Question about the Tattle Tale and the Animal Away Devices.

Answer: Steve and I discussed this. We decided the Tattle Tale was not the best choice for his situation as his dog is not disturbed by noises, the db level is 90 and the unit sounds only for 2 seconds.

The Tattle Tale is quite effective for most cats and dogs, however. I explained how I used the Animal Away to keep my dog from going into the bathroom to pee on the rugs during bitter winter days. Since the alarm is silent, no one else is bothered but the animal. Just insert a battery, turn on the unit, test after 30 seconds by waving your hand in front of the motion detector and your unit is ready to keep dogs away. Or use outside to keep animals such as rabbits, cats and dogs out of your yard or out of parts of your yard.

The Animal Away Pro model uses two 9V batteries or an optional AC adapter. This unit is somewhat stronger in output and has a variable frequency which also works to keep out raccoons, rabbits and more. It covers a fan shaped area at 70 degrees at a distance of up to 40 feet.

Steve decided that the Animal Away placed toward the doorway to the kitchen was his best option as that would keep the dog out of the kitchen altogether.

Thanks again, Steve, for your question. Glad we could solve your problem without causing pain to your ears or to the dogs.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Costar 9 volt RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Answer: Yes. This battery operated carbon monoxide alarm meets the UL 2034 requirements and also the New York City requirements to protect occupants of homes, hotels, etc. from carbon monoxide poisoning. Under Amanda's Law which was passed in February 2010, all homes built before January 1, 2008, are permitted to have battery-powered CO alarms. Those houses built after January 1, 2008 must have hard-wired alarms, i.e. AC alarms that may or may not have a battery back-up. Prior to this law, only homes built or bought after July 30, 2002 were required to have carbon monoxide alarms.

Amanda's law also requires contractors in New York State to install a CO alarm when replacing a hot water tank or furnace if the home is not equipped with an alarm.

Amanda's law came after 16-year-old Amanda Hansen of West Seneca, New York, who died on January 17, 2009, due to a carbon monoxide leak from a defective boiler while she was sleeping at a friend's house.Amanda's parents, despite their grief, worked hard to get this law enacted. The law requires CO alarms in all existing one- and two-family residences: each has to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest floor of the building with a sleeping area. The alarm must be clearly heard in all sleeping areas over background noise levels even with doors closed.

Other hard-wired carbon monoxide alarms to consider are the Safe-T-Alert 120VAC CO Alarm and the Costar 12 Volt Hard-Wired Alarms that have relays to connect to a security system as well.

Thanks for your question. Remember to check all smoke detectors and all natural gas and propane gas alarms at least once a month.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Eat Better Dog Food Bowl

Answer: The Contech EatBetter Dog Food Bowl reduces pet digestive problems such as overeating, indigestion, vomiting and even gastric dilation-volvulus also known as "bloat." This dog bowl has three raised three wishbone-shaped partitions so the dog has to eat more slowly. I first used these bowls in February 2008 for both Ellie May and Maggie, my Boston Terriers. Not only does it slow them down but also there is less food pushed out onto the floor. My current dogs, Ellie May and Cici, get about 1/2 cup low fat kibble with a little warm water and a few tablespoons of chicken on top twice a day. At night, I run the dishes through the dishwasher, top shelf.

After daily dishwasher washing, the bowls remain looking as new as when I got them. The dishes are made from food grade plastic. The dimensions are 8.5"L x 5.25" W x 2 "H. Each dish holds about 16 ounces of food. Choose from pink, blue or White Eat Better Dog Food Bowl.

Thanks for your question. Enjoy your dog!

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Rest-Guard fitted and zippered encasement mattress covers.

Answer: Rest-Guard are soft cotton bonded to polyurethane so they are cool to sleep on and also are water proof.  The Rest-Guard standard covers are fitted like a fitted bottom sheet. The Rest-Guard full enclosure covers are zippered. For most people, the fitted Rest-Guard covers are the better choice. These are also available in several thicknesses and many more sizes than the complete enclosure covers. For older mattresses and box springs or for those with bed bug infestation, the full enclosure covers are the better coice. The best way to show you the differences is via a comparison chart. 

 Mattress Cover and Box Spring Comparison Chart

NOTE: To effectively kill and remove mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria and dust mites, washing in warm water is essential. Dry on low temperature settings ONLY.

