per individual violation, and from $1.25 million to $15 million for aggregate violations.

Criminal Penalties: Increases criminal penalties to five years in jail for those who knowingly and willingly violate product safety laws.

Attorneys General: Provides authority for state attorneys general to enforce consumer product safety laws and act expeditiously to remove dangerous products from shelves.

Labeling: Requires manufacturers to label children’s products with tracking information useful to consumers and retailers in identifying recalled products.

Recalled Products: Makes it unlawful for retailers to sell a recalled product.

Supply Chain: Requires companies to identify manufacturers and subcontractors in the supply chain.

Export of Recalled Products: Enables the CPSC to prohibit a U.S. entity from exporting a product that does not comply with consumer product safety rules unless the importing country has notified the Commission of its permission.

Import Safety: Requires the CPSC to develop a plan to identify shipments of consumer products intended for import into the U.S. Improves information sharing among federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Destruction of Noncompliant Imports: Provides greater CPSC oversight to prevent the entry of unsafe consumer products in the U.S.

HOW JPMA CAN HELP
The JPMA Certification Program already provides a turnkey solution to the mandated third party certification of compliance to federal regulations for children’s products. JPMA currently offers 20 product categories – including all 12 durable infant products specifically named in the legislation – under the program with new categories pending. The testing is done to voluntary standards developed and published by ASTM International.

Britax

2009-01-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

Britax Training Seat Giveaway at Leadership Conference UPDATE

Congratulations! There are 256 lucky coalitions who are recipients of the Frontier Harness-2-Booster seat (to be used for training purposes). Approximately half are scheduled to ship the week of January 19, 2009 and the other half the week of February 16, 2009. They will be shipped from Charlotte, NC via UPS Ground service. The ship dates were assigned by state alphabetically – somewhere in the states beginning with “N” they shifted to the February ship date.

Thank you for your patience and Happy Training!

JPMA

2009-01-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

Understanding The JPMA Certification Program

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) was signed into law by President Bush on August 14, 2008. This legislation, also known as H.R. 4040, has serious implications for the juvenile products industry.

JPMA is proud to provide a certification program that provides a turnkey solution to the mandated third party certification of compliance to federal regulations for children’s products. In fact, JPMA currently offers 20 product categories – including all 12 durable infant products specifically named in the legislation. The following is a list of Frequently Asked questions regarding the JPMA Certification Program which provides a better understanding of the program and ASTM Standards. For more information, please visit http://www.jpma.org/.

How many juvenile products are currently certified through the JPMA Certification Program?
Approximately 2,000

How long does a certification last?
Until the company chooses to leave the program or if they no longer pass the testing.

Do companies have to renew each year?
Yes, companies must renew each year to continue participation in the program.

How often are products re-tested?
There are quarterly testing requirements for the program. Each product model has to be tested at least once a year through the quarterly testing. Also, the program includes random retail testing where the test lab will purchase the product at the retail level and test the product. This is in addition to the quarterly testing.Why would a company not want to certify their product?
Sometimes they can’t get certified because there is not a program for that type of product/category.

What product categories are available for JPMA Certification?
Currently there are 20 product categories in the JPMA Certification Program: bassinets/cradles, bath seats, booster seats, carriages and strollers, changing tables, children’s folding chairs, frame infant carriers, full-size cribs, gates and enclosures, hand-held infant carriers, high chairs, infant bouncers, infant swings, play yards/non-full size cribs, portable bed rails, portable hook-on chairs, soft infant carriers, stationary activity centers, toddler beds, and walkers. JPMA is currently working on adding commercial cribs and infant bath tubs to the program.

Why doesn't JPMA offer more categories?
The development of a certification program for a product is based upon several factors. JPMA adds new categories to the certification program as new standards are developed by ASTM. The development of standards is typically driven by incident data provided by the CPSC. If there is data which demonstrates performance or safety issues with a product, ASTM will facilitate the establishment of a standard.

Is the certification international or domestic only?
The products are tested to U.S. standards.

Is the whole line of strollers etc. certified or just those that were tested?
If a manufacturer wants to participate in the carriage/stroller certification program, then all of their carriage/stroller models must be tested and pass the ASTM standard prior to certification being granted.

Why are car seats not part of the certification program?
All car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet stringent safety standards set by the Federal government. In fact, child restraints sold in the United States are required to satisfy the rigorous performance standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and are certified by their manufacturers as compliant before they can be offered for sale.

What does “ASTM standard” mean?
The testing is done to voluntary standards that are developed and published by ASTM International (formerly The American Society for Testing and Materials). Participants in the development of standards for juvenile products within ASTM include representatives from the federal government, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with manufacturers, retailers, test labs, consumer advocate groups, and individual consumers.

How are the ASTM standards developed?
The ASTM standards are developed for juvenile products based on hazard data, which provides each of the subcommittees insight into how the products are used by consumers and, in some cases, misused. Some products even have comprehensive federal mandatory standards that all manufacturers of those specific products must meet in order for the products to be sold in the U.S. Each standard’s requirements are specific to the individual product. The testing requirements reflect “real world” injuries and are intended to address typical use as well as reasonably foreseeable abuse of the product(s).

For example, the following are some requirements incorporated into ASTM standards for cribs that go beyond mandatory federal requirements of full-size baby cribs (16 C.F.R. 1508), and non-full-size baby cribs (16 C.F.R. 1509):

• Cribs
— Corner post vertical extensions
— Dynamic impact testing for crib structural integrity
— Crib interior dimensions and component spacing
— Impact testing of crib side rails

In addition, each of the standards contain specific requirements for labeling and marking of both the product and packaging. These warnings/markings are intended to alert parents/caregivers to specific issues involving each product.

