Safe-Home.com

Question about the Safe Escape Chem Bio Smoke Fire Gas Escape Hood and the Safe Escape 30 minute in the hard case.

Q: "I work in a county jail. Which of the smoke hoods are you selling for use in jails and prisons? Can you connect me with some of your customers so I can make a better decision as to why certain smoke hoods were purchased? Thanks. Brad"

Answer: What I did was contact two of my most recent customers to get their permission to speak with Brad. One customer in Oregon purchased 100 of the Safe Escape 30 minute in the hard case and the other purchased 20 of the Safe Escape Chem Bio Smoke Fire Gas Escape Hood. I explained to my prospective customer that there was confidentiality about our customers, that I needed to contact them to get their verbal permission and to share his name and contact information with them as well.

The Chem Bio Smoke hood is more expensive but protects against many more toxic gasses that can result from burning items.The hard case 30 minute smoke and fire hoods can be hung on a wall convenient to the prison guards or police officers.

Both my Oregon customer and my Florida customer graciously agreed to share their reasoning for their purchases and both the customers and my prospective Floridian customer were given contact information.

We thank our prospective customer for asking his customer and our other law enforcement customers for helping both him and Safe Home.  If you have any questions about any of our smoke hoods, please contact us.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Safe Escape Fire Smoke Hood ASE30,Soft,20/CS

Q: "What is the real shelf life of the Safe Escape Smoke Hoods? Our company purchased 40 in 2005 as we are on the 20th floor of a building in Chicago. We just realized they are dated April 2005. Thank you. Steve"

Answer: The shelf life is 5 years from the date of manufacture. All units will have a minimum warranty of 48 months. This is because they are made in China and shipping to the USA warehouse, to us and to our customers takes time. If an order is 5 or more cases of 20, the products can be shipped directly to our customers in the USA, Canada and other countries. The reason for the maximum shelf life of 5 years is that the chemicals begin to deteriorate over time. This happens even though each smoke hood is vacuum sealed in a pouch inside the carrying or storage case.

The Safe Escape 30 minute and 60 minutes smoke hoods have a 3 part system that protects against:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
• Hydrogen Chloride (HCL)
• Acrolein (CH 2 CHCHO)
• Anthrax
• And many other toxic gases and smoke

Additional Warranty: If this unit is used in conjunction with an actual documented case when either fire or smoke are present, submit a fire or police report. We will forward this to the manufacturer and you will receive a replacement unit with a 5 year shelf life direct from the China manufacturing facility. This replacement will be free excluding shipping, duties and taxes. 

The units you purchased have a maximum 30 minutes escape time. If you are concerned you may need longer time to descend to the first floor to escape, then consider the Safe Escape Smoke Fire Hood ASE60 Soft Case 60 min.. The other smoke hood options are the Safe Escape 30 minute in the hard case and the Safe Escape 60 minute in the hard case. We also sell a Safe Escape Chem Bio Smoke Fire Gas Escape Hood. The hard case units can be mounted on the wall. Othewise they are identical to the soft case ones. This provides 30 minutes' escape time. The additional protection offered is against more than smoke as you see below.

5 Part Chem Bio System Protects Against:

• GREEN: Sarin, Hydrocyanic Acid, Hydrogen Arsenide, Phosgene, Diphosgene, Chlorpicrin, Pestmaster, Dichloromethane, Hydrogen Chloride (HCL), Lewsite Gas, Mustard Gas, Sarin, Benzene
• RED: Benzene, Chlorine, Acetone, Alcohol Class, Aniline Class, Carbon Disulphide, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloroform, Methyl Bromide, Chlorotoluene, Nitroalkaline, Chlorpicrin, Ammonia Gas, Suphur Dioxide, Chlorine Gas, Hydrogen Sulphide, Oxides of Nitrogen, Phosgene, Phosphorate or Chlorine organoagricultural chemicals.
• WHITE: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• PURPLE: Radioaerosol, Bacteria aerosol, Other Toxic Smoke, Fog, Dust

Shelf Life: 12 year on hood. 4 year on replaceable filter. Warranty: If this unit is used in conjunction with an actual documented case when either fire or smoke are present, submit a fire or police report. We will forward this to the manufacturer and you will receive a replacement unit with a 5 year shelf life direct from the China manufacturing facility. This replacement will be free excluding shipping, duties and taxes.

Contact us and we will be glad to provide you with a quotation for any quantity of smoke hoods of any type we ell.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question: "We recently converted to natural gas heat and gas hot water boiler. We have two floors above this basement installation. What safety alarm units are required for protection? Nate.

Answer: Thanks for your question for the Ask Barbara Contest, Nate. I am going to answer with the assumption that your home was all electric prior to this conversion. If you heated with propane or oil, some of these recommendations may not apply.

