Every year, emergency situations strike communities across Canada  — severe storms, fires and prolonged power outages are the most common. Even though you can’t prevent an earthquake or stop a flood, you can take measures to keep your family safe.

http://www.safety-council.org/news/media/releases/2005/aug31-Katrina.html

Contacts:
Emile Therien, President: tel. (613) 739-1535, ext. 224; after hours (613) 737-4965
Ethel Archard, Manager, Marketing & Communications: tel. (613) 739-1535, ext. 228

The CPSC and Dorel Juvenile Group USA released a recall notice today regarding battery-powered ride on vehicles. The Canadian press release regarding the product is below. The link to the U.S. press release is: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06018.html

Dorel Distribution Canada has announced a voluntary public notice to repair the following battery-powered ride-on vehicles:

1. Safety 1st Torch Red Corvette(R), model 50504/50504A
2. Safety 1st Yellow Race Car Corvette(R), model 50505/50505A
3. Kid Trax Fire Engine, model 50506/50506A

An electronic malfunction can occur in the ride-on vehicle's circuit boardand/or battery connector, resulting in smoking and melting of components. This poses a vehicle fire hazard and a burn hazard to consumers if components are touched while malfunctioning. There have been no injuries reported.

These battery powered ride-on vehicles were manufactured between January 2004 and August 2005. The manufacturer date is located on the underside of all the units and is moulded into the plastic body, near the Dorel Juvenile Group legal line. One circle displays the month of manufacture, the other circle displays the year of manufacture. The model numbers are located on the underside of the vehicles near the date code.

Consumers who have purchased the models involved should stop using the products and contact the company to receive a free repair kit and instructions by calling the consumer relations toll free ride-on hot line at 1-866-611-3022 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visiting www.djgusa.com.

CPSC, Pottery Barn Kids Announce Recall of Spindle Cribs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Spindle Crib

Units: About 7,600

Distributor: Pottery Barn Kids, of San Francisco , Calif.

Hazard: The spindles on the crib's front rail can loosen and detach from the rail. This can allow the child to fall from the crib and poses a risk of entrapment.

Incidents/Injuries: Pottery Barn Kids has received six reports of incidents involving spindles detaching from the crib. No injuries have
been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Spindle Crib, model number 4825402. The product name and model number are printed on a label
affixed to the base of the crib. Sold in white, pink and blue, the cribs are made of hardwood and measure 30.5 x 54.5 x 45" high.

Sold at: Pottery Barn Kids retail stores, the Pottery Barn Kids catalog and PotteryBarnKids.com nationwide from January 2004 through July 2005 for between $300 and $500.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these cribs and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a free replacement front rail or a full refund (including shipping).

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids at (800) 330-6905 between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET daily or visit the firm's Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com

Pottery Barn Kids Media Contact: Abigail Jacobs, at (415) 616-8432

To view this recall online, please visit our website at:
https://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05260.html

Sears Canada issues safety notice on baby blankets
TORONTO, May 6 /CNW/ - Sears Canada has been advised that the fibers from a Sears Baby brand multipurpose chenille baby blanket and a coral fleece baby blanket come out easily with a gentle pull creating a possible choking hazard for children under age three.
The 30 x 40 inch (75 cm x 100 cm) blankets are made of 100% polyester. There were two multi-coloured chenille blankets -- blue, pink and white and mauve, blue, yellow and white, and a coral fleece blanket that is blue with stars. The blankets sold throughout March and April, 2005. The retail price was $29.99. Although there have been no reported choking incidents, customers who have this blanket should stop using it immediately and return it as soon as possible to a Sears department store for a full refund. Sears Canada immediately pulled the item off sale and will be posting signs in all of its retail stores to advise customers of this safety notice.

The Graco Children's Products Inc. Toddler Beds recalled on March 22, 2005, in the U.S. were also sold in Canada . The exact quantity of product sold in Canada is not yet know. However, there have been no injuries reported in Canada with respect to the use of these products. Consumer inquiries can be directed to Elfe Juvenile Products (the Graco importer in Canada ) for additional information. The toll free number for Elfe Juvenile Products is: 1-800-667-8184.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05137.html

From the U.S. press release here is additional information :
Hazard: A child's arm, leg or foot can become entrapped between the slats in the guard rails or footboard. This can result in broken bones, sprains and other injuries to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received reports of 77 entrapments. This resulted in 13 broken arms and legs, 1 broken foot, a sprained ankle, and 54 other injuries including bruised, scratched, and swollen limbs.
Description: The recalled Graco toddler beds are white plastic and steel with openings between the slats in the guard rails and footboard. The beds were sold under the names "Cozy Toddler Bed," "Glow-in-the-Dark Toddler Bed," and "Classic Toddler Bed." There is a label on the guard rail or leg containing one of the following model numbers: "8801, 8801WR, 8821, 8824, 8828, 8833, 30066, 34434 and 11030," a serial number, and the manufacturer's address. Model 8828's headboard has a blue sky with a yellow moon and stars. Model 8801WR has red legs. "Graco" is printed on all of the beds' footboards.