What is the process for developing or revising an ASTM Standard?
ASTM subcommittees are responsible for the development and/or revision of an ASTM standard. The subcommittees via meetings and appointment of task groups work on the requirements included in the standard. Proposals are sent out to ballot to ASTM members to vote on and then those comments are considered by the subcommittee and either included in the standard or it is determined that additional work needs to be done. ASTM subcommittees include representatives from the federal government, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with manufacturers, retailers, test labs, consumer advocate groups, and individual consumers and must have a balance of official voting members.

Has there been any indication that voluntary standards work?
Yes, in fact, in a 2007 Senate hearing on the reauthorization of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), authorities cited an 84% and 89% reduction in fatalities and injuries due to the establishment and effectiveness of ASTM Standards for baby walkers and cribs, respectively.

If the standards work, then how can a JPMA Certified product be recalled?
When products are tested, they are assembled and used in accordance with the manufacturers stated intent as embodied in the assembly and use instructions. If the instructions are not followed, risks associated with use of any product may be exacerbated. Not all recalls occur because of a violation of a regulation or product standard. In addition, recalls do not account for certain factors typically not measurable in a lab, such as wear and tear over time.

Chicco

2008-12-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

Chicco, a proud sponsor of Safe Kids Worldwide, thanks all members of the Safe Kids Coalitions and Chapters for their hard work and dedication to child safety. We look forward to working with you in 2009.

Chicco wishes all of you and your families a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

If you have any questions about Chicco products, contact:

Julie K. Robbins
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor
Community & Advocate Relations Manager
Chicco
PO Box 823
Westfield, IN 46074
PH: 877-424-4226, ext. 243
FX: 317-867-3873
mailto:julier@chiccousa.com

Britax

2008-12-08T14:53:00.000-05:00

Britax Update

On behalf of Britax Child Safety, Inc., I would like to thank each of you for your efforts each day that help ensure safe travel for children! We greatly appreciate each of you for the feedback and contact you provide to Britax regarding our products and opportunities for improvement.
In October we announced the release of the Britax Advocate Extranet. Since then I have received feedback that you are unsure how to access the location.

To access the Britax Advocate Extranet:

Log on to www.safekids.org/certification
Select Online Services/Log In to the right of the screen
Select Click Here for Certification Management - CPS Tech Log In located in the first yellow box.
Enter your Username and Password and then select the submit

Now you are logged into the main page of YOUR certification information. The top of the page you will see “Welcome to CPS Certification Online Services!”

Scroll down and review the Action Items list. This list will vary in length with certification type (technician or instructor)

Select Online CEUs that is listed under your current recertification cycle. As an instructor, mine is item number 8 in my list of Action Items.

Example: 8. Recertification 2008- 2010 cycle (enter information) · Online CEUs

Select 2. Britax Tech Site listed in the Featured Sites list.

You are now viewing the Britax Advocate Extranet.

The Britax Advocate Extranet is designed to provide certified child passenger safety technicians (CPST) and instructors (CPSTI) to provide CEU opportunities (available early 2009), technical support and information regarding Britax products beyond what can be found on our consumer-based website, http://www.britaxusa.com/.

As well, this site offers opportunity to communicate directly with Britax on a technical level as a CPST or CPSTI. Supporting our products to those of you who work in the field, combined with your input regarding installation issues, ease of use, user guide content and format, will help Britax products be the best they can be.

If you have any ideas about content that you would like to see at this destination, please let me know. We will constantly be working to improve this communication tool your input is much appreciated.

Toys"R"Us

2008-11-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

TOYS"R"US, INC. OFFERS TOY SHOPPING AND PLAY TIPS TO HELP PARENTS KEEP KIDS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON In Collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide, Company Provides Valuable Information on Selecting the Right Gifts, Proper Toy Assembly and Supervising Play As holiday shoppers begin to purchase gifts on little ones' wish lists, Toys"R"Us, Inc., in collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide, the world's leading childhood injury prevention organization, has developed a list of Safe Holiday Toy Shopping and Play Tips. The tips, available on the company's dedicated Safety microsite, www.Toysrus.com/Safety, provide valuable information regarding gift selection, proper assembly and supervision for anyone buying a toy for a child this season – all in an effort to prevent unintentional childhood injuries.

"With the excitement of the holidays, gift-givers should not lose sight of the importance of choosing the RIGHT toy for the child on their list," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "In addition to the tips we've developed with Safe Kids Worldwide, customers can also obtain advice on proper toy selection from knowledgeable sales associates in Toys"R"Us stores and through the new Gift Finder function on our e-commerce site."

Through the end of December, www.Toysrus.com/Safety will focus on educating parents, caregivers, friends and other family members about making good toy-buying decisions to help keep kids safe this holiday season and throughout the year. Tips are available on the following topics:

Toy Selection – Tips for buying age- and skill-appropriate toys, purchasing safety gear to accompany ride-on gifts and examining packaging before making a purchase;
Assembly – Information about avoiding unforeseen hazards as a result of incorrect assembly and misuse and the steps to take prior to giving the toy to the child;
Supervising Play – Suggestions for providing instructions to children about proper toy use and safe toy storage, and what to do if a child receives a gift that is inappropriate for his/her age or skill level; and
Maintenance – How to stay informed about toy recalls and other safety-related topics, as well as tips for regular toy inspection.

