Re-direct On Mysql Connection Failure?

I am trying to figure out a way to have a page redirect if the mysql connection fails. The issue is that the page is already loaded and the only time this would be needed is if the user tries to perform operations on a loaded page after the session runs out.

So basically, I have a page that will allow you to search for an item using ajax, then select an item and press add which will place the item in another table displaying detailed information. Both operations connect to the database using SESSION variables to save the connection information.

My goal is to use the "or die()" method to print something that will force a redirect because this could happen in a number of places in the site and I want to try and get them all in one swipe.

Here is what seemed like it would be the most promising:

$conn = mysql_connect($_SESSION['host'], $_SESSION['username'], $_SESSION['password']) or die("<script>location.href= '../login.php'</script>");

Unfortunately the javascript never runs.... I tried putting alerts also and nothing, but with firebug I can see they are printed.

how I can ensure that the javascript is executed?