Safety and Security Product Guide

"It pays to be safe" and "Better safe than sorry" are two wise old sayings. Though a great deal of attention is being focused on safety and security, these two concepts have been important since the beginning of civilization. All sorts of arrangements and devices were conceived to help protect individual and groups from harm. Rules were developed to protect people from theft or murder. As in the past, we spend lots of time, energy, and resources to preserve the safety and security of our selves, and our families.

Just consider how much money is spent on police and fire prevention. How much have you spent on locks and on alarms? Then, of course, there are the unforeseen events. Emergencies arise from weather conditions - blackouts - when electricity (that we've taken for granted) suddenly is taken away. What do you need to survive? How do keep informed?

This section offers reasonably priced alarms and devices to help assure your safety and to help you function in the event of an emergency. The main idea is that, if an emergency does arise, you and your family are prepared and can function safely with as much comfort as possible. The products that we offer in this category are designed for your safety, security, comfort, and peace of mind.

The most common alarm helps protect your home from theft. Yet the most influential lifesavers are Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms.

Many cities and states already have regulations that require owners and renters to provide smoke alarms in their homes or apartments. These little devices detect the presence of smoke and can alert you to waken and deal with the problem or leave the premises. Many lives are saved because of these little ceiling-mounted devices. It's very important, however, to make sure that the battery is always fresh to assure satisfactory operation. Manufacturers suggest checking or changing batteries once or twice per year. Some alarms offer built-in battery checks.

Another type of alarm can protect your life from something that many are considering as dangerous as smoke - Carbon Monoxide. Unlike smoke, Carbon Monoxide has no detectable smell but it's highly poisonous. Scientifically known as CO, it is a byproduct of combustion by oil or gas. We've known for quite awhile that automobile exhaust fumes contain a percentage of this noxious gas. When people run their cars inside an enclosed area (inside their closed garage, for example), the effects can cause dizziness, sleep, and (ultimately) death.

Statistics have been showing an increase of deaths due to CO exposure at home. Evidence suggests that inadequate exhausts in a home's boiler system, including deteriorating chimney linings can result in the buildup of Carbon Monoxide on your home. Having no smell, taste, or color, there are no warning signs. You and your family can die as you sleep.

Carbon Monoxide alarms can be mounted in the same way as smoke alarms. It's vital that you have both. Many government agencies are now beginning to address this problem. Several cities have already been setting up regulations requiring residents to purchase these alarms.

This device places a microphone in your baby's room. With a wireless extension, you can listen to the sounds within the room. This is very useful in large homes where other noise might impede listening to your baby's sounds.

It's good to maintain a fresh supply of batteries available at all times. Suppose there's an electrical power failure, flashlights, portable radios and battery- powered appliances can be very helpful. But if you haven't got a supply of fresh batteries to provide power, you may be caught short.

Whether an occurrence inside the kitchen or some silent accident causing smoke, it's recommended to have operating fire extinguishers strategically located around your home. These are highly efficient ways of putting out small fires fast and help prevent fires from spreading throughout your home.

Installing wireless intercoms throughout your home is a very effective way of communicating with other members of your family in the event of an emergency. It can also be an effective way of transmitting your voice in case you might be trapped inside the basement, the attic, or even your room.

Perhaps the biggest cause of accidental fires in the home is the use of candles to as illumination during a power failure. Many people aren't aware of the flammability of furniture and fabrics and don't necessarily take the precautions that are necessary when using candles or gas lamps.

It is far safer to use battery-powered flashlights. There are many types. Some are small handheld models that point a narrow to wide beam so you can find your way around your home. Others are like lanterns, providing enough light to read or adequately illuminate a room. They're safe and, in many cases, extremely efficient and reliable. It's important, however, to make sure that your batteries are fresh and that you have replacement batteries or bulbs, as the need may arise.

A power failure can also result in an information blackout. What has caused the power to go out? Is it just your home? Is it your block? Is it an entire city? What's going on?

Having at least one battery-powered portable radio and, possibly, a portable TV can control panic. This can keep you in contact with local news reports to help keep you and your family informed. Having a battery-powered portable cassette, CD, or DVD player can help keep you entertained when stress can be heightened.

If your phone service is up, having a notebook computer or PDA can help keep you connected with the rest of the world.

Again, we must emphasize, that you should make certain that you've enough extra batteries to power these devices for a safely appropriate length of time.

It's also advised to have some battery-powered or manually powered appliances (i.e. can openers) to open cans and jars.

Also referred to as Walkie-Talkies. These are particularly handy for use in small suburban and rural communities. Many of these portable radios use FRS. FRS stands for Family Radio Services and, generally, has a wireless communication operating range of less than a mile. Some two-way radios have GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) as well and can effective communicate within about 2 miles distance. GMRS, however, requires an operating license whereas FRS does not.

These battery-powered, pocketsize devices act like wireless telephones. Purchasing 2 or more of these radios can help keep you in contact with your children, family, and relatives (provided each has a comparable FRS radio). Some radios have multiple channels so you can contact more than one person. This can be a very handy and useful device for use in many emergencies.

PCS and Cellular Pocket Phones are also very useful and offer exceptional range. They can be somewhat costly but are the closest thing to having a regular telephone. In some emergencies, however, many people try using their cell phones simultaneously and this jams up communication. This problem is less likely to occur with FRS radios.

In most cases, emergencies may be rare occurrences. When they do occur, they often happen without warning and, sometimes, very suddenly. Being prepared to confront adversity is an assuring insurance to help protect you and your family's unity and comfort, in those times when it is needed. Life is precious and maintaining normalcy in the face of possible stress and danger is often the most dependable way to help everyone feel safe and secure.