"Each year, hospital emergency rooms in the United States treat approximately 217,000 toy-related injuries that likely could be avoided by taking simple precautionary measures. With the majority of toy sales occurring between November and December, we want to be sure gift-givers are educated and vigilant about the toys they purchase," said Mitch Stoller, President and CEO, Safe Kids Worldwide. "We join Toys"R"Us in encouraging all toy-buyers to consult these tips and refer to them while shopping this holiday season."

More information about product safety is available on the company's dedicated Safety microsite, www.Toysrus.com/Safety.

VacAlert and MG International

2008-11-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

VacAlert would like to remind you that Time Is Running Out - to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act: requiring SVRS (safety vacuum release system) installation on public pools before December 19, 2008. Help spread the word within your community.

Suction entrapment can occur on residential pool and spa drains as well. Please remind friends, family and neighbors to switch to a SVRS system.

Even in the winter months kids can stray near water…. Chasing after a toy, the family pet or even from curiosity. Help keep them safe and protected with a pool alarm that will alert you before an accident can happen. MG International offers a variety of pool alarms and was rated Good Housekeeping’s “Favorite Item”.

Britax

2008-11-13T12:38:00.000-05:00

Available for Purchase! Britax Boulevard Megan or Sutton

Our gift to you for the holiday season! Britax has a limited supply of Boulevard Megan and Boulevard Sutton’s available for certified technicians and instructors for purchase - $150.00 each including UPS Ground shipping while supplies last. There is a limit of (3) seats per person. These seats can be purchased for gifts or personal use.

The Boulevard is a convertible, 5-35 lbs. rear-facing and 1 year old and 20 lbs. to 65 lbs. and 49” forward-facing. These Boulevards include the straighter head restraints.
Certified technicians and instructors can access the order form through the Britax Advocate Extranet. The Britax Advocate Extranet can be accessed by logging into you profile at http://www.safekids.org/ under certification. Once logged in, select Online CEUs under your current recertification cycle and the select Britax Tech site.

Complete the order form and fax to 1-800-246-1962 to get your Britax Boulevard Megan or Sutton while supplies last!

Thank you for all you do to help children travel safely!

Submitted by: Sarah Tilton, Britax Child Safety, Inc.

Toys"R"Us

2008-11-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

Toys“R”Us, Inc. Kicks Off Annual Toys For Tots Campaign!

Today and tomorrow, Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the country will celebrate the launch of the “Make A Difference” campaign to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s annual toy drive. Marines and other Toys for Tots representatives will be stationed at retail locations nationwide Thursday, November 6 and Friday, November 7 to welcome guests and accept toy and monetary donations in an effort to make the holidays brighter and bring a message of hope to the more than 13 million children living in poverty in the United States.

New, unwrapped toys will be collected at Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide through Sunday, December 7 and distributed to children in the communities where they are donated. In addition, the company will collect cash contributions through Wednesday, December 24 in all its stores and online at www.Toysrus.com/ToysForTots.

This is the fifth anniversary of the partnership between Toys“R”Us, Inc. and Toys for Tots, and Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the largest retail partner in the organization’s more than 60-year history. Throughout the past four years, the company has raised more than $13.5 million and collected more than 1.2 million toys for Toys for Tots. To kick off this year’s campaign, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund awarded Toys for Tots a $100,000 grant to help Toys for Tots representatives around the country jumpstart their holiday shopping.

Visitors to the company’s dedicated Toys for Tots microsite, www.Toysrus.com/ToysForTots, will find the “ABCs of Giving,” a list of tips for parents to use when discussing the importance of charitable giving with their children, a “Wish List” of suggested donations of toys and other items and additional information about the partnership between Toys“R”Us, Inc. and Toys for Tots.

“This partnership unites community members with a common goal of bringing joy to children during the Christmas season. Each year I’m impressed by the incredible enthusiasm that Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us customers and employees have for this program,” said Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We are always grateful for their generosity, and as we begin the fifth year of this partnership, we want to deliver more toys than ever before to bring happiness and hope to those children who need it most.”

Toys "R" Us

2008-10-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

Toys“R”Us Helps Kids Enjoy a ‘Spooktacularly’ Safe Halloween!

Soon, children everywhere will dress up as their favorite characters for a day of haunted happenings, tricks and treats. To help kids stay safe on Halloween, Toys“R”Us announced that it has updated its dedicated safety microsite at www.Toysrus.com/Safety with Halloween-themed tips from Safe Kids Worldwide, the world’s leading childhood injury prevention organization. Toys“R”Us stores across the country will also host special Trick “R” Treat events on October 31 from 1 – 5pm, offering parents and kids a safe place for fun on All Hallows Eve. Kids can participate in “Geoffrey’s Costume Parade,” collect treats and even take “Geoffrey’s Safety Pledge.”

“We love kids, and we want to help keep them safe at all times, including when they’re dressing up as their favorite ghouls, princesses or superheroes on Halloween,” said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing and e-Commerce, Toys“R”Us, U.S. “As our littlest customers prepare for their Halloween celebrations, we’re helping parents avoid any real scares by offering Halloween safety tips, along with a broad assortment of Halloween safety products, reflective accessories for costumes and more.”