_{Rest-Guard Deluxe (Fully Enclosed) Mattress/Pillow Covers - Product Description}

The Rest-Guard Deluxe fully enclosed covers are manufactured from a unique fabric called a fluff fabric, which are made of a 100% high quality cotton blend. These covers have no seams, pockets or folds for bedbugs to hide in and lay their eggs, and are specifically designed to block out all allergens, and most other particles as small as cat dander, unlike sheets, they encase and protect the entire mattress and zip up tightly. Used beneath your regular bedding, our fully enclosed mattress covers will not only silently and invisibly protect against all allergens, but any soiling or liquid spills that might occur on the mattress through regular use as well.

Additionally, the Rest-Guard encasings can be used for bed bug protection**. Independent test data proved bed bugs and their eggs could not get through our fabrics or zippers. They offer complete protection while remaining soft and breathable beneath your sheets, so you always sleep comfortably. And we take extra care in the design and construction of Rest-Guard encasings with features such as concealed zippers and a waterproof, shrink-proof polyurethane backing which will give them a perfect fit even after repeated washings. We believe you won't find a finer, more comfortable encasing anywhere at any price. Mean pore size of 1.2 microns. 5-Year Warranty.

Rest Guard Pillow Protector: pillow cover is waterproof, dust mite & bedbug proof. Size available: 21"x30".

Unique Design of Bed Bug Blocker Covers

The Bed Bug Blocker design incorporates a 3-sided zipper operation with a re-enforced zipper liner which also comes with our unique bug blocker patch which is located at the end stop were the zipper closes, this provides added protection even if the zipper is left open by a few teeth for an effective barrier and peace of mind against Bed Bugs, dust-mites and allergens and is also 100% waterproof. Our fabric is also soft and smooth to the touch, which makes the covers very comfortable to sleep on.

• 3 Sided zipper design for easy installation & removal, which fully-encases the mattress or box spring.
• Designed with 100% cotton fluff fabric top for total comfort with a waterproof polyurethane backing which prevents all mattress stains and the transfer of moisture between the mattress and body.
• Can be Machine washed at high temperature and tumble dried at a low heat setting.
• Listed as a Class 1 medical device by Health Canada.
• Proven protection against Bedwetting problems.
• Breathable backing for Superior Comfort, which is both waterproof & moisture Absorbent.
• Designed to fit most mattresses' including deep pillow-top beds.
• 5 year warranty against defect in workmanship and materials.

Sizes Available in Full Enclosure Covers.

Thank you again for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the spray Orthogel

Answer: I recommend the spray Orthogel. It is easily applied and doesn't have a strong odor. I've personally used it. You can easily spray high or low on your back. The coolness feels great and the pain just seems to disappear.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Safe-T-Alert 12V Propane Gas Alarm Series 70 for Motorhome and RV Use.

Answer: Don, you are in luck. Safe-T-Alert just announced a new unit that replaces the CCI Controls propane unit with valve shut-off. The unit is called the 70-742-R. Included is a combination carbon monoxide and propane gas monitor, a relay to connect to the gas shut off valve and an automatic shut off valve. This valve is for 1/4 inch lines but includes an adapter for 3/8 inch gas lines. It is very important that you replace both your current valve and the malfunctioning CCI unit. The manufacturer warns that otherwise there is danger of a fire. The Safe-T-Alert comes in brown, almond and white. The bonus is that you also get a UL listed carbon monoxide alarm as well as the propane alarm and automatic shut off valve. The unit can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Dual Propane/LP and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Features Include:

• Meets 1/1/05 requirements set by RVIA for new RV's requiring both Propane detectors and CO alarms.
• Also detects Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/Methane.
• Operational Temperature: -40 degrees F to +150 degrees F.
• Relative Humidity: 15 per cent to 95 per cent
• Audible Output: 85dB at 10 feet
• Gas Alarm Trigger: Less than 25 percent of the lower explosive level of propane and methane.
• Gas Level Confirmation: 8 Seconds.
• CO Alarm Trigger: Less than 15 minutes at 400 parts per million.
  
• Test/Reset Button - Tests all detector functions with one touch. Resets and Mutes alarm while safety and corrective actions are taken.
• Alarm is fully operational during mute cycle and will re-alarm if hazardous conditions reoccur.
• Two Indicator Lights: Red CO LED flashes with 4 beeps and 5 seconds silence if CO level is over 70 ppm. Red Gas LED flashes and alarm sounds steady tone when dangerous propane or natural gas level is detected.
• RV 12 Volt Hard Wired Model. Prevents accidental disconnection during alarm.
• Includes a 1/4 inch gas valve with an threaded adapter for 3/8 inch lines. Replace current valve with this unit to prevent fires.
• Built for the extreme RV environment.
• One Year Limited Warranty.