The First Years, a subsidiary of RC2 Corporation, is voluntariy recalling approximately 15,000 automobile bottle warmers sold under the name Quick Time Travel Warmer (item #1320, UPC# 0-71463-01320-3). These items, which plug into the cigarette lighter of cars, are used to warm up baby bottles.
This is not a CPSC recall. The product is covered by NITSA (National Transportation Safety Board in US). Some units can overheat, resulting in damage to the bottle being warmed and to the unit itself. There is no fire hazard. To date, there has been one report of a minor burn to a finger. The bottles were distributed in Canada , mostly through Toys R Us and Wal-mart., from January 2004 through the present.
A press release will be issued in Canada and the US in the next few days and posted on their website. Recall posters will also be posted in the stores.
Consumers should discontinue use of the product. The First Years is offering a refund. For additional information, consumers can visit www.thefirstyears.comor call The First Years Parent Service Centre at 1-800-533-6708.

Sears Canada issues safety notice for toddler boys top/pant set TORONTO , March 1 /CNW/ - Sears Canada today issued a safety notice for boys top/pant set, sold exclusively at Sears under the Sears Baby brand label.
The plastic fire truck appliqué/image on the front of the top may break off in pieces creating a potential choking hazard. Although there have been no reported incidents, customers who purchased the top/pant set should return the top as soon as possible to their nearest Sears retail store for a full refund. The top was offered in light blue and in red with a plastic fire truck appliqué/image on the front together with blue jeans for toddler boys 16 to 30 pounds. The item number located on the care tag on the neck of the top is
46539. The retail price is $19.99. Sold in Sears department stores only. Sears Canada has immediately pulled the item off sale and will be posting signs in all of its retail stores to advise customers of this safety notice.

Infant bath seat survey: Results and next steps
The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) sent a one-time survey on injuries, near-miss drownings and drownings linked to the use of infant bath seats and bath rings to all CPSP participants to obtain further data on the frequency and extent of this problem in Canada. The survey, commissioned by the Consumer Product Safety Bureau at Health Canada , was designed to complement previous reports of incidents linked to these products. The results stated in this summary represent one of a number of data sources that has been collected concerning incidents involving the use of infant bath seats and bath rings.

The CPSP survey results indicated that 25 of 1087 respondents recalled caring for one or more infants in the past two years who had experienced injuries (n= "20)," nearmiss drownings (n= "12)" or drownings (n= "2)"related to the use of an infant bath seat or bath ring. In the months ahead, Health Canada will review appropriate actions and consider the public health implications of the survey findings. In addition, an advisory and a public education bulletin will be issued and posted on the Consumer Product Safety Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecssesc/cps/

LEARNING POINTS
–The Consumer Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada has received reports of nine injuries, 19 nearmiss drownings and 11 drowning deaths linked to the use of infant bath seats and bath rings since 1983.
– In 2004 alone, three deaths linked to the use of infant bath seats occurred in Canada .
– In the United States , the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received reports of 163 injuries or near-miss drownings and 106 deaths due to the use of these infant bath seats and bath rings during the period from January 1983 through October 2003.
– Typically, drownings linked to bath seats and bath rings occur as a result of the infant bath seat becoming unstable and tipping over in the bath, the infant climbing out of the infant bath seat, or the infant slipping through the leg opening and become lodged under water.
– Despite clear warning labels stating “Prevent drowning. Never leave child unattended” on the older bath seat models and “Prevent drowning. Always keep baby within arm’s reach” on the newer models, in the majority of incidents, the infant was left unattended or under the supervision of a sibling.
– Paediatricians should stress the importance of constant adult supervision during infant bath time.
– Paediatricians should discourage the purchase and use of any infant bath seat or bath ring product.

The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) is a joint project of the Canadian Paediatric Society and Health Canada ’s Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control that undertakes the surveillance of rare diseases and conditions in children. For more information visit our Web site at www.cps.ca/english/cpsp or www.cps.ca/francais/pcsp.