Halloween-focused tips will remain on the company’s dedicated safety microsite throughout the month of October. Topics parents will find helpful while preparing their children for an evening of ghostly glee include:

· How to choose the right costume for a child

· Helpful safety accessories for trick-or-treating

· How to ensure the treats kids receive are safe to eat

· Halloween safety products and accessories

On Friday, October 31 from 1 – 5pm, all Toys“R”Us stores across the country will host a ‘spooktacularly’ safe Halloween celebration for kids and families. Children ages 3 and up who attend the in-store Trick“R”Treat event, can:

· Dress up in their favorite ghoulish garb and receive a complimentary, reusable and reflective Trick“R”Treat bag, filled with safety tips and accessories, while supplies last;

· Join Geoffrey the Giraffe as he leads a costume parade around the store every hour on the hour, from 1 – 5pm, picking up treats along the way, while supplies last;

· Take home “Geoffrey’s Safety Pledge,” a checklist with key tips for parents to review with their children before trick-or-treating, created by Toys“R”Us and Safe Kids Worldwide.

When gearing up for Halloween, parents and kids can find everything they’re looking for at Toys“R”Us stores and http://www.toysrus.com/.

Britax

2008-10-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Britax Training Seat Giveaway at Leadership Conference

Back by popular demand! Britax Child Safety is providing (1) Frontier Harness-2-Booster seat to each coalition that is a current recipient of a Buckle Up grant directly from Safe Kids. Forms were distributed by Britax at the Leadership conference and those not distributed have been mailed via U.S. Mail service. PLEASE use these seats for training purposes only.
Please note these forms must be returned to Sarah Tilton at Britax no later than Friday, November 21, 2008 (submission information is on the bottom of the form – you can fax them to 704-409-3195). Forms received after that date will not be processed. The Frontier seats will be shipped beginning in January 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Tilton at Britax Child Safety, Inc. at Stilton@BritaxUSA.com

Toys "R" Us

2008-10-08T18:44:00.000-04:00

TOYS"R"US ANNOUNCES 2008 HOT TOY LIST FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Toy Authority Reveals 36 New Toys Guaranteed to Top Christmas Wish Lists and Selects the "Fabulous 15" Representing the Best of the Season WAYNE, NJ (September 25, 2008)

With the official start of the holiday shopping season only weeks away, today Toys"R"Us announced its 2008 Hot Toy list, representing the definitive selection of toys that will top kids' wish lists this holiday season. The company's predicted list of the biggest holiday "must-haves" features 36 new toys that are sure to delight and excite kids across the country when they open their Christmas presents. Carefully selected after a comprehensive review process, items on the list are organized by age from "Baby's First Christmas" to "Big Kids" and serve as a starting point to help parents, friends and family find the perfect gift for any child. From the overall list, the "Fabulous 15" were selected to represent the very best toys of the season. All items featured on the list are available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and at www.Toysrus.com/HotToys.

"After a thorough evaluation of all new toy introductions throughout the year, and consultations with our global merchandising team in 34 countries, Toys"R"Us has the unique ability to provide our guests with THE ultimate list of items certain to bring big smiles to kids' faces – the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list," said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "With new toy shipments arriving in our stores daily, customers will have a better chance of finding the hottest toys, in stock, at Toys"R"Us than anywhere else."

MG International

2008-09-24T09:33:00.001-04:00

Toys "R" Us, Inc.

2008-09-16T16:06:00.001-04:00

Toys"R"Us, Inc. Unveils Enhanced Safety Microsite

As part of its ongoing commitment to the safety of children, Toys"R"Us, Inc. this month unveiled new enhancements to its dedicated Safety microsite, www.Toysrus.com/Safety. In addition to the information on the existing site, which is already an important resource for parents and caregivers, the expanded content and new features include safety-related news, as well as tips about accident prevention throughout the year. The new site launched with a focus on baby safety, featuring guidelines developed in collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide.

"As one of the leaders on the critical issue of children's safety, we are pleased to present important new content to augment our heavily-visited Safety microsite," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "Since introducing this dedicated safety resource last fall, it has become a valuable vehicle for millions of parents and caregivers to access vital child and product safety information. We know that providing the safest environment for children requires constant vigilance, and we hope parents will continue to look to the "R"Us family as partners in helping them achieve that shared goal."

The enhanced Safety microsite contains new features and expanded and refreshed content, including: details about the latest safety-related news and hot topics; information about recent product recalls and the ability to sign up for product recall e-mail alerts; an overview of the company's industry-leading product safety and quality assurance standards; frequently asked questions and answers about product safety; childhood injury research and trends from Safe Kids Worldwide; comprehensive information about the company's policies to ensure a safe shopping environment; and information about safety-related products available in "R"Us stores nationwide and online at http://www.toysrus.com/.

As part of the long-term company's partnership with Safe Kids Worldwide, www.Toysrus.com/Safety will also continuously offer helpful safety tips to educate parents about accident prevention during key times of the year when children are at most risk of injury. The site will feature comprehensive childhood safety campaigns focused on topics such as Summer Safety, Halloween Safety and Holiday Toy Safety.

MG International

2008-08-12T09:55:00.001-04:00

Britax

2008-06-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

Side Impact Protection and Children

An article titled Side Impact Crashes: Physics 101 was published in the March Extranotes and the April CPS Express. This discussed understanding injury, managing energy and minimizing risk. With this article I would like to identify testing methods relative to both motor vehicles and child restraint systems (CRS).

Child restraints are manufactured in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213. FMVSS 213 includes testing of child restraints in a frontal impact. Currently, there are no standards or guidelines in the United States for child restraints that include side impact crashes.

While there are no regulatory standards or guidelines for testing child restraints in side impact, the following test methods are in place for vehicles: (a) FMVSS 214 – Side Impact Protection (regulatory requirement), (c) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) (not a regulatory requirement) and (d) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Lateral Test (not a regulatory requirement).

