Sunday, March 22, 2009

Copperfield 97302 Carbon Monoxide Detector With Alarm


Copperfield 97302 Carbon Monoxide Detector With Alarm
Copperfield Chimney Supply has been filling the supply and accessory needs of over 8,000 chimney sweeps, hearth retailers, masons, and contractors for over 25 years. Copperfield has the privilege of serving over 80% of the chimney professionals in America.Founded by Robert Daniels, "Sooty Bob," in 1978, Copperfield has grown from a one-man operation to a national network of six warehouses and a manufacturing plant. From its headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa Copperfield plays a major role in providing for the Chimney Supply industry.Carbon Monoxide Detector With Alarm



Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (A Safety Advisory For All Portable Generator Users)

I've often asked myself, "Why doesn't my industry put forth more effort in educating consumers and the public at large about (CMP) carbon monoxide poisoning that stems from the improper use of generators?" Take note of these heartbreaking incidents.

In February 2009, John Stigall of Shakertown, Kentucky, a beloved businessman and chairman of the Boyle County Industrial Foundation, was found dead of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from a portable generator. The couple that found him, described him as lying down near the generator.

In December 2008, Richard and Diane Desjardins of Haverhill, Massachusetts barely survived carbon monoxide poisoning. They were said to have placed their generator inside the cellar to keep their sump pump running during an ice storm.

In December 2006, five members of a Vietnamese family in Seattle, Washington, perished from (CMP). They had a generator running in the family's garage after a windstorm knocked out power to the region.

In December 2008, 49-year-old Larry Jenkins, also in Massachusetts, succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. After the power went out in his camper, he resorted to using a portable generator. This list seems like its never ending. Hopefully you do more than get the point. Be proactive! If you know anyone who owns and/or uses a portable generator, ask him or her have they taken precautions to prevent a (CMP) accident.

Here are some startling facts. Did you know that most people never read their manuals unless they have a problem that are unable to resolve. This is critical because almost every manual that I've read includes warnings about (CMP) and how to avoid potential hazards.

Did you know that many of the incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning occur during power outages? Of course this stands to reason; this is when you'll find a high percentage of individuals unwittingly operating gasoline powered portable generators inside their homes or near windows or doors. Heed this revelation; when portable generators are placed near windows and doors and in areas such as garages, basements, sheds and other enclosed spaces, the risk of (CMP) multiplies threefold!

Why is (CMP) so deadly? Mainly due to the fact that the gas is tasteless, colorless, odorless and is non-irritant. You can't see it. You can't smell it. You can't taste it and it doesn't cause any easily identifiable tell tale signs. People who survived CMP described the symptoms they felt as being flu like, or similar to food poisoning or other common illnesses. The danger in that is, most people have a tendency to lie down when they feel sick and when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning; lying down is something you never want to do.

That's why you must heed warnings such this and take these proper precautions. First and foremost, never but never place a portable generator indoors. Not even for a few moments. It doesn't take long for the average person to be overcome with (CMP). Secondly, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your residence. These detectors make it easy to detect (CO) in your home, mobile home, RV or other living quarters. It acts much like a fire alarm; if it detects any CO in the air, it emits a screeching beep. Thirdly, don't assume anything; read your generator manual from the front cover to the back jacket. They wrote it to protect you and make using a generator a safe and enjoyable experience.

When it comes to generators, Joe Elliot is your man! He literally shows you the power. What We HAVE: Unbiased reviews information and prices, on virtually every generator on the market. Got a question about generators? Why waste hours searching the web, when you can find ALL of YOUR ANSWERS and solutions at the home of the GENERATOR PROS. WHO It's For: ANYONE needing help figuring out the type, brand and size generator they need? If you are totally lost, you can take our FREE ONLINE Generator Basics Class

Direct Wire Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm with Voice Warning


Direct Wire Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm with Voice Warning
This modern carbon monoxide/smoke alarm combines a red flashing LED light, a high-pitched series of beeps, and a voice warning that notifies occupants of the type of danger that is occurring. The alarm has four voice recordings that warn occupants of "FIRE", "WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE", "LOW BATTERY" and "HUSH ACTIVATED/DEACTIVATED". This unit is direct wired into the home and includes a 9 volt battery in case of power failure. The hush feature allows it to be deactivated when excessive smoke accumulates when cooking. Up to 24 devices may be linked together, making it easier for occupants located in various parts of the home to be warned.



