The first new smoke alarm technology in more than 30 years responds quickly to both kinds of fires and reduces nuisance alarms

Universal Security Instruments, Inc. responds to this morning's TODAY Show segment. In response to this morning’s NBC TODAY Show segment on the dangers of delayed warnings from current smoke alarms, Universal Security Instruments reminds consumers about the new IoPhic® smoke and fire alarm with patented microprocessor technology. IoPhic smoke and fire alarms are very effective at detecting fast flaming fires and also respond very quickly to slow smoldering fires - up to 87% faster*** than the maximum allowable alarm limit.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nuisance alarms or "false" alarms, are the leading cause for intentionally disabled smoke alarms in America. Unfortunately, each fire season also brings reports of serious injuries and deaths, and roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in houses with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms.* A recent study from the University of Maryland’s School of Fire Protection Engineering** shows that consumers now have a better choice when it comes to reducing nuisance alarms in their home. The new patented IoPhic smoke and fire alarm from Universal Security Instruments using smart microprocessor technology was proven to be more resistant to false or nuisance alarms than competitors.

"As an expert in fire engineering, I can say that disabling smoke alarms after a nuisance incidence is a very serious problem and can lead to extremely dangerous situations for families. The best solution to protect your family is to purchase a smoke alarm that adapts to many situations and only sounds in the case of a fire," says Dr. James Milke, professor and chair of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. "The study we conducted tested 10 different smoke alarm technologies and the IoPhic was found to be an improvement in smoke alarm technology." Our IoPhic video provides additional information.

Understanding that you cannot predict the type of fire you may have in your home or when it will occur, Universal Security Instruments launched the IoPhic line to help protect families from fires, as well as prevent nuisance alarms. Whether it is a fast flaming fire that spreads quickly or a slow smoldering fire that can burn for hours before bursting into flame, installing IoPhic smoke alarms ensures maximum detection of both types of fires from a single alarm. Using patented Universal Smoke Sensing Technology™, the breakthrough microprocessor is the first new smoke alarm technology to launch in thirty years and is ideal for every room in the home.

"It's extremely common for people to disable their alarms due to a nuisance source such as cooking smoke or steam from the shower," says Greg Boggs, President of the African American Firefighter’s and Paramedic’s League of Chicago. "In fact, we see a lot of deadly situations in homes with no working smoke alarms. This proves that having a disabled smoke alarm is as potentially dangerous as not having one."

IoPhic patented microprocessor technology contains an algorithm that allows the alarm to differentiate between everyday cooking smoke, steam; and, most importantly, real fires. IoPhic smoke and fire alarms are available at Homedepot.com in both 9V battery and 120V hard wire versions. For more information on products from Universal Security, visit our website at www.UniversalSecurity.com Universal Security can also be found at www.Facebook.com/UniversalHomeSafety.

* NFPA
** The study was completed by the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland (UMD) with the sponsorship of the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) and Universal Security Instruments.
*** UL217 Smoldering Smoke Test on 5/26/10, Underwriters Laboratories, Project #09CA38078