Playtex has announced a recall of the Hip Hammock Child Carrier sold at Toys R Us in Canada . This recall can be found on the Playtex website at:

www.playtexbaby.com 

MISSISSAUGA , ONT. Playtex Limited of Mississauga , Ont is voluntarily recalling Playtex Hip Hammock Child Carrier. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Playtex Hip Hammock Units: About 250
Manufacturer: Playtex Limited of
Mississauga , Ont
Hazard: The shoulder strap support can detach from the hammock, posing a fall hazard to the baby
Incidents/Injury: The company has received two reports of the shoulder strap detaching from the infant carrier. No injuries have been reported
Description: The recalled infant carriers were sold under the name "Playtex Hip Hammock," which is sewn into the front of the carrier. The model number is sewn into the inside panel below the instructions for use.
The model number is: 05300 Basic Black Hip Hammock
Sold at: Selected Toys R Us stores, catalog and internet site from December 2004 through February 2005 for about $50.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the carrier immediately and contact Playtex Products Inc. for instructions on returning the carrier for a replacement
Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact Playtex Products Inc. at (800) 522-8230 between 8:30a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the Playtex Baby Website at www.playtexbaby.com

Swing-N-Slide Corp. and the
US CPSC have announced the recall of
Extra-Duty (in green) and Heavy-Duty (in yellow) swing seats sold from January 2004 through June 2004 . The seats are suspended from a crossbeam by two plastic-coated metal chains. On the bottom of each seat, in raised lettering, are the words, "Swing-N-Slide® Corp., 1212 Barberry Drive, Janesville, WI 53545, (800) 888-1232." The product has been recalled due to a falling hazard. A manufacturing defect can cause the metal grommet securing the seat to break. The swing seats have been sold in Canada , but we are currently unsure of the amount of units. Consumers can contact the company at (800) 888-1232 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site ( www.swing-n-slide.com ) for information on how to receive shipping materials to return the product and receive a free replacement seat.

Step 2 Co. and the
US CPSC have announced the recall of outdoor toddler swings (model numbers: 7336KR and 733604) sold from May 2003 through December 2004. The product has been recalled due to a falling hazard. The straps on these swings could break, causing a child riding in the swing to fall to the ground and suffer injuries.The model numbers are located on a label on the back of the swings. The swings are made from green plastic and the red Step 2 logo is located on the front of the swing. The straps on the recalled swings are grey and blue colored. In North America, 9343 units have been sold, but we are currently unsure of the number of units sold in Canada . Consumers can contact the company at (800) 347-8372 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site ( www.step2.com ) for information on how to receive a free repair.

Cosco Alpha Omega Elite and Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Restraint Systems 

Model Numbers Affected:
Cosco Alpha Omega Elite, 22C51 xxx
Eddie Bauer Deluxe 22C71 xxx

Dates of Manufacture:
Feb. 01, 2004 to Sept. 30, 2004

Problem:
During installation of a Cosco Alpha Omega restraint system in the rear-facing mode, the restraint can be made to change position while the seat belt assembly is being affixed. Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1 — Infant Restraint Systems does not permit a restraint system to change position unless designed to do so.
Background:
During a routine rear-facing installation, the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite restraint system moved from the most reclined position to an upright position while tightening the seat belt assembly. Transport Canada opened a public complaint and informed Dorel Juvenile Group Canada(DJG Canada) of the problem. DJG Canada and Transport Canada held a meeting to discuss and demonstrate the problem.
DJG Canada performed detailed testing and evaluation to resolve this problem. DJG Canada has made changes to ensure that the problem has been resolved.
Transport Canada has received four complaints while DJG has not received any in either Canada or the United States .
Action:
On receipt of a public complaint, the company will suggest that the complainant remove the base from the shell. This will prevent any shift in position. The base can be reinstalled when the restraint is moved to the forward-facing mode.
Safety Risk:
There is no indication that there is a safety risk to the occupant of the restraint. While affixing the seat belt or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) in the rear-facing position the restraint can move to a more upright position. The change in position from reclined to upright occurs while the system is being installed in the vehicle and prior to a child being placed in the restraint. Therefore, the guardian is aware of the problem and will rectify it before using the restraint.
Consumer Recourse:
Any individual who experiences this problem should remove the base from the restraint system. The base can be reinstalled when the restraint is used in the forward-facing mode.