Natural gas homes or businesses need two different types of safety alarms.

Combustible Gas Alarms.

Why do I need a combustible gas detector/gas alarm?

The purpose of a combustible gas alarm is to alert you when you have a raw gas leak. Yes, mercaptan is added to natural gas to make it smell like rotten eggs. But if you are not in the area of the gas appliances and/or you do not have an ability to smell, the odor does you no good. This units must be installed near the gas using appliances. So if your gas furnace and gas water heater are side by side, one natural gas alarm is all you need.

No matter how good your nose is, you may not be in the right place at the right time to notice a natural gas or propane leak.

Carbon monoxide alarms give NO protection against combustible gas leaks. carbon monoxide sensors detect only carbon monoxide, not raw fuel.

Turning off a light, setting a security alarm or closing a door spark a gas explosion or fire. Natural gas leaking from a basement furnace can leak upstairs through hollow walls.

Gas can leak into homes via sump pits, inbound water lines or a natural gas well under your home.

Each gas appliance is a potential source of a gas leak. Each gas appliance needs its own gas detector

We sell two different models with gas specific sensors. These are the Safe-T-Alert Model 40-411-120 and the Safety Siren Pro Gas Alarm; The main differences between the units are how they are installed.

To properly install the Safe-T-Alert you need an electrical outlet near to the gas appliances. Because this unit has a line cord that is approximately 65 long, mounting ths unit properly is usually less a problem that the direct plug-in Safety Siren. Raw gas detection units must be mounted within 6 inches of the ceiling or on the ceiling at least 12 inches from a wall for natural gas leak protection. Natural gas pools above the appliance: think of an upside down pothole filling with water and you get the picture.

The Safety Siren requires an electrical outlet near the appliance. Many people choose this option because the Safety Alert unit has a safety tab through which an outlet screw goes. This means the unit cannot be removed from a standard, single screw, double outlet without removing the screw.  These units meet the UL1484 standards for combustible gas alarms.

Note: UL 1484 listed combustible gas detectors are not detectors for minute gas leaks. Sensors and detectors are tested in a combustible gas environment and meet the UL 1484 standards for alerts of dangerous gas levels. Deliberate exposure to natural gas, butane, propane, etc. can destroy the sensor in this unit. Use the test button to test this unit, not exposure to raw gas.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

One product of natural gas and all fossil fuels like coal, wood, peat, etc. is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas. If your furnace and water heater are working properly, carbon monoxide is vented outside. If the vents are not working properly due to obstructions or the furnace heat exchanger cracks, then carbon monoxide is discharged into the air. Unlike combustible gasses, carbon monoxide does not pool but is distributed throughout your air. Carbon monoxide exposure symptoms range from flu-like symptoms to brain damage to death from asphyxiation.

Recommended at a minimum are carbon monoxide alarms in or outside every bedroom, near the gas appliances and at the top of stairways. The easiest to install are the 9 volt battery units. Believe the alarm even if it sounds intermittently. About 5 years ago, I went to visit my parents in Pennsylvania. They have a washer and gas dryer in their kitchen (since 1952). I noticed that the Costar 9 volt CO alarms were all off their mounts (there were three units total). I was told they were "defective" as they were going off intermittently. I took them home with me and sent them to Quantum Group to be tested. Dave from Quantum phoned and said nothing was wrong with them! Meanwhile, my elderly father did NOT install the plug in Safe-T-Alert unit I had sent them because "I didn't know where to put it." The problem was the vent for the gas dryer was partially clogged with lint!  Since then, local code has changed: their 4 inch diameter gas dryer vent had to be replaced with a 5 inch for the newest dryer to be installed this past year.

Types of Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

• 9 Volt Battery: Examples are the Costar 9V Home or RV with Solid-state Infrared (SIR) sensor with reservoir system  and the the Kidde 9 Volt with electrochemical sensor.
• 12/24V Security System Hard Wired Unit: Costar 12/24 which meets the UL standard 2075
• 120VAC hard wired: See the Safe-T-Alert Carbon Monoxide alarms on our website for this unit and the next two.
• 120VAC direct plug in
• 120VAC line cord
• 120VAC with Battery Back-Up. For example the the Kidde Nighthawk 120VAC Plug In with 9 volt battery back-up  

Also install and maintain your smoke alarms which I am sure you already have.

Thank you for your question and your entry in the Ask Barbara Contest.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Scentry III GFRAB Automatic Gas Valve and Gas Detector System

Q:"After the explosion in San Bruno, CA on 9/9/2010, I am concerned about my home exploding. I have a natural gas furnace, a natural gas fireplace, a natural gas water heater and a natural gas range. I don't have a full basement: my crawl space is about 12 inches high. Drainage is excellent. There would be some moisture but not water. Can this automatic gas valve and sensor system system be installed there?I see that the Scentry III has a connection for an auto-dialer and also can be connected to a ventilation system. Thanks. Thomas."