Home Alarm System Protection Levels

Are you confused about the different types of home alarm systems and which type is best for you? At one time, home alarm systems were pretty simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, they did not provide very well rounded coverage. Today that problem has been fixed and there are now many different options that will help you protect your home and family from a variety of threats. This may mean; however, that you have a more difficult time in deciding which option is best for you.

A basic door alarm is a good way to begin protecting your home from the garden variety burglar. This type of security system is designed to frighten away prospective burglars by sounding a loud signal. The noise alone is sufficient enough in most cases to frighten away burglars.

If you are interested in a home alarm system that is somewhat more advanced you might wish to consider a one that will also alert local fire departments and police departments. This type of system will detect the presence of floods, fire or carbon monoxide. Sensors are placed at various points throughout the home in order to emit signals when something is detected that could result in disaster. This type of system may also contain the ability to monitor temperature control as well. If you live in an area where your pipes are prone to freezing when the temperature drops, this can be a good solution to consider. Sensor will alert a monitoring system as well as you in the event of low temperatures to prevent your home from becoming damaged to pipes that may freeze and then burst.

Another option now available in high-tech security is the presence of motion detectors. These types of detectors are typically sensitive to light and have the ability to determine whether the intruder is outside the home or inside the home. Security cameras have also become increasingly popular with many high-end home alarm systems.

Major security providers like ADT provide an option for a wireless home alarm. These systems are less invasive and give you added flexibility when retrofitting an old home. Make sure to check with your provider first as some brands like Brinks do not have this amount of flexibility.

Glass break detectors are another common feature of advanced home alarm systems. These detectors assist in detecting when glass within the home is broken. In the event a burglar attempts to break into your home by breaking a window or door, this will be detected and a signal alerted.

Pressure mats can be placed underneath rugs in the home and will provide an alert in the event there is an unwanted presence in the home. This particular feature is helpful in alerting the presence of a burglar when perhaps only an elderly parent or the kids are at home.

Panic buttons connect emergency numbers to the home alarm system. As a result, in the event of an emergency, the appropriate numbers will be immediately contacted such as the hospital, police or fire department.

Cameras can be placed at strategic locations around your property, providing you with the ability to view your property both from inside your home as well as from work or even while you are away on vacation if you like. This means that your home is continually protected and will have the visual footage to make sure that prospective burglars will not be able to succeed in their plans to invade your home.

Installing a home alarm system is definitely a step in the right direction to securing your home. Burglars are more likely to bypass your home to reduce their risk of getting caught.

A tip from Bruce Kelly - Home alarm systems give you added protection. Get as much information as you can in order to determine what type of solution and which provider is best for you

First Alert FCD4 Ultimate Convenience Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Maximum Protection plus Ultimate Convenience Carbon Monoxide Alarm FCD4 Plug-in with battery backup. Works during power outages. Remote control Silence/ Test. Uses most household remote control devices to silence or test alarm. Digital Display. Stores, recalls, and displays highest level of carbon monoxide detected. Low battery silence. Quiets low battery alert without affecting alarm operation. Covers only one wall outlet. Additional Features: Loud 85-decibel alarm Low battery warning 9V battery included UL Listed 5 year limited warranty
Customer Review: useless
After 9-12 months use it started beeping and displayed "err". There's no explanation of what to do. Not worth pursuing---just threw it away---I would stay away from this product.


