Here's a low cost safety/security gadget that can do a lot.

MAX is a very versatile security device for not a lot of money. It has a built in motion detector that can sound an alarm and set off a bright light when it detects movement. You can use it as a nightlight that goes on when you get out of bed. (No alarm, of course.) But wait, there's more! You should have multiple smoke alarms in your home, but what if you can't hear them? The Max plugs into any outlet and listens for your existing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm. If they go off, it sounds its own high and low frequency alarm to ensure that everyone hears it. At the time it automatically lights up and flashes brightly to help wake you up and find your way out. Push a button to turn off the area light and use MAX as a flashlight. Finally it has USB plug-in that will allow you to use the flashlight to use your cell phone is the charge is low. I spoke to the company and the battery inside MAX is just 500 mAH, so you won't use it to fully charge your phone, but it can help you make a few emergency calls if your cell phone is low on power. Best of all is the price. It's under $40 at Home Depot, Costco or at the company website.  

http://www.maxsmarthome.com/