The present invention is for a sensing device that monitors the conditions of a remote location. The device has a detecting means which detects the conditions at the remote location; a transmitting module that reads and remotely transmits information containing the detected conditions and the power level of a power source powering the transmitting module; a base module that receives, selectively processes and conveys the information telephonically; and an identifying means that identifies the remote location of the call without incurring a telephone toll charge. The invention is also directed to a method of sensing conditions at a remote location without incurring telephone toll charges.