Vehicle manufacturers offer equipment such as side curtain airbags in vehicles to protect the occupant usually starting with the 5th percentile female weighing 105 lbs. Typically it is acceptable to place a CRS next to a side curtain airbag (unless directed otherwise by the vehicle or CRS manufacturer) because a child properly secured in a properly installed CRS would have little to no interaction with a side curtain airbag that is deployed. We as adults put our selves at greater risk when we sleep and lean on side curtain airbags (in the event of deployment of course).

Besides Australia and New Zealand, there are no regulatory requirements concerning the crash protection of restrained children in lateral collisions. Test procedures for consumer information include (a) International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Method, (b) Technical University Berlin – Side Impact Procedure of Child Restraint Systems( TUB – SIPCRS) Method, (c) Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) Fixed Door Method, (d) Australian Standard AS/NZS, (e) Takata Sled-on-Sled Method and (f) Britax Child Safety Inc. (BCSI) internal standard.

Keep your eyes open for the next Side Impact Protection and Children article that will provide additional information regarding performance requirements of some of the test methods noted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at Stilton@BritaxUSA.com.

Submitted by Sarah Tilton, CPS Advocate, Britax Child Safety, Inc. (Charlotte, NC)

Britax

2008-06-05T09:31:00.001-04:00

How do I know if my child fits appropriate in their Britax convertible?

Frequently questions are asked for clarification about the proper fit of a child in a Britax convertible. It has been expressed that confusion exists from our manuals varying in format and content.

Thank you for sharing your comments! Britax has clarified the fit requirements for our convertibles. This is not a change to our recommendation – we have simply put all the information on two consecutive pages and clearly stated when a child fits and when a child doesn’t fit.

The fit requirements have been gathered in the Safety Information section under Important Harness Adjustments, pages 6-7 of the user guides. Please note there are pictograms included in the user guides and the numerical values will change based on the platform capacities – the following is the verbiage only from a current U.S. 40 lb. maximum capacity convertible:

Rear-Facing
Weight 5 – 35 pounds (2.3 – 15.9 kg).
Use rear-facing only with children:
· who weigh between 5 and 35 lbs. (2.3 – 15.9 kg.) and
· the top of the child’s head is 1” (2.5 cm.) or more below the top of the child seat (Fig. A) and
· the harness straps are in the nearest slots at or below the child’s shoulders.
If the child cannot be secured within these requirements because the child exceeds height or weight requirements, review the forward-facing guidelines on page 7.
If the child cannot be secured within these requirements because the child is too small, selection of a different child seat (such as an infant carrier) may be required.

Do NOT use the child seat rear-facing if:
· the child is less than 5 lbs. (2.3 kg.) in weight or
· the child exceeds 35 lbs. (15.9 kg.) in weight or
· the top of the head is less than 1” (2.5 cm.) from the top of the child seat (Fig. A) or
· the harness straps are in a slot above the child’s shoulders.

Forward-Facing
Weight 20 pounds (and 1 year) – 40 pounds (9.1 – 18.1kg.)
Use forward-facing only with children:
· who are at least one year of age and
· who weigh between 20 and 40 lbs. (9.1 – 18.1 kg.) and
· 40” (101.6 cm) or less in height and
· the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the child seat and
· the harness straps are in the nearest slots at or above the child’s shoulders

Do NOT use the child seat forward-facing if:
· the child is less than one year of age or
· the child is less than 20 lbs. (9.1 kg.) in weight or
· the child exceeds 40 lbs. (18.1 kg.) in weight or
· the child exceeds 40” (101.6 cm) in height or
· the top of the ears are above the top of the child seat or
· the top harness slots fall below the child’s shoulders.

Please view the complete pages referenced of current user guides by visiting our website http://www.britaxusa.com/ and then selecting User Guides under Consumer Services.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at Stilton@BritaxUSA.com.

Sarah Tilton
CPS Advocate – Britax Child Safety, Inc.

Chicco

2008-05-29T09:52:00.001-04:00

Chicco has Created the You & Me Front Carrier

As Safety Advocates know, babies are being left in their car seats too often and too long. Chicco has created the You & Me, the most advanced front carrier on the market. The You & Me is a great alternative to the car seat in the stroller or shopping cart.The ergonomically-tested Chicco You & Me infant carrier provides superior comfort and maximum support for caregiver and baby. Its features include:

Ventilated lumbar support and shoulder straps add comfort for caregiver
Lined with breathable fabric to keep baby cool with no labels touching baby's skin
Exclusive shoulder strap adjustment lets one choose how high or low to carry baby
2 Carrying positions: facing in until they can support their head, then facing out
Elastic fabric lines arm supports to keep baby from slumping in carrier
Height adjustment for baby is concealed in zippered, front access pocket
Adjusts for size of both baby and caregiver for superior comfort
Front of carrier opens fully to remove sleeping baby easily without disturbing their slumber
Reflective trim for evening adventures

Chicco will donate one You & Me front carrier to the first 30 Safe Kids Coalitions/Chapters that send in a 150-word essay on the benefits of front carriers versus car seats (when not traveling in motor vehicles). Retail value of the You & Me is $99.99. Send essays to Julie Robbins: julier@chiccousa.com, please cc keepingUsafe@insightbb.com. Include your name, phone number, and mailing address.Demo Seats still available: Coalitions/Chapters who have not requested a Chicco KeyFit 30 demo seat can still do so. The KeyFit 30 can be used from 4 to 30 lbs. Newborn insert, double bubble levels, spring-loaded adjustment foot, and convenient LATCH attachment are some of the features found on the KeyFit 30. One demo seat per organization is available. There is a $25 shipping fee or a shipper account number can be provided instead.