This is a very important topic for homeowners because of all the possible problems in a home. We have inspected hundreds of homes with attached garages. Attached garages are convenient and nice but also can be the cause of "Carbon Monoxide Poisoning." This is an important topic because of all the homes inspected, only 1 had a Carbon Monoxide Alarm in the house. That tells all of us that most individuals are not aware of the problem.

Just recently, we were inspecting a home for mold contamination in Lake Worth, Fl. It was the typical 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with an attached garage. During the Mold Inspection, we noticed the smell of gasoline in the hallway next to the attached garage. We immediately informed the homeowner who took us to the garage. In the garage, we noticed they were storing gasoline in the garage, the amount was five, five gallon containers of gas. All were full, but apparently leaking fumes. The homeowner removed the gasoline to an outside storage area for proper venting.

The moral of this story is, if gasoline fumes can enter the house thru the garage entrance door seals, then Carbon Monoxide fumes can also enter the home. You can smell the gasoline, but you cannot smell Carbon Monoxide fumes. You cannot see or smell Carbon Monoxide. It can kill an individual in a short period of time at high levels.

Carbon Monoxide is made whenever any source such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. These products are not hazardous to us unless they are vented into a confined space such as your home. An idling car in the garage is a perfect example. An improperly vented gas powered hot water heater is another example. We have seen many gas powered hot water heaters improperly vented to the outside. If you have one, have a properly trained professional check to make sure it is properly vented.

Every year, hundreds of people die accidentally from CO or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning due to malfunctioning or improperly installed appliances. There are also many more who die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning produced by idling cars in the garage. This is why, all homes should be equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Monitor to prevent this type of problem.

Tips To Stay Alive:

1. Do not idle your car in the Garage, After you start and back-out of your Garage, leave the Garage Door open to allow the Carbon Monoxide from your cars exhaust to dissipate. Do not run a generator in your garage either.

2. Do not use a gas grill, charcoal grill, butane burning stove or any other type of flame burning appliance in your house.

3. Do not use a gas oven or stove in your home unless it is properly vented to the outside. Check your oven right now if you have one. If you do, have a properly trained professional inspect the system. Do not trust your life to anyone who says it is OK to burn a stove or an oven indoors without an exterior exhaust system that comes on when you start the stove or oven to use.

4. Use common sense, if it has a flame, it has to be exhausted to the outside of your home. Install a Carbon Monoxide Monitor in your home.

5. Fireplaces must always be vented to the outside. It is important that the flue be checked to make sure it is drafting properly.

It is important that you have your indoor gas appliances checked once a year to make sure they are functioning properly in a safe manner so as not to cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in your home. If you have an Attached Garage, be extra cautious with an idling car in the garage. Always air the garage out after entering and leaving the garage with a car or truck. Read and follow the manufacturers' instructions that came with your gas or fuel powered appliances. In an emergency situation, call 911 and seek medical help immediately if you suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in your home.

The interesting thing about this article is, the inspection started out as a Mold Inspection and ended up as gasoline intrusion. By the way, they also had Mold in their home. We had to have a Mold Remediation Company come in and do a Mold Remediation Project in their home. If you have any questions, feel free to call us or visit our website. We would also recommend you go to the EPA's Website and read their article on Carbon Monoxide as an addendum to this article.

Remember, Carbon Monoxide Can Kill You Silently.

To learn more about your home, visit our website at http://www.safe-homes.com or http://www.air-testing.com

Mr. Art Emiss is available as a professional speaker to help educate your community or group function

nighthawk carbon monoxide detector

First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - SC01CN3

Here are two important detectors in one great unit. Stay protected from the odorless, invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide. As well as fires with a smoke alarm. As a reminder, smoke detectors should be installed on every floor in your home in a central location.

