You must have a smoke detector in your home. This is a critical investment in your safety and the primary reason why fire deaths have declined in the United States over the past fifty year If you have a natural gas connection, fireplace or oil based heating system, you need carbon monoxide alarms in your home. A carbon monoxide detector will provide warning of carbon monoxide build up from a gas leak, poorly ventilated boiler or fireplace or furnace back-draft. It is also wise to use a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as any backup diesel power generators and kerosene stoves to let you know if your backup power or heat source is releasing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Do you live in Appalachia or other areas with high levels of radon? Then you should consider a radon detector in your home. While rarely initially fatal, high levels of exposure over time increase your risk of lung cancer. A thermal leak detector is a good addition to any older home. Finding thermal leaks, both in the winter and in the summer, helps you seal up the home and reduce electrical usage. When sealing up a drafty home, be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed to prevent dangerous gas buildups.