For Immediate Release: November 9, 2004

Recreational operation of snowmobiles inappropriate for children and younger adolescents, advise paediatricians 

Snowmobiles continue to pose a significant risk to children younger than 16 years and young adults. In Canada , on average four children under the age of 16 die each year from snowmobile accidents. That is why the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) has released a new position statement recommending that children younger than 16 years not operate a snowmobile and that children younger than 6 years not be transported as passengers on snowmobiles.
The statement, Recommendations for snowmobile safety, released this week by the CPS Injury Prevention Committee and published in the current issue of Paediatrics & Child Health , states that snowmobiling is the winter recreational activity associated with the highest rate of serious injury, especially among young people.
"As paediatricians, we are first and foremost concerned with the health and safety of children and youth. Because we see these injuries and deaths in the hospital emergency rooms, we have an obligation to communicate the dangers and risks to families," says Dr. Richard Stanwick, principal author of the statement and member of the CPS Injury Prevention committee. "It is important that we make recommendations on the most appropriate use of snowmobiles."
According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), in the period of 1991 to 2001 there were a total of 772 reported injuries to children under the age of 16 years. Head injury remains the leading cause of mortality and serious morbidity, arising largely when snowmobilers collide, fall or overturn during operation.

"This statement is about preventing injury and keeping our kids safe," adds Dr. Stanwick. "Snowmobiles are dangerous and do cause harm to our children and youth."
Additional recommendations in the statement include:
* The implementation of a graduating licensing program for snowmobile operators.
* Advertisements that promote snowmobiling should not be directed to young adolescents.
Irrespective of age, snowmobilers should avoid the use of alcohol or other drugs before or during the operation of a snowmobile. Adults should reinforce this message by setting a good example.
Snowmobilers should not carry more than one passenger. Use of a saucer, tube, tire, sled or skis to pull someone behind a snowmobile is not recommended.
The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national professional association, representing more than 2,000 paediatricians, that advocates for the health needs of children and youth. Its peer-review journal, Paediatrics & Child Health, is published 10 times a year and circulated to 15,500 child health care professionals. For additional information about the CPS recommendations for snowmobile safety visit,
http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/IP/IP04-02.htm.

Babies should sleep in their own cribs, advise paediatricians 

OTTAWA - For the first year of life, the safest place for a baby to sleep is in his or her own crib, according to new recommendations published by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) this week in Paediatrics & Child Health.

In Recommendations for Safe Sleeping Environments for Infants and Children, the CPS says that infants who sleep in their own cribs are significantly safer than those who share a bed with an adult.

"Babies who sleep in adult beds are more vulnerable to the risks of unexpected death," says Dr. Denis Leduc, President-Elect of the CPS and one of the authors of the statement, which was produced by the Community Paediatrics Committee. "There is no way to create an absolutely safe sleeping environment that can completely protect infants from the possibility of entrapment or suffocation in an adult bed."

While there are no case-control studies describing Canadian data, preliminary results from a recent study of all cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Quebec between 1991 and 2000 revealed that 81 of the 443 cases were in sleep environments recognized as unsafe.

"Research shows us that there was a significant increase in bed sharing in North America between 1993 and 2000. With that, there has been an increase in sudden unexpected death in infants who were in adult beds and where it can be identified that there was an unsafe sleep environment," says Dr. Leduc.

While no sleep environment is completely risk-free, much can be done to educate parents on sleep safety for infants. Parents should consider the risks of bedsharing when making choices for sleeping environments.

The CPS is making the following recommendations:
* Infants should sleep on their back, in cribs meeting the Canadian Government Safety Standards. This is the recommended sleeping arrangement for the first year of life, under all circumstances.
* The infant sleep environment must be free of quilts, comforters, bumper pads, pillows and pillow-like items.

Sharing a room with the parents is protective against SIDS and this type of sleep arrangement is a safer alternative to bedsharing.

Infants of mothers who smoked during their pregnancy are at increased risk of SIDS and, when there is exposure to cigarette smoke either pre-or post-natal, the risk is further increased with bedsharing.

Infants should not be placed on waterbeds or air mattresses, even for temporary sleeping arrangements.

Sleeping with an infant, or letting an infant sleep alone on any type of couch, recliner or cushioned chair is dangerous.

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national professional association, representing more than 2,200 paediatricians, that advocates for the health needs of children and youth. Its peer-review journal , Paediatrics & Child Health, is published 10 times a year and circulated to 15,500 child health care professionals. For more information about safe sleeping environments,
visit http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/CP/cp04-02.htm