Wireless fire warning gives you more time to escape

Add smoke alarms to the wireless device craze.

Wireless smoke alarm technology, which is new to Canada, makes advance warning better than ever.

"On average, families have three minutes or less to evacuate their home after hearing a smoke alarm," observed Carol Heller, vicepresident of product innovation at Kidde Canada, the country's number one manufacturer of fire safety devices and the company introducing the new system. "Wireless and interconnected smoke alarms can now alert an entire household to fire at the earliest stages, giving family members more time to escape."

Thanks to new Canadian Fire and Building Code laws in the early 1990s, interconnected smoke alarms are now hard-wired right into a home's electrical system during construction or major renovation. However, time and labor costs make this an expensive retrofit for older homes. Kidde Canada's new battery operated wireless and interconnected technology provides a low cost alternative for homeowners who need to replace or upgrade their smoke alarms in older homes, without having to rewire.

The system uses radio frequency technology to link smoke alarms together so that when one alarm sounds, all interconnected alarms sound no matter where the fire starts. Installation and set up are easy.

"Surviving fire can be a matter of seconds, so early warning is critical," Heller said. "And, in the event of a nuisance alarm caused by shower steam or cooking, pushing a 'hush' button on one alarm silences all alarms temporarily so the air can clear, while families remain protected in case a real fire breaks out."

Kidde Canada's wireless and interconnected smoke alarm system can be found at major retailers. More information can be found at kiddecanada.com or SafeAtHome.ca

- News Canada