• UL Listing Propane/Natural Gas - UL 1484 RV Gas Detectors.
• UL Listing Carbon Monoxide UL 2034 RV Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
• ULC Listing & CSA 6.19-01.
• Power Supply and Current Draw 12 vDC 132 mA. Relay 12 vDC - 3 amp is included.
• Operational Voltage: 12 Volt +/- 15%.
• Low voltage power warning alarm @ 7 volts
• Front Case Dimensions: 70-742 - 6.375"W x 3.5"H x 1.385"D
  
• Patent Number: US 7,248,156 B2
  
• Colors: White, Almond or Brown.
• Recessed Case Dimensions: approximately 1.5 inches deep x 5 inches long by 3 inches wide.

LP Gas Detectors are required on RVs . . .

ANSI A119.2 - Fire & Life Safety
3-4.8 LP Gas Detectors
"An LP gas detector must be installed in any RV that contains an LP gas appliance and an electrical system. The LP gas detector must be listed as suitable for use in recreational vehicles under the requirements of UL 1484 Residential Gas Detectors, and be installed according to the terms of its listing.
­ RVIA Effective Date 9/96, Revised 9/99."

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question abou the Restguard  King Sized Mattress Cover and the King allergy pillow covers.

Answer: Dust mites love the warmth and moisture your body provides while you are sleeping on a mattress with your head on a pillow. Their favorite food is dander (human skin flakes). The advantage of using Restguard covers is that dust mite populations cannot multiply in the mattress or pillows due to the polyurethane backing. Yet the cotton/poly terry surface is comfortable and cool to sleep on. Plus your pillow is made allergy proof if you prefer feathers or down to which many are allergic. You'll protect your pillow and bedding against stains as well.

And you can launder the covers as often as you choose since they have a 10 year warranty and are hot water safe for your washer and low dryer setting or line dry safe. You may need to wash them weekly if your allergies are severe. We wash ours every few weeks when we wash the blankets and comforter to get rid of dust mites and animal hair. (Yep, the cats and dog share the bed despite my allergies.)

I do suggest, from personal experience, that you put the pillow cases on with the non-zippered side first. It is easier. We put our Restguard mattress cover over a memory foam pad to protect it from the animals and us.  The memory foam pad units two extra long twins in a king frame: much easier to flip a twin than a king mattress over.

Thanks again for your question. Remember that mattress covers and encasements as well as pillow covers and encasements from RestGuard come in sizes from crib to California King.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Scentry III GFRAB Propane/Natural Gas Home Gas Detector.

Answer: The Scentry III GFRAB propane/natural gas detector is only one component of this home safety system. To have a complete system, you need these additional components:

• The Scentry III Gas Valve Controller
• The Battery Back Up in case there is a power failure.
• A compatible gas valve such as this .75 inch that is CSA (AGA/CGA) Certificate number 229521-1656058 Australian Gas Association Certificate number 4235,UL Recognized File Number MH5939.
• Optional: Remote Gas Sensors. Up to 5 remote explosive gas sensors can be monitored by the Scentry III GFRAB unit.

The compatible valves are in .5, .75 and 1 inch sizes. Each valve is an electrically operated gas shut off valve that opens and closes on a demand signal from a thermostat or other controlling device. Can be used with both natural gas and LP gas at pressures up to 0.5 psi. The White Rodgers replacement is a compression spring closing and soft seat construction gas valve.

The advantage of this system is that the controller unit supports up to 5 calibrated remote sensors.

Scentry III-GFRAB Specifications:

• Case: ABS Plastic
• Physical Size: 7.6 inches by 4.6 inches
• Weight: 2.25 lbs
• Color: Gray
• Power consumption: 1.5va
• Supports up to 5 calibrated remote sensors (not included)
• Requires Scentry III-GVD gas valve (purchase separately)
• Supports Battery Back-Up (Not Included)
• Supports Gas Valve Controller for Explosive Gas (Not Included)
• Connections: screw terminals
• Input Power: 115VAC, 60 Hz
• Output Control Relays: 2 amps,
• 24 VAC Alarm Signal
• Output: 12V DC @500 ma
• Reset: manual
• Sensor Type: Tin Dioxide Semiconductor
• Alarm Points: Propane (LP) <5200 PPM Alarm Points: Natural Gas / Methane <12,200 PPM
• Manufactured Proudly in the USA for Safety First USA, Inc.
• Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase.