  • Double protection
  • Battery operated
  • Protects during a power outage
  • Permanent sensor
  • No special sensors to replace
  • Separate alarm lights & horn sounds allows easy identification of which alarm is sounding
  • Single test/silence/reset button
  • Adjustable mounting bracket
  • Not available for sale in Oregon
    Customer Review: Pure garbage, avoid first alert
    This product is unusable, it randomly goes off giving false alarms all day long. I have lived in quite a few different places over the years, one thing i noticed over time is any place i move to that has a First Alert detector, i ended up replacing within a week or so with my own due to the fact it constantly giving false alarm or not working at all, while apartments that has a kidde detector, i never have to do anything just changing the battery every 6 months. To summarize, avoid first alert, get a kidde.
    Customer Review: Too many false alarms
    I bought four for four different flows. It was ok for 3-4 years. But now, it is paste it's warranty period. Slowly each alarm eventually started giving false alarms, and chirps. In addition, it is extremely sensitive. Cannot really cook without it going off. It is not to a point that I have to replace all of them. definitely would not recommend this.


    Even those who are aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the home may forget the dangers this silent deadly killer can create in a caravan or mobile home.

    Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, invisible, deadly gas which can be produced by badly serviced appliances, such as stoves, cookers, generators and camping burners. In fact the gas can be produced by anything that burns carbon based fuels, for example gas, petrol, oil, diesel or wood.

    The key advice to caravan and mobile home owners is broadly similar to that for homeowners: first of all buy and fit a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, or CO Alarm. The best for a caravan an inexpensive, portable battery operated audible alarm.

    We all probably remember to service our car, but do we remember to service all the appliances we use inside our caravan or mobile home, like the cookers or generators? Gas appliances will have been sold as new to accord with safety standards. They should be maintained by competent engineers, certified by a recognized body. So remember, in addition to buying an audible Carbon Monoxide Alarm, service your appliances.
    Next, remember not to block the ventilation to your appliances. This is especially true if you in a caravan and you are cold. Do not be tempted to cover ventilation for cookers which serves an important purpose.

    If you do have a caravan with a stove and chimney, make sure this is kept clear of debris as well.

    If your car engine is running nearby (or the engine in your RV or mobile home) is running, its exhaust fumes will contain Carbon Monoxide. You should ensure that your exhaust is in good order and that exhaust fumes are not inadvertently seeping into you caravan.

    The greatest danger may be when you are asleep and have shut all the windows, especially if you have left a gas or oil appliance running to keep warm. An audible Carbon Monoxide Alarm will ensure you are woken if you are in any danger and may save your life.

    Do not be a victim of the silent killer on holiday.

    If in doubt you should take expert advice or seek emergency help.

    Awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning can help save lives. A Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an essential for every home, in addition to annual servicing of boilers and other appliances. An audible Carbon Monoxide Alarm is the key to saving lives

    nighthawk carbon monoxide detector
  • Direct Wire Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm with Voice Warning

    This modern carbon monoxide/smoke alarm combines a red flashing LED light, a high-pitched series of beeps, and a voice warning that notifies occupants of the type of danger that is occurring. The alarm has four voice recordings that warn occupants of "FIRE", "WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE", "LOW BATTERY" and "HUSH ACTIVATED/DEACTIVATED". This unit is direct wired into the home and includes a 9 volt battery in case of power failure. The hush feature allows it to be deactivated when excessive smoke accumulates when cooking. Up to 24 devices may be linked together, making it easier for occupants located in various parts of the home to be warned.


    Let me start from the beginning: As a home owner you should be proactive instead of reactive. Thieves will not wait until your home is protected they will strike now while the picking is ripe. To many home owners wait to contact a security company until they become victims of a robbery, while in fact it is proven in statistics that homes with visible security are 14 times less likely to become victims of burglary.

    To secure your home you should step back and think like a thief, take a walk around your home and look at the obvious entry points. Are there ladders just laying about that can easily reach that second floor balcony with that open French door? Are there windows left open for ventilation that can easily be accessed by a thief from the level of a nearby fence? These and many more areas are the most inviting to thieves, as they give them easy access to your home without much effort on their part. Take the time to lock down your ladders and always ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured before leaving your home unattended.