To request an application, email Julie Robbins: julier@chiccousa.com, please cc keepingUsafe@insightbb.com. Julie can also be reached at 317-867-3872.Julie Robbins, CPSTICommunity & Advocate Relations ManagerChicco

Toy Industry Association

2008-05-13T12:25:00.000-04:00

Toy Industry Association Hard at Work to Ensure Safe Toys for US Kids

The safety of toys imported to the United States from China has been much in the news since the middle of last year, with toy brands undertaking voluntary recalls of some one percent of toys sold in the US last year. With the safety of children as our industry’s number one priority, these recalls sounded an alarm to which the industry responded immediately. While the US toy industry has for years prided itself on establishing the benchmark toy safety standards for the world, these recalls indicated that a break had occurred in the testing and inspection systems established to confirm compliance with those standards.

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) resolved at once to identify and put into place a long-term solution to this issue that would allow parents to be reassured that toys sold in the US are safe. TIA knew it couldn’t accomplish this on its own and called upon partners from all across society to help them reach that solution. Here is what they have been doing, starting last August.

Working with the US Congress and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), pushing to develop uniform, comprehensive, federal legislation that would provide increased funding and authority to the CPSC, make testing for conformance with toy safety standards mandatory and require that a product certification program be created.Status: Legislation has now passed both houses and is scheduled to go to Conference shortly to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The toy industry has been urging Congress to move the bill forward expeditiously.
Working with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), to develop a Toy Safety Certification Program (TCSP) that will ensure products are carefully tested for conformity to safety standards. The TSCP has three key requirements for certification: 1) a risk analysis conducted on new toy designs; 2) testing of product conformity to US standards by an accredited laboratory; and, 3) auditing of the safety and quality assurance processes used by the factory producing the toy.

Founded in 1918, ANSI is a multi-stakeholder, consensus driven standards and conformity assessment organization that is actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to safety, quality and environmental standards.Status: The programs have been developed through the ANSI process and approved by the TIA Board. Work has now begun on implementation of the program in the field and in 2009 it is expected that the program will include a product certification mark that will signal to consumers that products that bear the mark have successfully met the program’s requirements.

Undertaking a public education program in the US to ensure that there is open and complete communication to all interested parties about the steps industry is taking.Status: Established the http://www.toyinfo.org/ consumer website, with information on toy safety and what the industry is doing. Information is also available at http://www.toyassociation.org/, click on “Toy Safety.” A more comprehensive communications program will begin shortly, as plans for toy safety certification are implemented.

Working with Chinese authorities to help establish stronger in-country testing protocols and inspections for toys intended for export anywhere. Status: AQSIQ, the Chinese equivalent of the US CPSC, has been diligent in insisting upon, and inspecting for conformity with, toy safety standards, particularly as regards the use of lead paint.

These are in addition to TIA’s long-standing programs, which include:

Supporting its members, North American manufacturers and importers, as they strengthen their own safety compliance activities.
Leading the development of international toy safety standards, as TIA has done since the 1930s, in its ongoing effort to ensure that US risk-based standards are first-rate and consumers are safe.

Conducting toy safety seminar programs in China for factory managers, as in the past 11 years, to educate management of the factories producing for the U.S market on compliance with US standards.

Working with US and Chinese government regulatory authorities to ensure that regulatory requirements and voluntary standards complement each other and achieve the desired product safety.

Children are the principal consumers of the products the US toy industry markets and are the industry’s only reason for being. The US toy industry remains fully committed to the safety of children and will do whatever is necessary to correct current safety issues so that the products it markets live up to the standards it has set for them.

Britax

2008-05-09T15:32:00.000-04:00

There is a new Harness-2-Booster restraint in the field – introducing the NEW Frontier including True Side Impact Protection minimizing lateral movement and shielding from intrusion in the event of a side impact crash.

The Frontier Harness-2-Booster® started shipping the 2nd week of April. Have you heard of it? Has a parent asked for help with it yet? Here is an outline of the features and capacities so you can familiarize yourself with it before your next event.

Height and Weight range
– Harness Mode
• 2-years of age AND 25 – 80 lbs. forward-facing
• 30”-53” in standing height
• 12”-18.25” seated height (seat to shoulder)
• 8 Harness Height positions
q 12.25” – 18.25”
• 3-buckle positions
q 5”
q 6.5”
q 8.25”
– Booster Mode
• 40 lbs. and more
• 42”-60” in standing height
• 13.5” – 21.5” seated height (seat to shoulder)
Modes of use/installation
– Harness Mode
• LATCH – short route
• Lap-shoulder belt – short OR long route (long route instruction addendum posted http://www.britaxusa.com/)
• Lap belt – short route
• Tether required 65-80 lbs.
• Aircraft approved
• Recline block rotated to front of restraint
– Booster Mode
• Lap-shoulder belt to secure child seat AND child
• LATCH to position child seat in vehicle AND lap-shoulder belt to secure child
• Recline block rotated to back of restraint

The user guide is available on-line (http://www.britaxusa.com/support/userguides.aspx) with detailed guidelines for use and installation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns and constructive feedback at stilton@BritaxUSA.com.

