We all know how important it is to have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home, a functioning smoke detector in each sleeping area, and prepare an emergency plan, meeting place and disaster kit in case disaster strikes. If your New Year’s resolution is to accomplish this, keep in mind that most fire departments provide residential smoke detectors for free. Contact your local fire department to find out what their local policies are regarding smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors . Under building codes, new construction and renovation work require the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors on each level of a residence as well as in each sleeping area. In an older home, battery operated smoke detectors may be the way to go. If you have questions about a safety plan for your home, or about how or where to install smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in your home, contact your local fire department.

Carbon monoxide detectors are devices that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is a colorless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology.

While you install smoke detectors in sleeping areas, and a carbon monoxide sensor  in your home, consider taking your family protection a step further and include hidden cameras concealed in smoke detectors or in a carbon monoxide detector, shown below. This hidden camera is ideal because it plugs right in to a wall socket and can utilize many locations. It can even be plugged into an outlet close to the floor and still view the entire room. This item cannot be used to detect carbon monoxide. It is not a working carbon monoxide sensor.