An automatic alarm system has an alarm device having a sensor and a telephone having a telephone number. The telephone may be wireless. When the sensor senses a predetermined environmental indicator, the alarm device calls a receiver in a location separate from the alarm device to send an alarm. The receiver may identify the location of the alarm device by its telephone number or an identification code. The receiver can call the alarm device to confirm the alarm and monitor events around the alarm device. The alarm device may include a camera.