Thank you
Sarah Tilton
Child Passenger Safety Advocate

MEGA Brands

2008-04-29T09:34:00.001-04:00

MEGA BRANDS PARTNERS WITH INTERTEK TO EXCEED CURRENT SAFETY STANDARDS WITH NEW MAGNETIC CONSTRUCTION TOY

MEGA Brands is set to launch a revolutionary new magnetic toy construction system called MagNext. This new system will allow for the safest possible magnetic play and will make it possible for children to create bigger, stronger and faster builds.

MagNext will be the first magnetic construction system to have no small parts that contain magnets, setting a new standard in the toy industry, both in terms of safe magnetic play and innovation in the magnetic construction category.

“Children's safety is our number one priority,” stated Marc Bertrand, President and Chief Executive Officer of MEGA Brands. “MEGA Brands is committed to creating the highest safety standards in the toy industry and we are passionate about our quest for zero defects in all the toys we make and our mission for safety without compromise.”

Through a partnership with Intertek, one of the world's leading quality and safety labs, MEGA created a first of its kind ‘ingestion gauge’ that led to the development of MagNext, a line that exceeds all current magnetic toy safety standards.

“We're proud to partner with MEGA Brands to help them achieve their goal of developing a new zero defects program that will set the highest safety standard in the toy industry,” expressed Gene Rider, Vice-President of Intertek.

The design of the core MagNext pieces has been tested and analyzed by Intertek. In addition to leading the way in safety with the new ingestion test, the manufacturing process for these parts has improved by insert-molding the magnets into the plastic parts.

Going forward, Intertek will also apply the most stringent and state-of-the-art safety testing process on all new MEGA toy lines. MEGA’s alignment with Intertek is a testament to its commitment and dedication to creating the highest safety standards in the toy industry. This partnership will reinforce MEGA’s unparalleled dedication to safe toys and practices, and its reputation as a trusted brand when it comes to safety.

JPMA Certification Program

2008-04-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

With more than 30 years and 18 product categories under its belt, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association’s Certification Program has helped guide consumers toward smarter, safer juvenile product purchases. Currently, more than 2,000 juvenile products are JPMA Certified, and the program is continuing to grow!

JPMA certified products include:
Bassinets/Cradles
Bath Seats
Carriages/Strollers
Changing Tables
Folding Chairs – beginning in September 2008
Frame Child Carrier
Full-Size Cribs
Gates & Enclosures
Hand-Held Infant Carriers
Highchairs
Infant Bouncers
Infant Swings
Play Yards/ Non-Full Size Cribs
Portable Bed Rails
Portable Hook-on Chairs
Soft Infant Carriers
Stationary Activity Centers
Toddler Beds
Walkers

The American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) developed and published the standards. JPMA and industry members, consumer groups and staff from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are involved in the development of the standards.

To become JPMA Certified, a product must be tested by an independent testing facility for compliance with the specific ASTM standards. If a product passes the tests, JPMA allows the manufacturer to label it with the JPMA Certified Seal.

The JPMA Certification Seal on a product tells consumers this product has been verified as conforming to the requirements established by ASTM through independent laboratory testing and follow-up on-site inspection of the manufacturer’s production line. By placing a JPMA certification seal on a product, the manufacturer certifies that the product meets the requirements for certification. Our symbol of certification is a symbol of confidence that the juvenile products have met these performance standards. This confidence extends to customers in the buying decisions they make.
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal on a product or its package for added assurance the manufacturer designed and built it with safety in mind. The JPMA Certification Seal ensures the product was built to the very highest safety standards.

The first step in keeping baby safe is careful selection of juvenile products. When buying juvenile products, insist only on those bearing the Certified Seal!

For a complete listing of JPMA certified products, please visit www.jpma.org.

MG International

2008-04-15T13:43:00.001-04:00

MG International's AquaSensor Pool Alarms Are ASTM Certified

The Sensor-Espio & Swim Alert conform to all Federal, State & Local pool alarm codes. For more information, please visit:

http://www.sensor-espio.com/
http://www.swim-alert.com/

Britax

2008-04-08T09:55:00.000-04:00

Britax products for Coalitions

Safe Kids Coalitions can now purchase products direct from Britax Child Safety, Inc. for distribution. Orders are to be placed by the coalition and include a tax ID number, prepaid by means of credit card and shipping charges are additional and the responsibility of the purchasing coalition. Gender neutral patterns will be at the discretion of Britax.

An Advocate Order Form may be requested by contacting Sarah Tilton at Stilton@BritaxUSA.com.

MG International - Pool Alarms

2008-03-21T10:04:00.001-04:00

MG International's AquaSensor Pool Alarms Are ASTM Certified

The Sensor-Espio & Swim Alert conform to all Federal, State & Local pool alarm codes. For more information, please visit:

Britax

2008-03-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

Side Impact Crashes: Physics 101

The Problem

It’s indisputable that side impact crashes pose a serious threat to child safety:
One in four of all motor vehicle crashes that involve children up to 12 years old is a side impact crash*.
Side impact accidents result in more critical injuries and a significantly higher fatality rate than front or rear crashes*.
But understanding what happens in a side impact crash, why they are so severe and the best forms of protection requires a little more explanation.

Understanding Injury

When a car is in an accident there are two sources of injury to the occupants: the acceleration of the body as the car comes to a sudden halt, resulting in energy (G forces) being placed on the body, and contact with any intruding objects such as glass, metal shards, car doors, etc.

When a car is hit from the front and a child is properly secured in a car seat in the back, there is not much risk from intruding objects. They are minimized because the car’s hood combined with the front seat creates a buffer between intruding objects and the child. When a car is hit from the side, however, this buffer is eliminated, making intruding objects a danger and often resulting in more severe injuries.

