Fire Safety Today

Most smoke detectors lack ability to alert neighbors, authorities if you are not at home or are overcome by smoke. New affordable detector uses NeighborLink technology to provide additional protection against loss of property or personal injury. Atlanta (PRWEB) January 13, 2005 — Most smoke detectors or security fire detection systems fail to address a basic problem– what happens if a fire breaks out in your residence when you are not there to alert 9-11 or the fire department? According to Richard Blackwell, a leading safety advocate for seniors and others, the result is that the delay in alerting authorities leads to additional damages. Or, if a person is overcome by smoke, they might be totally unable to alert anyone, leading to a life-threatening situation. Blackwell notes that even though many homes have smoke detectors, these basic devices lack the ability to alert neighbors and authorities, requiring homeowners to install more expensive security systems. For many people, the additional cost is such that as many as 80 percent of homeowners lack such technology. There is another problem—“What if you are not at home when a fire breaks out? Or, you might be incapacitated by smoke,” Blackwell says. “In either instance, while traditional smoke detectors will likely be set off, no one will be aware of the fire.” For Blackwell, that was unacceptable. That is why he set out to develop a solution. The result–a new, first-of-its kind Smoke Detector that alerts your neighbors when fire breaks out, increasing protection against loss of life, property due to fire or smoke against loss of life and property due to fire or smoke. Blackwell is the founder of www.SafeHome.net and the inventor of the innovative NeighborLink ™ early alert-warning system for use in the event of crimes against persons or property, or to notify emergency response medical teams. He says the new detector combines the concepts of the NeighborLink ™ technology by offering homeowners additional capabilities that complement the function of regular ‘primary’ systems. “The primary benefit of the new technology is that it incorporates NeighborLink ™ technology that allows homeowners the ability to alert up to four neighbors of a fire in your residence.” Blackwell explains. “The NeighborLink ™ technology is a part of a unique system that does not require that the resident do anything, meaning that if he or she is not in the residence, or is overcome by smoke and unable to alert someone, the system is automatically activated. “Immediately, your neighbors are made aware that there is a fire.” Additionally, the optional NeighborLink ™ voice dialer can be easily programmed to call up to four telephone numbers, including 9-11, Blackwell explains. “This means that a number of neighbors and authorities can be alerted to the need for a response,” Blackwell says. “There is no time-consuming phone call by in-house monitoring systems.” As is the case with other SafeHome products, Blackwell has kept the price of the innovative NeighborLink ™ -activated Smoke Detector affordable, requiring only a one-time purchase price Blackwell believes the Smoke Detector has a special role to play in home safety for a number of publics. “A primary use is for seniors,” he notes. “The fire death rate among people over the age of 65 is twice as high as the national average, according to the United States Fire Administration. ”In addition, the fire death rate among people between ages 75 and 85 is three times the national average and after age 85, it increases to four times the national average. These statistics are especially alarming when researchers estimate that by 2030, the 65 and older population will exceed 70 million people. ”Our goal is to let as many seniors as possible, caregivers and others know about the important life-saving role of our NeighborLink ™ Smoke Detector, “ Blackwell continues. “But, this is a product for anyone that wants to make sure that they have the best available technology to protect their homes and the safety of their families and loved ones,” Blackwell says. He’s not alone. The U.S. Fire Administration notes: “ In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal — so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.”