Answer: This unit allows you to use remote gas detectors to place near your other gas appliances. There is a battery back-up available if you want protection during a power failure. We do have an installation manual available on our website for this unit.The Scentry Installation Manual.

The GFRAB stands for gas sensor, mounting feet, remote ready, alarm and battery and includes the gas valve shut-off/controller. NOTE: Must be used with a Scentry III gas valve (sold separately).  Each Scentry gas sensor is calibrated in a gaseous atmosphere so it will alarm at 10% of the lower explosive level (LEL) of the combustible gas. This is not a carbon monoxide alarm as it has only a combustible gas alarm sensor.

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 4 calibrated remote sensors (not included)
    Requires Scentry III-GVD gas valve (purchase separately)
    Supports Battery Back-Up (Not Included)
    Gas Valve Controller for combustible gasses such as natural gas or propane gas that includes a 24 volt transformer
    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.  

The gas valves include a 1/2 inch, a 3/4 inch and a 1 inch valve.

The Scentry III-GFRAB gas alarm and gas valve controller (shut-off) has the capability of adding options such as battery back-up, remote gas sensors and remote alarms.  If you add the battery option, you can keep pilot lights lit during intermittent power failures in regions such as the mountain states where electric power is not always continuous. A 12V output gives the option of a phone dialer to alert owners of vacation homes, etc. when an unsafe condition has occurred. Remote gas sensors can be added near gas ranges, gas water heaters, gas furnaces, gas heaters, etc. to add protection using only one gas valve controller.

Please contact us if you have questions about what components to install.

Thanks again for your timely question.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the Breakout Safety Tool Super Value BK-350

Q:"How does a BreakOut Safety Tool Differ from a LifeHammer or Res-Q-Me? Thanks, Dave"

Answer: The BreakOut escape tools come in several models. All are black. Some have LED lights. All can easily slip over your sun visor for easy access in the event of an auto accident or, in the case of the LED units, when you need a map or emergency light. Regardless of the model, each units has two seat belt cutter blades and a two headed unit for glass breaking.

Only the BreakOut, some models, has an LED light.  The LifeHammer should be permanently mounted in your vehicle within easy reach of the driver and front seat passenger. It is similar to the BreakOut tool as breaking the window requires the user to strike the window with some force using one of the two breaker heads. The Res-Q-Me goes where you go as it fits on your keychain. The Res-Q-Me has a spring loaded head with a force of 12 lbs or less to break out a window.. The BreakOut can be clipped onto either or both of the sun visors on a car, truck or RV.

The BreakOut is Made in USA, the Res-Q-Me is Made in USA and the LifeHammer is Made in the Netherlands.

BreakOut Models Include:

• Breakout Safety Tool Standard BK-101 which has 2 stainless steel blades for cutting seat belts, 2 stainless steel breaker points for emergency entry or exit, sun visor clips for fast and easy acquisition and has a totally ambidextrous internal finger grasp for maximum impact.
• Breakout Safety Tool Standard BK-202. This unit also has two rare earth magnets so it can be attached to metal rather than just over a visor.
• Breakout Safety Tool Standard BK-303 All the features except the magnets plus 1 LED light.
• Breakout Safety Tool Super Value BK-350 which has the two magnets plus 1 LED light.
• Breakout Safety Tool Standard BK-404 No Magnets, Has 3 LED lights.
• Breakout Safety Tool Deluxe BK-505 2 Magnets, 3 LEDs

So all are black, can slide over the sun visor, have two stainless steel cutting blades for seat belts, two stainless steel breaker points for entry or exit and a hand grip that works for right or left handed persons.

We recommend the units with magnets and LED's for those who do more rural travel where lights may be needed to change a tire, etc.

These units also can be personalized for giveaways with quantity pricing available.

Thanks you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

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

Q: "Our oil burning furnace was replaced with a propane gas furnace. Our concern is gas leaks while we away, i.e. we want protection against explosions and fires. The CCI Controls gas valve system is no longer made. How does this unit work? What components do we need? Thanks. Jim."

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

 

Questions about the Safe Escape Smoke Hoods, 30 minute and 60 minute versions.

Q: "My company has offices in a high rise office building. We checked expirations on our Evac-u8 smoke hoods, checked on line and realized these were recalled several years ago. We need to replace them. What do you suggest?" Thanks. Steve

Answer: I recommend that first decide on 30 minutes or 60 minutes escape time and then on a hard or a soft case. Your 30 minute choices are the 30 minute hard case Safe Escape Smoke Hood or the 30 minute soft case Safe Escape Smoke Hood.
Your 60 minute choices are the 60 minute hard case Safe Escape Smoke Hood or the 60 minute soft case Safe Escape Smoke Hood.

We, too, were surprised when all Evac-u8 smoke hoods made during a 6 year time frame were recalled by Brookdale International, a Dupont company. We learned recently that the reason was that the units, which resembled a sealed transparent soda pop can, were leaking air which was causing the filters not to function properly.

Once a privacy statement was signed by Brookdale, our customer list was given to them and they handled customer notification and recalls.

The units we are selling currently are made in China by Safe Escape. These are vacuum sealed in a plastic bag so don't remove them for examination or they will not function properly when you need them.

Please contact us with the number of fire hoods you need and we can quote price plus shipping costs. We typically stock several cases of each on site in Iowa.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Pearl Protected Escape and Rescue Ladder.

Q: "I read about the Pearl fire ladders. How difficult is it to install one? We live in a two story house. I want my family to be able to escape a fire. I am concerned about panic setting in and the kids not remembering the chain ladders are under the bed." Thanks Tom

Answer: Installation is not that difficult. The PEARL ladder is a 23 foot 8 inch ladder for 2nd and 3rd story homes or buildings. The PEARL is housed in a cabinet mounted between wall studs in a hallway, bedroom or other room. Usually the ladder is mounted under a window. Studs must be 16 inches center to center with a finished wall space equal to the dimensions of the cabinet. If you do not have 14 inches of wall space, you may notch out part of the molding (window apron and/or baseboard) to make room for proper installation.

We recommend professional installation. If you are handy, DIY installation takes about an hour. The easiest time to install is when a home is being constructed or remodeled.

You can use this ladder for up to a 3 story installation. The primed cabinet can be painted to match the wall The cabinet dimensions are 14" high x 16.5" wide with an access door of 13.5" x 15.25".

Features:
# Anti-slip rungs: Spaced 14" apart, stand offs on each rung. Fingers and toes have ample room for climbing.
# Ladder Rungs: Extruded aluminum ladder rungs (6061, T6). Lightweight, strong and durable.
# High heat resistant Nylon webbing . Lightweight, stronger, tangle-free alternative to chain.
# Load Capacity: 1500 pound maximum.

Repacking this ladder is not something we recommend. so don't try to rehearse fire drills with it! Children can deploy it much easier than a portable chain ladder as PEARL weighs less and is easier to get out the window.

I do recommend two PEARL ladders minimum per second floor and above. You need more than one escape route besides your stairs.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Safety Siren Pro Series Combustible Gas Alarm

Q: "I work for a disposal company with a maintenance building located on an old landfill. Recently, we had need for a gas detector after an employee complained about a natural gas odor. A professional inspector suggested a gas monitoring device as he found a small amount of methane gas was leaking into that building. We need 6 gas monitors for that building. Is the Family Safety Gas Monitor the best choice? No local code says we need commercial gas alarms." - Dave

Answer: The Family Safety Products gas monitor meets all UL1484 standards: to meet your needs you'd need electrical outlets installed in each room that are within 6 inches of the ceiling. Methane is lighter than air and tends to puddle above a leak. Most standard electrical outlets are about 18 inches from the floor so these units would not work until the room was filled with gas.

If you do not want to install the electrical outlets, then I recommend that you purchase 6 of the Safe-T-Alert 40-411AC gas alarms and install them. These units have a 65 inch cord for nearer to the ceiling mounting.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about methane gas detectors for homes.

Q: "What is the coverage area for the natural gas leak detectors you recommend?-Judy"

Answer: Giving an exact coverage area is not possible for a variety of reasons. The best we can say is that a natural gas monitor be mounted near every potential gas leak source. Natural gas is lighter than air and rises to the ceiling above and near the gas leaking appliance. Even inside your home there are air currents in a room due to air conditioning or heating ducts, differences in temperature in a room (warmer air collects near the ceiling, cooler air settling to the floor).

Instruction manuals recommend that a natural gas monitor be mounted near the gas source for the most accurate detection. Mount the detector within 6 inches from the ceiling or on the ceiling at least 6 inches from the wall. Natural gas pools above the source gas, kind of like a stalactite begins from the ceiling of a cave.

We sell one brands of natural gas alarm that is easily installed because of the long cord. The Safe-T-Alert brand is made in Illinois and is UL1484 listed for use with natural gas and propane gas and also work with gasoline fumes and butane fumes. The home unit is the Safe-T-Alert 40-411AC . We sell another unit by Safety Siren Combustible Gas Alarm by Family Safety Products that requires that an outlet be installed near to the appliance at the proper height.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara