Kidde Worry-Free Line Expands to Detect the 'Silent Killer'

MEBANE, N.C., April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kidde, the world's largest manufacturer of fire safety products, has expanded its Worry-Free product line to include the first and only UL-listed carbon monoxide (CO) alarms proven to provide a decade of protection – up to twice the lifespan in other available alarms. Like the Kidde Worry-Free smoke alarms, the CO alarms contain a sealed-in lithium battery that powers the alarm and eliminates homeowners' top fire safety complaint: a low-battery chirp. Kidde is a part of UTC Climate, Controls, & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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A recent survey conducted on behalf of Kidde found homeowners' primary frustration is hearing a low battery chirp, especially late at night. Yet, homeowners don't automatically replace the battery. Seven percent say they'd be more likely to disconnect the battery than insert a new one. Another 33 percent might wait a day or more to replace the battery after hearing it chirp. An estimated 50 percent of U.S. homes have a CO alarm installed, most of which are battery-powered.

"Carbon monoxide alarms save lives," said J. William Degnan, state fire marshal, New Hampshire and president, National Association of State Fire Marshals. "Consumers with battery-operated CO alarms should use 10-year batteries in tamper-resistant units to help ensure that they are protected from the silent killer."

A working CO alarm is the only safe way to detect this odorless, colorless and invisible gas, which is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States. Potential sources include a furnace, water heater, fireplace, generator or any fuel-burning appliance.

"Kidde worked tirelessly to develop the Worry-Free product line. It meets all UL standards, eliminates battery replacement, and is maintenance-free," said Chris Rovenstine, vice president, sales and marketing, Kidde. "Addressing the frustration caused by low battery chirps may help reduce the number of poisonings that occur due to dead or missing batteries. Plus, having one replacement time for all of a home's smoke and CO alarms makes it easier to remember to replace alarms."

The Kidde Worry-Free CO alarms monitor CO levels even during power outages and will sound an
end-of-life warning after 10 years. This required warning notifies consumers to replace the unit.
Worry-Free smoke alarms also have this end-of-life warning and are the only UL-listed alarms to contain a photoelectric smoke sensor programmed to reduce nuisance alarms. Each Kidde Worry-Free smoke alarm is designed with location-specific features, such as super-bright LEDs in the hallway alarm.

With no need to replace batteries, consumers will save about $40 in battery costs over the life of each Kidde Worry-Free smoke and CO alarm. The Kidde Worry-Free line is available at The Home Depot.

For more information, visit www.worryfreealarm.com.

About Kidde
As the world's largest manufacturer of fire safety products, Kidde's mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. For more than 90 years industry leaders, the military, airlines and firefighters have relied on Kidde to deliver superior fire detection and suppression. Consumers will find that same advanced fire safety technology in Kidde's residential and commercial smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other life safety products.  Based in Mebane, N.C., Kidde is part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.kidde.com.

SOURCE Kidde