Telephones and Emergency Notification

Some phones are cordless and can be programmed for direct contact with the fire department. Some phone features to consider include oversized and bold numerals, hearing aid compatibility, volume adjustment, memory for frequently dialed phone numbers and redialing capability.

A personal emergency response system (PERS) in a wireless pendant or slim-line watch is another way to summon help. Carefully review the features of each supplier to select one that addresses your specific needs.

Telephone with Emergency Speed Dialing Feature
These phones help you quickly summon assistance. Many models include a button with a flame symbol for a one-touch call to the fire department.
[$20 - $250]   See Suppliers

Telephone with Emergency Features — Braille
One-touch emergency dialing, Braille symbols, and oversized, bold, raised numerals on the face of the telephone help visually impaired individuals to call for assistance.
[$60]   See Suppliers

Wireless Emergency Pendant
Pressing the button on this remote control pendant will flash the house lights and send a signal to a phone-dialer console that dials up to four pre-set phone numbers of family friends, neighbors and the local fire and ambulance service.
[$80]   See Supplier

Wireless Emergency Pendant — Monitored
When the Personal Help Button (PHB) on a PERS is pressed, a "help needed" signal is sent via the standard telephone line to local emergency personnel, family members, or other designated individuals/organizations. The PHB also converts the telephone into a speakerphone so the caller can describe the emergency even if the phone is not within reach.
[$60 - $70 for installation]
[$30 - $37 for monthly monitoring service]  See Suppliers

Escape Lights

Escaping a house fire can be difficult when thick, choking smoke limits your vision. And because most fires occur at night, occupants are often disoriented due to sleep, panic or medication, making escape more difficult. These products can help you find your way out in a fire.

Flashlight and Smoke Alarm
A good supplement to conventional smoke alarms, this unit sounds an alarm and lights up when smoke is detected. Keep this light at your bedside or near a favorite chair for safer escape or to enable fire fighters to locate you if you become unconscious.
[$32 - $40]   See Suppliers

Auto-On Emergency Light
This emergency light turns on automatically when electrical power shuts off. Plug this light into one key location on each floor or in each area of your home to help you find your way out. Some products also feature rechargeable or NiCad batteries for longer service.
[$13 - $50]   See Suppliers

Self-Powered Light
To ensure that you have light in any emergency, purchase a self-powered lantern or flashlight with a power source that is activated by squeezing or cranking the handle.
[$11 - $75]   See Supplier

Smoke-Penetrating Spotlight
Use this smoke-penetrating light to guide your escape from a smoke-filled home.
[$35 - $40]   See Suppliers

Laser Fire Escape Guidance System
In this battery-powered system, the sound of your smoke alarm triggers moving arrows of light that direct you toward the door to escape a smoke-filled building.
[$70]   See Supplier

Ladders and Locators

Multi-story homes present some escape challenges. Folding fire escape ladders and smoke hoods can help you escape quickly, while decals can help rescuers locate you or your family if escape is not possible.

Fire Escape Ladder
Portable folding escape ladders are available in varying sizes to help you exit through windows of a multi-story home.
[$37 - $160]   See Suppliers

Tot Finder Decal
Help firefighters locate you or a child in your home by affixing a Tot Finder decal on the bedroom window that can be seen clearly both day and night from outside your house. Be sure to remove those decals from windows when they are no longer needed.
[$5]   See Supplier

Emergency Escape Smoke Hood
This lightweight hood fits over your head and provides 20 minutes of air for escaping toxic smoke or fire. Made of heat- and flame-resistant material, this hood permits a full range of vision and hearing during an emergency and is small enough to fit in a purse or briefcase.
[$55 - $70]   See Suppliers