    All exterior doors should be solid doors with deadbolts and door enforcers. Install peep holes for viewing before opening. Windows and sliding glass doors that can be lifted out from the outside can be secured by installing pan head screws in the upper track, adjust to allow free back and forth movement but with minimum up and down movement. Also secure with commercially available locks or use a broomstick or wooden dowel in the lower track. I personally liked broken hockey sticks, the shafts fit just perfect into sliding door tracks. Garage doors should be closed and locked whenever you are not around.

    Install timers on all exterior lights that automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn, thieves do not like to be seen. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed as to not allow for hiding places. Outdoor sheds should also be locked with secure heavy duty locks.

    Residential Security Systems: As every home is different with its own strengths and weaknesses, consult a security expert to visit your home and provide you a quality system designed to fit your security requirements and your budget. For less than a $1.00 a day you can protect your home with a security system, keep that in perspective when you think you can not afford one when you purchase your morning coffee.

    A security system will not guarantee to keep the bad guys out but it will keep the time they are in your home to a minimum. Be sure that the security system you purchase is monitored. Alarm monitoring means that someone is always watching your home via the security system along with the alarm monitoring center. Once the system has been breached the monitoring center is notified and the appropriate authorities are dispatched to your home. The loud obnoxious siren will scare off the thief as well.

    Security Systems are unique to each premise; hard wired, wireless or a combination of both, they can include fire protection, flood/water, heat and carbon monoxide, perimeter (doors and windows) and interior protection. Again have a security expert visit your home for your requirements. For more information on security for your home and a host of useful tips on safety visit http://www.thesecuritylady.com

    Kelly Lynn Wicks

    http://www.thesecuritylady.com

    nighthawk carbon monoxide detector

    Lifetime By Del-Rain Carbon Monoxide Detector/alarm

    Protect your family and yourselffrom carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning with this AC powered carbon monoxide detector/alarm. This Lifetime carbon monoxide detector/alarm detects the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless compoundwhich can belethal. If a high level of CO is detected, the Lifetime carbon monoxide detector sounds a 95dB alarm, givingyou a chance to ventilate the area orevacuate. This Lifetime carbon monoxide detectorwill alarmyou if there is any type offaulty fuel burning devices in your home or business. Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and inthe home (CO) can be formed by open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car inside an enclosed area. When a alarm sounds, action must be taken immediately; at high levels, breathing CO gas is fatal within minutes. With this Lifetime carbon monoxide detector installed in your home, you'llknow you're safe with the most accurate sensor technology in the world. So, keep your family safe, and your mind at ease with this the Lifetime carbon monoxide detector/alarm. Features: Perfect for homes, businesses, garages, workshops, cottages, RV's and boats Highly sensitive sensor accurately detects Carbon Monoxide (CO) at low concentrations Two-stage visual alarm levels (yellow and red) Stageone: 35-50 ppm (Yellow Alert) Stage two: 100ppm or higher (Red Alert) Test mode Self diagnostic sensing circuits Easy installation Includes AC adapter Dim. 6 x 3


    There are a few factors that have worked together to make home security systems more popular then they ever have been before and this is why more and more people are using them to protect their homes, families and personal property. At the same time that they have become far more technological advanced and hence; more reliable, they have also become far more affordable to have installed in a home or business.

    Also, home security systems now contain far more features then they ever have before, so they perform more functions as they have become more convenient and easy to use. One surprising feature of a home security system now is carbon monoxide detection capabilities that can actualy save the lives of you and your family. Many people are unaware of the fact that people are killed every year while they sleep in their homes by carbon monoxide gas that is produced and pumped into their homes by a malfunctioning gas heater.

    Even charcoal Bar-BQs have killed people that inadvertently used them in a confined space. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that has no symptoms as it kills, so the hapless victims simply fall asleep and never wake up again. With a modern, high tech home security system, sensors located in the home will sound the alarm if the deadly gas is detected and axiomatically call for emergency help.

