This pocket-sized smoke detector and SOS alarm is designed to protect against fire and attack while abroad
A unique safety device to protect backpackers, gap-year students and other travellers to foreign countries has just been launched by two backpacking businessmen who have themselves confronted many of the dangers of world travel in places like Cambodia, Ecuador and Indonesia.
The pocket-size smoke detector, SOS alarm and LED torch has been developed in response to the growing dangers presented by hostels and hotels in countries without fire safety laws or where robbery and attack are a real threat to travellers.
FlareSafe, a three-in-one safety device, was conceived after the tragic hostel fire in Childers, Australia in June 2000 when 15 backpackers died – seven of them from the UK – after irresponsible staff disabled the building’s fire detection system. It is the first in a planned series of personal and travel safety products from FlareBrands Limited.
The electronics and smoke detection system was designed by Dr Stephen Ellwood, one of the country’s top smoke detection engineers. The casing was by award-winning, London-based design agency Curventa Designworks.
FlareBrands’ founding partnership of Robert Carmichael and Dave Potter have spent more than 15 years travelling the world, including Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
They have each found themselves in difficulties during their travels ranging from being robbed on an Indonesian bus, to getting caught out by dangerous weather in Peruvian mountains, and including a night-time run-in with armed robbers and AK47-wielding soldiers in Cambodia.
“Personal safety while abroad is an important issue and a matter of considerable concern to both travellers and their families,” says Dave Potter, who first met business partner Robert five years ago in Cambodia. “That’s where we decided that a robust and reliable personal safety device was a must for foreign travel.”
Robert Carmichael said today that many countries which remain popular with backpackers lack fire safety laws or law enforcement. “As recently as a year ago the Australian authorities admitted that around 100 hostels in Sydney alone were death traps. And that’s five years on from the Childers tragedy,” he says. “The simplest solution is for travellers to rely on themselves and carry their own smoke detector.”
Despite finding themselves in the odd tight spot, both men are staunch advocates of global travel and the rich experience it brings.
FlareSafe warns the traveller of smoke by means of a piercing alarm and, at the same time, the torch light automatically turns on. If under attack, the loud distress alarm is accompanied by a flashing torch light, alerting others to the problem. FlareSafe also comprises a robust LED torch.
These three key functions make it an essential piece kit for world travel. The unit is priced at £49-95 (including VAT), and comes complete with batteries, a lanyard, and three-year guarantee.
UK high-street retailers include Cotswold Outdoors, Field & Trek, the Trailfinders Travel Store, and Itchy Feet Travel.
WHAT THE PROFESSIONALS SAY ABOUT FLARESAFE
“We think this is a great concept. Any product that can add to the security and safety of independent travellers must be a good thing.” BUNAC.
“An invaluable addition to the backpacker’s equipment list. It serves three purposes, and being lightweight, practical and reasonably priced … we would fully endorse this product to all our customers.” Safetrek Limited, providers of travel preparation and travel advice for gap year and university students.
“A clever combination of three essential products in one package.”
Real Travel magazine, August 2006