Once you understand how a child is injured during side impact crashes, it’s also important to consider where a child is injured. Everyone knows that head injuries are serious. Injuries to the chest, however, can also be fatal. The chest is important because

-more-
it protects the organs. It is especially exposed in a side impact crash because the child’s shoulders are wider than the head and are therefore likely to be the first point of contact with any intruding objects coming from the side, jolting the chest. So protecting both the head and chest is vital during a side impact crash.

Managing Energy, Minimizing Risk

Energy cannot be destroyed but can be transferred from one object to another. So the key to minimizing the risk of serious injury during a side impact crash is to make sure energy from a crash is transferred to something other than the child. In order to do this in a side impact crash, it is critical to have a car seat with a rigid barrier around the head and torso. The car seat’s shell should be lined with softer energy absorbing material, such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam to gently cushion the child.

In addition, a car seat should anchor the child in place. Then, in the event of a crash, the seat and child will slow down with the car. In a side impact crash, this means not only employing a five-point harness to prevent a child from moving forward, but also using a car seat with close-fitting sides that minimize side-to-side motion. If a child is properly secure, the movement of his or her body will slow down when the vehicle slows after impact, minimizing the G forces the child absorbs and lowering the risk of injury.

Britax True Side Impact Protection

Armed with this knowledge, Britax developed side impact protection for its full line of products, with several of its car seats featuring True Side Impact Protection®, the highest level of side impact protection available.

Britax developed True Side Impact Protection by creating a rigorous testing regime that simulates side impact crashes based on proven European test methods. The seats were evaluated on how well they contain the head and minimize head, chest and pelvis acceleration. Many products were not only tested at Britax’s state-of-the-art testing facility in Charlotte, but also in Europe.

The result is a combination of design features that transfer energy away from the child during a side impact collision: 1) an energy-absorbing foam liner over a stiff structure to distribute crash forces; 2) side walls that shield the child from vehicle intrusion; 3) deep head wings and side wings for head and body containment; and 4) an adjustable head support to minimize lateral head movement during a crash. Britax has implemented True Side Impact Protection in its car seats since 2002 and is committed to the continued development and evolution of the technology.

*Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The Reynolds Communications Group, Inc.
230 W. Monroe St. Suite 650
Chicago, IL 60606
312-541-9300

Submitted by Sarah Tilton

MG International

2008-03-05T15:18:00.000-05:00

MG International's AquaSensor Pool Alarms Are ASTM Certified

The Sensor-Espio & Swim Alert conform to all Federal, State & Local pool alarm codes.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.sensor-espio.com

http://www.swimalert.com

Chicco has created the You & Me front carrier

2008-02-26T13:48:00.001-05:00

As Safety Advocates know, babies are being left in their car seats too often and too long. Chicco has created the You & Me, the most advanced front carrier on the market. The You & Me is a great alternative to the car seat in the stroller or shopping cart.

The ergonomically-tested Chicco You & Me infant carrier provides superior comfort and maximum support for caregiver and baby. Its features include:

Ventilated lumbar support and shoulder straps add comfort for caregiver
Lined with breathable fabric to keep baby cool with no labels touching baby's skin
Exclusive shoulder strap adjustment lets one choose how high or low to carry baby
2 Carrying positions: facing in until they can support their head, then facing out
Elastic fabric lines arm supports to keep baby from slumping in carrier
Height adjustment for baby is concealed in zippered, front access pocket
Adjusts for size of both baby and caregiver for superior comfort
Front of carrier opens fully to remove sleeping baby easily without disturbing their slumber
Reflective trim for evening adventures

Chicco will donate one You & Me front carrier to the first 30 Safe Kids Coalitions/Chapters that send in a 150-word essay on the benefits of front carriers versus car seats (when not traveling in motor vehicles). Retail value of the You & Me is $99.99. Send essays to Julie Robbins: julier@chiccousa.com, please cc keepingUsafe@insightbb.com. Include your name, phone number, and mailing address.

Demo Seats still available: Coalitions/Chapters who have not requested a Chicco KeyFit 30 demo seat can still do so. The KeyFit 30 can be used from 4 to 30 lbs. Newborn insert, double bubble levels, spring-loaded adjustment foot, and convenient LATCH attachment are some of the features found on the KeyFit 30. One demo seat per organization is available. There is a $25 shipping fee or a shipper account number can be provided instead.

To request an application, email Julie Robbins: julier@chiccousa.com, please cc keepingUsafe@insightbb.com. Julie can also be reached at 317-867-3872.

Julie Robbins, CPSTI
Community & Advocate Relations Manager
Chicco

Britax Buckle Design Changed

2008-02-19T15:20:00.001-05:00

Based on caregiver feedback, beginning February 2008, Britax began to transition all current convertibles and youth restraints to a new buckle design (the Companion is not affected by this change).

The new buckle design will provide two audible clicks - a positive click after inserting each buckle tongue. This will help the caregiver to confirm that each buckle tongue is secure.

There will be two visual identifiers that will determine if the buckle is the new buckle design:

The corners of the red release button on the new buckle will be square versus the current rounded corner design
Metal is visible in the webbing slots of the buckle tongues

Since the buckle and the harness work together as a system, beginning February 2008 these two items will only be available as a set for warranty claims and consumer purchase. If replacement of one (harness with buckle tongues OR the buckle) is needed, they will need to be replaced as a set. The new and current buckle and buckle tongues are not interchangeable.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Tilton at Stilton@BritaxUSA.com (preferred) or 704-409-1695.

Submitted by Sarah Tilton, Britax