    Another added feature of a home security systems is fire detection capabilities that uses sensors in the home that signal the system to sound the alarm and call the fire department is high temperatures are detected inside the residence. Of course the basic function of a modern state of the art security system is and always has been to detect and prevent break-ins to the residence and any other buildings on the premises.

    Using advancements in technology such as micro-electronics a home security system now functions to protect property and its inhabitants far better and more conveniently then ever before, while the over all cost of these systems has dropped considerably. New technology in body heat and motion detectors has rendered them far more sensitive and smaller, meaning that they are now virtually impossible to detect.

    ADT systems now even has the ability to install a thirty-five foot security perimeter around your home that will detect anyone who enters it once the system has been activated. The sensors they use are so finely calibrated that they can differentiate the difference between a man and an animal such as a cat or a dog, completely eliminating the chance of false alarms.

    These same ultra-sensitive heat and motion detectors are used inside of the home or business to detect anyone who is inside, on the slim odds that they have made it that far. So while the older alarm systems had the capacity to detect an intruder that entered through a door or a window the modern alarm system has multiple layers of security that begin on the outside perimeter of your home.

    Written by Justin Maeson. Find the latest information on security system deals as well as order security systems

    nighthawk carbon monoxide detector

    Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Alarm

    .
    Customer Review: a gyp
    I bought this carbon monoxide detector specifically because it said it plugged into the wall, and I hate fooling around with changing and testing batteries. It does say it has a "battery backup" - but what they don't tell you is that the darn thing does not work at all unless it has an active battery in it, even if it's plugged into the wall! I set mine up, plugged it in, but it does nothing unless there is a battery installed, and if the battery dies the thing goes on the blink and beeps at you until you replace it, even if plugged in. So what is the point of being able to plug it in if plugging it in does nothing? Mine is currently eating a battery and going on the blink about every three days now, so I will trash it and will not buy any more deceptive products from Kidde.


    Your foremost concern is keeping your family safe. Probably the most fundamental way to see to their safety is to own some sort of residential fire alarm system. Systems can range from a single smoke detector to an elaborate system monitored by a company. If you're not sure of what is the best system for your family, then you should look into the different types of home fire alarms. Then you will be able to make an informed decision about the kind that will provide the most protection and work in your budget.

    Every Home Must Have a Smoke Detector

    At the very minimum, your home fire alarm system should include one or more smoke detectors, depending on the size of the house. Smoke detectors are a small alarm that's mounted on the ceiling. When the machine detects smoke, the alarm goes off. Many small apartments have only one, but the safest way is to have one to each room.

    Smoke detector options include an interconnected system of smoke alarms, in which if one goes off, all the others do as well, and smoke detectors with built in carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, deadly gas that can be produced by an improperly working furnace.

    Although it seems like a good idea to have a smoke alarm in the kitchen, because that is where the majority of home fires start, in reality it is not recommended. This is because smoke can be a usual product of food preparation, burned toast for example, and it is inconvenient to have to respond to these false alarms. The smoke detector placed in the next room will sound if there is a real fire in the kitchen.

    Many home smoke detectors use battery power. With battery powered smoke alarms a general rule of thumb is change the battery once a year without fail. One way to remember is to do it on the day we turn the clocks back in fall. Other smoke detectors are "hardwired," that is connected to the electricity in the house; however, electric smoke alarms do not work when the power is out, just when your family may need them. Another popular option is an electrical smoke alarm with battery back-up, in which case you must still change the battery every year.

    Automatic Sprinklers

    Many cities and states have laws requiring automatic fire sprinklers in new residential buildings, usually in high density communities. If you are building or remodeling your home, take automatic fire sprinklers into consideration. The cost can certainly be steep, but the savings can be enormous, the lives of your family members and your home and precious keepsakes.

