News Releases

BRK Brands® and First Alert® Bridge Builder Needs and Homeowner Desires
Onelink Portfolio Additions Deliver Safety and Security

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- International Builders' Show Booth #SU645 -- Welcome to the next level of home. With new connected home offerings that feature easy integration with each other and unparalleled functionality, along with trusted and code-compliant 10-year smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detection offerings, the BRK Brands portfolio of products is helping builders connect to what matters most at the 2019 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 19-21, 2019.

BRK Brands and First Alert

"As homeowners increasingly request having smart home capabilities built into their homes, our Onelink devices offer a simple, integrated solution to provide to them," said Mark Devine, Senior Vice President of Marketing at BRK Brands. "Likewise, our 10-year sealed battery alarm options make it easy for builders to comply with the ever-increasing number of building codes that specify this requirement."

Expanded Onelink Portfolio Provides Added Convenience throughout the Home
With Onelink, BRK proves that connectivity doesn't have to be complicated, as homeowners can easily access their home's safety features through the Onelink Home App and simple voice commands. New product offerings to showcase in your next building projects include:

  • Onelink Surround Wi-Fi System – The Onelink Surround Wi-Fi solution delivers faster, stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi throughout the home. True to First Alert's legacy of home safety and protection, the system places a premium on security by creating a closed, private network to help detect and prevent cyber-threats and hacks. The technology scans every outbound connection from the network to analyze URLs and IP addresses to detect malicious traffic and infected machines. Users are notified of any potentially suspect activity and, if restricted settings are enabled, it can block any questionable content. The system also gives users greater control over their Wi-Fi network usage. With one tap of the Onelink Home App, they can pause the internet, filter content or set rules such as time limits and bedtime. With an emergency override feature, it will also send emergency notices to screens connected to the home's network. The Onelink Surround Wi-Fi system includes two ceiling-mount Onelink Safe & Sound alarm units that are hardwired and one base node, which should be connected to the home's router. It is also offered as a stand-alone system, with multiple nodes and both tri- and dual-band options to suit the needs of any tech consumer.
  • Onelink Bell – Look who's at the front door – the Onelink alarm now has company. As the latest addition to the Onelink portfolio, the new Onelink Bell doorbell system brings homeowners even more control over monitoring their house. With premium features like 1080 HD live video, motion detection alerts at home or away, two-way audio and more, this new smart doorbell solution offers an added level of security outside of the home. Unlike other smart doorbells on the market, the Onelink Bell wirelessly interconnects with other compatible Onelink devices in the home, automatically activating other existing Onelink alarms to allow the doorbell to be heard throughout the home. The Onelink Bell is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling users to ask the virtual assistant what's going on outside and have it report back. All of these capabilities are packed into a modern, elegantly designed doorbell that blends in well with any style home.
  • Onelink Safe & Sound – The Onelink Safe & Sound just keeps getting better, with expanded features to excite your clients like Alexa Calling and Messaging and, soon, Apple Airplay 2 capabilities. BRK Brands will be previewing a new model, which includes its exclusive Wi-Fi mesh technology built into the alarm, delivering expanded and stronger Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the home while eliminating the need for additional boosters or devices. Already recognized as a finalist in the "Best Indoor Living Product" category of the NAHB International Builders' Show "Best of IBS" Awards, the Onelink Safe & Sound with Wi-Fi mesh goes where no smoke or CO alarm has gone before, delivering First Alert's trusted smoke and CO protection, along with a superior home speaker and built-in virtual assistant. True to its name, the device is specifically designed for ceiling installation for a great sound experience via the natural acoustic backdrop, filling the room with immersive sound. Users can simply ask the alarm's virtual assistant to play music, hear the news, check the weather and control other smart home devices. The Onelink Safe & Sound is available with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built in – and is compatible with Apple HomeKit – allowing users to select the appropriate alarm based on their preferred virtual assistant platform. In addition, the Onelink Safe & Sound is fully compatible and easily integrated with other products in the Onelink portfolio, such as the new Onelink Bell.
  • Onelink Wi-Fi Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm – Bringing convenient connectivity and peace of mind to every household, the new Onelink Smoke & CO Alarm is the ideal supplemental alarm for remodels and homes that already rely on the Alexa- or Google Assistant-enabled Onelink Safe & Sound for both entertainment and safety. This intuitive, easy-to-install, two-in-one alarm protects against the threats of smoke and CO. If smoke or CO is detected in the home, the alarm will notify users via exclusive voice and location technology. In the event of a smoke or CO emergency, the alarm will also send an alert to the user's smartphone. Additional smart features include wireless interconnection and compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant actions and Alexa skills.

BRK 10-Year Alarms Offer Ultimate Protection, with Easy Code Compliance
Looking for the total package? Look no further. BRK's selection of 10-year smoke and CO alarms are designed for all builder applications and tested to the highest industry standards. The alarms feature two-in-one, hassle-free protection that saves time and money by reducing wiring and eliminating the need for multiple alarms, while providing builders with an effortless installation process. With a lithium battery that lasts the entire life of the alarm, they also eliminate the risk of ever having an alarm deactivated due to battery removal.

The BRK 10-year hardwired smoke and CO alarms further raise the bar by incorporating 10-year battery backup technology, not only for smoke detection but also for CO, providing builders in any of the 45 states (and counting) that require CO detectors to be installed in new residences with a significant advantage. It uses an electrochemical CO sensor – the most accurate technology available, allowing homeowners to capture and retrieve the highest CO levels recorded in their home through the peak function.

"BRK and First Alert are the most trusted brands in home safety*, and with these latest innovations, we're taking our rich legacy of home protection to the highest levels yet," Devine said. "Building a home with our Onelink and 10-year alarm products is the ultimate way for builders and contractors to deliver what their clients want – safety, control and peace of mind."

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, February 2018 – Results are based on the responses of 1,000 adults, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey, February 15-19, 2018. Results are statistically significant at a 95 percent confidence level and can be generalized to the entire adult population in the United States within those statistical parameters. For more information or a copy of the complete survey results, contact Tim Young at LCWA: 312/565-4628 or tyoung@lcwa.com.

About BRK Brands, Inc.
BRK Brands, Inc. (Aurora, IL), is a fully owned subsidiary of Newell Brands. For 60 years, BRK Brands, Inc. has been the manufacturer of First Alert®-branded home-safety products, the most trusted and recognized safety brand in America. BRK® Brands designs and develops innovative safety solutions including Tundra Fire Extinguishing Spray, Onelink by First Alert smart home products, a comprehensive line of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders to protect what matters most.  Such products are also marketed under the BRK Electronics® brand, The Professional Standard for the builder and contractor audiences.  BRK Brands, Inc. products are found in more than 30 countries worldwide.  For more information, visit http://www.firstalert.comhttp://www.brkelectronics.com or http://www.newellbrands.com.

About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer's®, Coleman®, Marmot®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, and Yankee Candle®.  For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play.

This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company's website, www.newellbrands.com.

©2019 BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, IL 60504. All rights reserved.
BRK Electronics® is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc., Aurora, IL 60504.
Nasdaq® is a registered trademark of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.

Contacts:
Rebecca Raudabaugh or Lindsey Lucenta
L.C. Williams & Associates
P: 312-565-3900 or 800-837-7123
E: rraudabaugh@lcwa.com or llucenta@lcwa.com

 

With new connected home offerings along with trusted and code-compliant 10-year smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detection offerings, the BRK Brands portfolio of products is helping builders connect to what matters most at the 2019 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 19-21, 2019.

SOURCE BRK Brands, Inc.; First Alert