True Fit Safety Gates (Hills Department Stores) – Structural Weakness (1997)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
First Alert® True Fit Safety Gates Recalled by BRK
Brand
Hills Department Stores
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Hills Department Stores is recalling First Alert® True Fit Safety Gates Recalled by BRK. The hazard is: Choking. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
First Alert® True Fit Safety Gates Recalled by BRK NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nychelle Fleming September 30, 1997 (301) 504-7063 Release # 97-194 CPSC, BRK Announce Recall of First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BRK Brands Inc. of Aurora, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates. Plastic parts of the gate can break off into small pieces, creating a potential choking hazard to young children. BRK has received over 200 reports of plastic parts, including bumpers, hinges and handle pieces breaking off, sometimes into small pieces. No choking injuries have been reported. First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates subject to this recall are all model CSSG1 gates made from October 1996 (10-96) through May 1997 (5-97). The model number and date manufactured are printed on a white warning label that also includes the manufacturer's name and address. The gate is an expandable, pressure-mounted child security gate that also can be installed with screw-mounted hinges for a "walk-through" style gate. The gate is made of off-white plastic with a gray handle on top of the gate. The gate fits openings from 28 inches to 47 inches wide. Toys R Us, Hills and other retail stores nationwide sold the gates beginning in October 1996 for about $35. Consumers should stop using these gates immediately and call BRK toll-free at (888) 777-5599 anytime to obtain a free replacement gate. First Alert® True Fit™ Safety Gates made beginning in June 1997 are not involved in this recall.
Reported concern (CPSC)
Choking
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026