    Automatic sprinklers are plumbed into the water system of the house, and will release a forceful spray of water when the temperature at the ceiling reaches a certain level. They can be recessed into the ceiling using white, black or neutral fittings, and will pop out in use.

    Fire Extinguishers

    It is a good idea for every home to have one or more fire extinguishers within easy reach. That way, when the fire alarm does go off, quick action may prevent a small, contained fire from becoming a large destructive one. The best kind of fire extinguisher for home use is one that is relatively small (for easier use) and contains a fire extinguishing chemical that can be used on the largest variety of fire types (grease, wood, textiles, etc.). Make sure the instructions are clear and easy to read, and have your extinguisher checked by a certified agency once a year.

    Monitored Fire Alarm Systems

    The very top of the line is a monitored residential fire alarm system. This is usually installed along with a burglar alarm system. These systems will include remote monitoring from a company that will contact fire and medical authorities in the event of an emergency. A monitored fire alarm system will contain a central control panel that hooks up to several smoke alarms and heat detectors. Heat detectors are usually more reliable than smoke detectors alone, since they contain more sophisticated mechanics. These all inclusive systems have the additional advantage of being run off the house power with battery backup in the event of a power outage.

    The disadvantage to this system is the cost of installation, and the monitoring service does require a small monthly fee. However, if you can make room in the budget for it, the ability to put more sophisticated detectors in some places, such as the kitchen, and the enhanced reliability of outside monitoring are good reasons to purchase such a system.

    A Fire Alarm for Deaf People

    If you are deaf, or someone in your family is, you know that the world can be a tricky place. There are many situations in which you are not able to hear something like the doorbell or the telephone. One thing that might be over looked, but is very important, is having a fire alarm for the deaf.

    The most common kind of fire alarm for the deaf is one that has a very bright flashing strobe that goes off when the fire alarm goes off. When this happens, even if the person is sleeping, the light should wake them up. It needs to be a very bright strobe, and it needs to be located in a place where it will be noticed when it goes off. This can be necessary if you have deaf family members or even friends who visit often.

    But whether you go for the less expensive home fire alarm system or for something with extra features, it is vital that you have some sort of residential fire alarm system in the house for the safety of your most precious belongings, your family.

    Steve Dolan is a homeowner and home improvement expert. Find out more about fire alarms at Home Fire Alarm. For more home safety tips visit Home Security Web

    nighthawk carbon monoxide detector

    Carbon Monoxide Alarm

    Carbon Monoxide Alarm

    There are a number of poisonous chemicals that can kill you or your loved ones, and one of them is carbon monoxide. It is a dangerous substance that has been found in a number of American homes. The existence of this gas around humans is so bad that it is the leading cause of poisoning death in America, according to the American Medical Association.

    What is so significant about carbon monoxide is that it is a substance that you can't see, smell, or taste. It is created through the burning of fuel, such as on a stove. When fuel is burned improperly, the levels of the gas produced can kill a person in minutes. This is particularly important since it is an invisible substance that doesn't give a person a warning. Dangerous levels can come from ovens, clothes dryers, fireplaces, space heaters, cars and more.

    When you think of home security systems, you think of them as systems you have installed to protect your home from burglary and home invasion. However, the top home security systems will also offer additional options. Those options include things like smoke detectors, fire detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These are options that you can purchase in addition to the regular home security options. When inquiring into home security options, determine what type of detector the company uses.

    A home security system will alert you to when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present in your home. The alarm is audible and will alert you immediately before the levels of the poison get so high that it is too late to escape. Features like these need to be working all the time and need to have a solid backup foundation. When purchasing a protection system it is important to understand how a company will handle the protection for you home.

    With high levels of carbon monoxide there can be dizziness, loss of consciousness and ultimately, death. When there are low levels, there can be cold and flu like symptoms. Also shortness of breath, exhaustion, headaches and nausea.

    Carbon monoxide detectors must be placed in the proper position and they must be installed correctly. This is especially important. By having your detector professionally installed you can better ensure that your system has been placed in the right location and will be working properly.

