Ever get to work and spend the day wondering if you left the iron on? Rounding the corner, you casually smell the air for smoke, squeeze your eyes shut, and send up a prayer that your home is still completely intact (it's just your forgetful mind that's been falling apart). If you're forgetful, gadget-crazy, super safety conscious, or just in need of a permanent handyman/butler, the Home Heartbeat Home Awareness System is a pretty good companion for your neuroses and practical needs.

The Home Heartbeat wireless system monitors up to 30 high-risk locations in your home. There are three major components: Base Station, Home Key, and Sensors. The Base Station monitors your home via the Sensors (placed on windows, doors, even the water heater) and relays messages to the Home Key, which is actually a convenient key-chain receiver. Key-chain too much for you? With an optional add-on package messages can be sent to your cell phone or email.

This is a great device that comes in handy when you want to be reminded to change air filters, monitor your vacation home, keep tabs on your parents/grandparents. In a worst-case scenario - let's say that this winter a major pipe bursts while you're on vacation in Aspen - Home Heartbeat can actually shut off the water supply. You can also program household maintenance reminders, like when to change the air filter in your heating system.

Sure it's a little excessive for me and my four pugs and our tiny NY apartment, but then again, there's no place like a safe home.

Price: $225 for the starter kit (up to 200 free alerts); $22-$250 for each add-on at homeheartbeat.com.