Couple questions on fire safety: battery operated smoke/fire/CO detectors. (floor, microwave)

[barrier12]

Those, who are familiar with subject:

- Am I right Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Dual Ionization and Photoelectric Sensor Smoke Alarm set is good enough? Or can I use just one combo unit? What's Smoke and Fire Alarm?

- What brand(s)/models are better? Battery powered only.

- Where to buy, prices(will buy 2 or 3 pairs of detectors)?

- Escape rope ladders(30 Ft long)?

Additional info/thoughts are welcome.

Thanks.

[harry chickpea]

If you use propane, you want the CO and gas detector near the floor (propane sinks). Smoke detectors want to be on the ceiling. That precludes any all-in-one unit. Individual smoke detectors seem to all be basic Bb (B flat) units with different pricing. Once you get into wired detectors w/ battery backup they get more expensive (and annoying to me).

We use velcro to attach one smoke detector on top of the over-the-stove microwave. That way it will IMMEDIATELY catch the first signs of an overheated pan or food burning in the microwave. Seconds count in such situations. The velcro is so that it can be temporarily moved once it has warned us "hey! you are frying the bacon too hot!" We have other smoke detectors around, but 99% of the time, that one is the real important one. I've NEVER seen anyone else do this, but it can save houses and lives.

We also keep an open box of baking soda just out of reach of the stove. Many ABC fire extinguishers are baking soda and propellant. By having a cheap box of soda nearby, there is never a worry "will the fire extinguisher work?" or "how am I supposed to use this?" or "is this fire big enough to warrant using the messy extinguisher." Just grab a handful of soda and throw it at the fire. If that doesn't work THEN grab the extinguisher.

[barrier12]

Thanks for your post harry chickpea.