First and best defense against quiet killers.

• Position: Carbon monoxide detectors - WHAT'S NEW?

It's a fact that's been pounded into our consciousness: smoke detectors save lives. It's heartbreaking to read story after story about people who have lost their lives in fires and then learn that their smoke detectors didn't have batteries or were disabled because they went off during cooking. When working smoke alarms are present, the chance of dying from the fire is cut in half. It's a sobering thought, and a reminder to check that your alarms all are working properly and that you have enough alarms placed in the correct locations to protect your loved ones.

Our area recently mandated the use of carbon monoxide detectors as well. CO, an odorless, invisible, and extremely dangerous gas, is the number-one cause of poisoning death in the U.S. It is produced whenever any fuel--such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal--is burned, and can be given off by most appliances in your home. At high levels, It can kill a person in mere minutes. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances, or by idling cars.

Carbon monoxide detectors help identify when there is a problem so you can evacuate your home quickly. First Alert, BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, Ill., offers plug-in alarms with battery backup, battery powered devices, combination smoke/CO alarms...