Smarthome sells a couple of devices for this purpose, the best they carry probably being the Sensaphone which has been mentioned already and is a pretty slick unit. Another similar high-end device to take a good look at is the HomeSaver, a relatively new product available here: http://www.qsystemsengineering.com/
Aside from additional control features, probably the biggest advantage with the latter device is that it employs a rechargeable battery backup system so if the power goes out it will keep you informed for about 50 hours or so and then recharge itself when the power comes back on, making it ready for the next outage. The Sensaphone only runs for about 12 hours on 6 D-cell alkaline batteries (???!) so if the outage lasts longer than that, the unit will be "dead" the next time the power goes out, until you go back to wherever your home is and change the batteries. Of course you could always have a trusted neighbor change the battery for you.
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Smarthome sells a couple of devices for this purpose, the best they carry probably being the Sensaphone which has been mentioned already and is a pretty slick unit. Another similar high-end device to take a good look at is the HomeSaver, a relatively new product available here:
http://www.qsystemsengineering.com/
Aside from additional control features, probably the biggest advantage with the latter device is that it employs a rechargeable battery backup system so if the power goes out it will keep you informed for about 50 hours or so and then recharge itself when the power comes back on, making it ready for the next outage. The Sensaphone only runs for about 12 hours on 6 D-cell alkaline batteries (???!) so if the outage lasts longer than that, the unit will be "dead" the next time the power goes out, until you go back to wherever your home is and change the batteries. Of course you could always have a trusted neighbor change the battery for you.
Good luck.
- Phil