Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children between ages 1-4

Strong, compliant pool fences are critical, along with strict parental care/supervision of children around pools. When it comes to pool fencing, the gate is the weakest link in restricting access to pools by small children. Low-quality or poorly maintained gates, latches and hinges can fail, and older children often prop open gates, leaving curious toddlers vulnerable to dangerous water.

D&D Technologies believes it has come up with the ultimate solution. For more than 25 years D&D has been refining and improving its world-famous MagnaLatch^® Child Safety Gate Latch, but last October it launched the world's first and only combined gate latch and electronic alarm – the MagnaLatch^® ALERT.

The new latch-alarm device offers a dual alarm system of flashing LED lights (safety you can see) and an audible alarm (safety you can hear). It's the perfect solution for when you can't turn your back for a second.

The ALERT latches are thoughtfully designed so that upon each entry or exit of a gate a single beep is heard. This notifies property or pool owners whenever a child, family, friend, neighbour or even intruder enters or exits a gate.

If the gate is left open, a second beep will be heard after 10 seconds. It's only after 15 seconds of the gate being open and unlatched that the alarm siren begins to ramp up and LED lights begin to flash, providing owners with visual and audible alerts, even from inside the house.

Former Australian Olympic swimming coach and child water safety advocate, Laurie Lawrence, has had a long association with D&D Technologies and its Australian-made products. Says Lawrence: "I was mightily impressed with the first MagnaLatch when it came out over 20 years ago. But to see this new model of MagnaLatch ALERT, with built-in electronic alarms, represents an entirely new level of safety and peace-of-mind for pool owners. This is a major breakthrough for all types of child safety gates."

The best news for householders and pool owners is the ease with which the new latch-alarm system is installed. The alarms are powered by an integrated, replaceable battery, so there's no need for wiring, electricians or special tools. By simply screwing the latch onto the gate/fence the owner gains both a safety gate latch and an alarm system!

Earlier this year the ground-breaking features of the MagnaLatch ALERT were recognised with an Australian 'Good Design Award,' now an internationally recognized award for innovative products.

In addition to all the alarm features of the new latch, and like all regular MagnaLatches, the ALERT models feature proven magnetically-triggered latching, key lockable security (rekeyable by a locksmith to match house doors), a visible Locked/Unlocked indicator, and a high degree of horizontal and vertical adjustment to ensure ongoing performance.

D&D Technologies' Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jim Paterson, says: "Not only does the MagnaLatch ALERT notify that a gate is not closed and secure, but more importantly it warns that the gate is not properly latched. Until the latching mechanism is engaged, the alarms will flash and sound, even on fences where the gate may appear to be closed and safe. So this product is really an 'unlatched' alarm system, which is unique. We're talking about what must surely be the safest gate latch in the world."

There are two models of the new MagnaLatch ALERT – the tall 'Top Pull' model for swimming pool and other child safety gates, and a shorter 'Vertical Pull' model for front, side, perimeter and pet gates.

Jackie Barrera, Director of Marketing, D&D Technologies, says: "Traditional gate alarms, which were sold separately to gate latches, were mostly only 'proximity indicators', meaning they would stop working as soon as the gate was sufficiently 'closed'. They did not indicate if the gate was actually latched and secure. Correctly installed, the new ALERTs ensure a very safe gate around the home or pool."

All product mounting screws, instructions, alarm battery and an Owner's Manual are supplied standard.

Traditional MagnaLatch^® products are a familiar sight on many swimming pools, childcare centers and playground gates. It's a multi-award-winning product including the prestigious Australian Design Award for design excellence, and it was a previous winner of the Kidsafe 'Product of The Year' Award. Its magnetic technology has made it a favorite among parents and care givers, and D&D Technologies has sold millions of the latches worldwide. 

The MagnaLatch^® ALERT is available at hardware stores, online, or with your local fencing contractor. MSRP $179

About D&D:
D&D Technologies invented magnetic gate latches (MagnaLatch^®) and polymer safety gate hinges (TruClose^®) in the 1990s.  
D&D Technologies is the recognized leader in safety and premium grade gate hardware manufacturing, including MagnaLatch® magnetic pool and safety gate latches, TruClose® adjustable, self-closing gate hinges, SureClose®* commercial grade closer & hinge, and LokkLatch® gate latches. D&D's diversity of products continually set new standards in design, performance, craftsmanship and innovation–tied together by a singular level of quality. D&D products consistently exceed all relevant safety barrier codes and are backed by a limited Lifetime Warranty. (*SureClose® Easy is backed by a 2 year warranty).

D&D Technologies is a founder and active member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA). 

Media Contact:
Jackie Barrera, D&D Technologies, 714-500-5602, [email protected]

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SOURCE D&D Technologies