Where there's smoke … - What's New? - First Alert Ultimate Smoke Alarm from BRK Brands Inc - Product/Service Evaluation

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Jan, 2003

* All too often, the continuation of the above title is "there's fire" That's why one of the key home safety devices for protection of one's family should be a smoke detector/alarm. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 75% of home fire deaths occur in residences with inoperable alarms or no alarm at all. It further notes that in about 25% of homes where a smoke alarm is installed, the unit may not be working due to dead or missing batteries. In addition, more than 60,000 households have had nuisance alarm activations--such as those caused by cooking smoke--a leading cause of battery removal or exasperated residents deliberately disabling the alarm.

Faced with these sobering facts, what can one do to assure that an alarm is functioning properly and remains in working condition at all times? The First Alert Ultimate Smoke Alarm from BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, Ill., is bristling with features that make the device a lifesaver instead of a nuisance. Its smart sensing microprocessor helps recognize the difference between emergencies and nonthreatening conditions like cooking or tobacco smoke, while it incorporates dual sensors--an ionization one for flaming blazes and photoelectric for smoldering fires. The microprocessor runs a self-diagnostic check on each function every day to make sure it is working properly. Furthermore, it no longer is necessary to climb on a ladder or chair to test the alarm or poke at a button with a broomstick or other long implement to see if the batteries are still charged. With First Alert, most infrared remote controls, such as those used for TV sets or VCRs, can be utilized to test or temporarily turn off the alarm by pressing the volume or channel button and holding it down for three to five seconds from no more than 20 feet away. The remote-silence feature automatically restores the alarm when the device resets or the batteries are replaced, if they are dead.

As an additional test of the alarm system, the Smoke Check Smoke Alarm Tester from Home Safeguard Industries, LLC, Rolling Meadows, Ill., comes in a simple aerosol can. Aiming the spray at the detector's vents for two seconds will trigger the alarm. If it fails to go off, the power source should be checked and batteries replaced. Each canister holds sufficient chemicals for at least 10 tests.

The First Alert Ultimate Smoke Alarm can be found in hardware and department stores, as well as mass merchandisers, for $29.99. The Smoke Check Smoke Alarm Tester is $4.99 wherever smoke detectors are sold.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.