    If your detector goes off, the first thing you must do is check to make sure everyone in the house is okay and if not to call 911. If everyone is okay, do not assume that your house is okay. It will need to be ventilated and then you'll need to have it checked by a professional as soon a possible.

    When considering a detector for you home, consider the construction and make up of your home. Homes that are newer in construction are known to hold more carbon monoxide than older homes.

    Look online for research on these detectors. They could be one of your best investments.

    ADT Security is the leading provider of home monitoring systems in the U.S. Help protect your home and family today with a home alarm system from the number-one name in home security

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    Kidde Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms with Strobe Light

    120V AC Wire-In (hard wiriring)Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms with Battery Backup and Strobe Light provide worry-free protection for you and your family. The alarms can be interconnected with up to 24 alarms (we recommend using connecting alarms made by the same manufacturer) throughout your home. All sound simultaneously if one is activated, providing you with full reporting for maximum safety. LED lights let you know the alarms' status. Press Test/Reset on the Carbon Monoxide alarm for periodic checks of battery and alarm operation or to silence alarm. Press "Hush" on the Smoke alarm to silence its alarm. 85-decibel alarm sounds loudly, alerting the household to a dangerous level of carbon monoxide or the presence of fire. UL listed. Includes instructions, 9-V battery and a 5-year limited warranty. The included 120V AC Wire-In Strobe Light was made especially for use as an add-on for the Kidde Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Makes a perfect visual alert for the Deaf or hard of hearing person with a bright 177 candela power flashing once per second. Quick connect snap-on harness makes installation easy. LED light verifies that the unit is receiving power. UL listed. Comes with owner's manual and a 5-year limited warranty. Additional sets may be purchased separately to outfit your entire home.


    An insidious, and often overlooked, threat to the air quality in your home is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can poison the air in your home without you even realizing it. The good news is that you can easily protect yourself and your family by prevention, monitoring, and educating yourself on symptoms & what to do in the event of suspected CO poisoning.

    Carbon monoxide is produced when any fuel does not burn completely, due to insufficient oxygen.

    Possible sources include:

    - Furnaces
    - Water heaters
    - Gas or wood fireplaces
    - Automobiles left running in attached garages
    - Plugged or defective chimneys
    - Gas kitchen ranges

    To avoid carbon monoxide contamination in your home you can:

    - Make sure all heating appliances are properly installed
    - Never use charcoal cooking grills indoors
    - Always use a kitchen range fan vented to the outside when cooking with gas
    - Never use the gas kitchen range to heat your home (sounds obvious, but people do it!)
    - Have heating system & chimneys inspected annually by a qualified professional
    - Do not warm up or run automobiles or other gasoline engines in attached garages
    - Equip your home with at least one UL-listed Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm

    Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic the flu and include:

    - Headache
    - Nausea/vomiting
    - Drowsiness
    - Confusion
    - Accelerated heart rate

    If the entire family becomes ill after being home a few hours, but feel better when they leave, suspect CO poisoning.

    If you suspect an excess of carbon monoxide in your home, or your alarm indicates a high level of the gas:

    - Immediately move everyone outdoors
    - Call emergency services (such as your fire department)
    - Once it has been determined that it is safe to reenter the house, correct the problem before restarting any heating appliances

    These tips hold true whether you are in a home you've lived in for years or are looking at San Francisco real estate, homes for sale in Mill Valley, or a remote cabin in Timbuktu. If you live in a recently purchased or newly built home, you may already have monitors, but it wouldn't hurt to check. Mid-century modern homes, including Eichler homes and Alliance-built homes, were built before carbon monoxide was recognized as a household problem and may need monitors, but it is an inexpensive fix, available at most hardware stores, and gives great peace of mind.

    Renee Adelmann specializes in modern and eco-friendly real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. She assist buyers and sellers of Marin homes as well as San Francisco lofts

    nighthawk carbon monoxide detector