Thanks for your question. Just remember propane gas and natural gas are safe sources of energy if you add protective measures including alarms, shut off valves and regular maintenance of the appliances that use gas.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Victor Black Box Gopher Traps.

Answer: Getting rid of well-established gophers can take time. That's why eradication needs to begin when the first tunnels are seen. Our customers typically use both the Black Box Gopher Traps which are inserted directly into the tunnels to trap and kill the gophers and the P3 International supersonic mole and gophers stakes inserted directly into the ground (not tunnels) to repel gophers from digging new tunnels. Once gophers are established, the maze of underground tunnels can be so extensive that getting rid of them can take months and months. Momma gophers, like all moms, are unlikely to leave their young: spring and fall are the best trapping times in northern climates.

The Victor Black Box Gopher Traps are best used in pairs. Each trap resembles a small tunnel blocked at the end except for an air hole. The springs are on top of each unit and are set with your thumbs to avoid catching hands in the spring. This is a closed loop snare trap.

Black Box Gopher Trap Specifications:
• Outside dimensions: 5.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide
• Interior dimensions: 5 5/8 inches long by 2.75 inches wide
• Choker Loop: approximately 2 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches high,
• Spring assembly (on top on the box), approximately 3 inches from curl of spring to catch and 3 inches between the two spring units.
• Vent hole in rear of trap: approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.

Gopher trapping can be done at any time of year, but generally is easiest and most effective during Spring & Fall. Once gopher activity is detected it is important to move quickly as pregnant females can be caught before giving birth to her family. Traps are most effective when properly placed in the gopher tunnel to snare the unsuspecting gopher in the spring-triggered loop. The hole should be covered up with dirt so that it appears as if the trap is part of the runway. When used correctly, traps produce a catch within 48 hours. It is best to move the trap to another location in the runway if you do not catch a gopher in this time frame.

To install, choose a fresh tunnel, peel back the grass (if in your lawn), remove any soil on top of the tunnel, set two traps (easy instructions are on the boxes) and insert back to back so there are two open ends for gophers to explore. The traps sit on the floor of the tunnel. Repack dirt on top and wait. Check daily. I suggest you wear garden gloves and use a large plastic bag to extract the gopher. Use a garden hose to wash trap off after you empty out the gopher/s. If 3 consecutive days pass and you've caught no gophers, move the traps to another tunnel. If the gopher/s fill the traps with dirt, push a carrot through the holes at the back of the traps, reset and replace the traps.

These trapping tips are from our website where we also have the complete instruction manual: If gopher/s pack trap with dirt. Place carrots in vent holes and reset traps Trap evening and early morning for best results. Wash traps with water after use. After trap has "fired", remove dead gopher from trap and reset in same hole until you've had three consecutive days of no catches.  

Thank you for your question.

Good luck.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Envirosept Electronic Furnace Filter Model 1625.

Answer:  I have two answers, one based upon personal experience here at our Safe Home Products' office and one based upon information from the manufacturer.

At our offices, we have numerous printers plus the dust and dirt that drifts in from the frequent comings and goings into our large warehouse. We tried a fiberglass filter initially and then replaced it with a 1625 Envirosept furnace panel. The amount of dust that collects on desks, monitors, etc. decreased significantly with the Envirosept. We do have to change the filters about every three weeks.  I, too, am allergic to dust plus pollen and more. The EnviroSept keeps the air clean so I'm not sneezing!

Second, the manufacturer, Aqua Air Technologies shares that there is no way to compare the EnviroSept to either the frictional electrostatic filters or the standard fiberglass ones that you throw away. Mike explains that the Envirosept is up to a thousand times more effective under normal operating conditions.  "In theory, the plastic/glass strands are supposed to develop a static electric charge as the air passes through the filter, much like when you comb your hair. However, you need very low humidity to create any type of low level static charge. This charge is quickly lost as soon as the filter collects any dust, which insulates the plastic/glass strands and prevents the generation of any static charge. It would appear that the only benefit these filters offer is that they are permanent. Further, you do have the dirty task of washing these filters every two-three months. In addition, these filters have been known to cause major air restriction problems after several years that may damage your heating/cooling system."

Our unit is 5 years old and we've experienced no problems. The Envirosept units come in many sizes. All the units we sell come with 14 filter pads, enough for most people for at least 1 year.  The power used is minimal and the cost cannot be beat! Changing the filters is easy. Just unplug the panel. Slip it out. Open the clips. Remove the dirty filters, replace into the one inch slot after fastening the clips and plug in. Wipe off the grids with a damp microfiber cloth if necessary and let dry before refilling and replacing.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara