The best...home alert devices

Nest Protect

The company that reimagined thermostats is now into safety. Nest’s pricey smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector meets most crises with a calm digitized voice before resorting to shrill beeping. When all’s well, it can convey that to your mobile phone, and it can also detect motion and light. No wonder Google just bought Nest: Protect represents step one toward tomorrow’s Web-connected “smart” homes.

$129, nest.com

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Source: Gizmodo.com

Kidde PI9000 Smoke Alarm

Most smoke alarms use one of two strategies to detect emergencies. This dual-sensor device combines their strengths, employing ionization technology to pick up on “fast, flaming” fires and photoelectric technology to sense smoldering fires, like those from a burning mattress.

$35, walmart.com

Source: ConsumerReports.org

First Alert CO615 Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Used in tandem with a dual-sensor fire alarm like the Kidde, a dedicated carbon monoxide alarm like this excellent model should let you sleep soundly. If you were to choose a dual-purpose detector instead, you’d be relying on just one type of fire-detection technology.

$38, firstalertstore.com

Source: ConsumerReports.org

Safety Siren Pro Series3 Radon Gas Detector

A known carcinogen, radon is an odorless gas that’s found in soil and can trapped in basements. Because radon levels vary over time, it’s best to have a plug-in device that monitors the air continuously and provides a running average.

$130, amazon.com

Source: The Family Handyman