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Saver lets people breathe while escaping fires

Saver lets people breathe while escaping fires
The Saver is a personal smoke filter, flashlight and alarm
The Saver is a personal smoke filter, flashlight and alarm
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The Saver should be kept somewhere close at hand, such as on a nightstand
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The Saver should be kept somewhere close at hand, such as on a nightstand
The Saver utilizes a pre-filter for catching smoke and dust particles, a hopcalite filter for neutralizing carbon monoxide, and a HEPA filter for trapping toxic fumes
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The Saver utilizes a pre-filter for catching smoke and dust particles, a hopcalite filter for neutralizing carbon monoxide, and a HEPA filter for trapping toxic fumes
The Saver is a personal smoke filter, flashlight and alarm
3/3
The Saver is a personal smoke filter, flashlight and alarm
View gallery - 3 images

While a smoke detector can certainly provide you with an early warning in the event of a house fire, it can't usually do much to help you get out of the building once that fire is underway. That's why Toronto-based startup Safety iQ developed the Saver. It's a portable device that reportedly allows users to breathe safely in smoke-filled environments, while also serving as a flashlight and alarm.

Here's how the Saver works ...

When the user needs to get out of their home, they start by removing the optional flashlight/alarm module from the main Saver filtration unit – presumably the device will be stored someplace close at hand, such as in a nightstand. They can subsequently use the 3-LED flashlight to help them see through the smoke, with the alarm potentially helping firefighters to locate them.

Before heading out, though, they first apply the supplied nose clip, take the end cap off the filtration unit, then place its mouthpiece in their mouth and start breathing. The device's filtration system consists of three filters – a pre-filter for catching smoke and dust particles, a hopcalite filter for neutralizing carbon monoxide, and a HEPA filter for trapping toxic fumes.

The Saver should be kept somewhere close at hand, such as on a nightstand
The Saver should be kept somewhere close at hand, such as on a nightstand

According to the company, the Saver should allow users to breathe easily in a burning building – with no long-term health effects – for up to five minutes. It has a shelf life of 3.5 years, and should be discarded after its first use.

Safety iQ is currently raising production funds for the Saver, on Indiegogo. Assuming everything goes according to plans, a pledge of US$49 will get you a filter-only device, with $75 required for a filter/flashlight combo. The planned retail prices are $69 and $99, respectively.

The Saver is demonstrated in the video below.

Sources: Safety iQ, Indiegogo


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2 comments
2 comments
History Nut
Without some kind of protection for the eyes, the flashlight portion would be useless,. The smoke and fumes would cause irritation to the eyes and you wouldn't be able to see for the tears. The light might be useful as a signaling device though. The price appears reasonable though. Its size is the main positive. This falls into the category of 'better than a handkerchief'.
ChesterEarl
What kind of testing has been done? What kind of power does it run on? How do you confirm battery is working? Also goes against what the fire industry preaches -- to get out of your house quickly without interruptions. People will be looking for the device in a drawer somewhere before getting out. Much like trying to find the cell phone to dial 911 before getting out of the house.